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Lufthansa Carry-On Size 2026 55 x 40 x 23 cm

By Caden SorensonVerified Oct 2026Sourced from the official Lufthansa policy

Exact Lufthansa carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Lufthansa dimensions
  3. Weight limit
  4. Carry-on fee
  5. Bag fit matrix
  6. Fare class breakdown
  7. Common mistakes
  8. Gate-check process
  9. vs Air France
  10. Checked bag fees
  11. Special items
  12. Basic economy
  13. Bag through-check partners
  14. FAQ
  15. Sources

Quick answer

Lufthansa carry-on bags can be up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"), with a 8 kg (17.6 lb) weight limit, and no carry-on fee except on the Economy Basic fare, which includes a personal item only.

  • Carry-on size: up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1")
  • Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
  • Carry-on fee: free except on the Economy Basic fare (personal item only)
  • Personal item: up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9"), free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Medium
  • Last verified: Oct 2026
Lufthansa carry-on maximum size, 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches)55 cm (21.7")23 cm (9.1")40 cm(15.7")LHW
Lufthansa maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 23 cm
Max dimensions (in)
21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"
Weight limit
8 kg (17.6 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Strict 8 kg weight limit, actually enforced at European gates. The Economy Basic fare, sold on European routes, includes only a personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm); Economy Light and above include one 8 kg carry-on.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (cm)
40 x 30 x 15 cm
Max dimensions (in)
15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9"
Included
Yes, free
Weight
Not published

A small handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat.

See checked bag fees & more

Does your bag fit on Lufthansa?

Check it against every airline

Alliance and loyalty

Alliance
Star Alliance
Loyalty program
Miles & More
Official partner airlines

Lufthansa cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Lufthansa carry-on size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm, which works out to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can go over if its wheels push the total past 55 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Lufthansa carry-on weight limit

Lufthansa limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Does Lufthansa charge for carry-on bags?

No. Lufthansa includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare except the Economy Basic fare, which includes a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as a Lufthansa personal item

Common bag types compared against the Lufthansa personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag typeTypical sizeOn Lufthansa
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
18 x 13 x 8"Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
15 x 14 x 5"Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
16 x 12 x 4"Too big
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
18 x 11 x 11"Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
12 x 10 x 5"Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
16 x 14 x 8"Too big

Lufthansa carry-on by fare class

FareCarry-onPersonal itemNotes
Economy BasicNot includedIncludedEconomy Basic is sold on European routes, with 1 personal item up to 40x30x15 cm and no overhead carry-on (HON Circle, Senator and Star Alliance Gold members get 1 free).
Economy LightIncludedIncluded1 carry-on up to 55x40x23 cm / 8 kg plus 1 personal item up to about 40x30x15 cm; no checked bag.
Economy Classic / FlexIncludedIncludedSame 55x40x23 cm / 8 kg carry-on plus personal item; checked allowance added.
Premium EconomyIncludedIncluded1 carry-on up to 8 kg plus personal item.
BusinessIncludedIncluded2 carry-on bags plus 1 personal item, each piece up to 8 kg.
FirstIncludedIncluded2 carry-on bags plus 1 personal item.

Common Lufthansa carry-on mistakes

  • Packing to a US-style 10 kg target; Lufthansa's 8 kg cap is noticeably stricter and is enforced at the gate.
  • Forgetting that airport shopping bags count as the personal item.
  • Assuming the carry-on is the same 55x40x20 cm IATA size; Lufthansa permits 23 cm depth.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Lufthansa

Agents have been observed weighing bags and using sizers before boarding; oversize or overweight cabin bags are tagged and sent to the hold.

Lufthansa vs Air France carry-on

Lufthansa caps cabin baggage at 55x40x23 cm and a strict 8 kg per-bag limit, while Air France allows 55x35x25 cm with a more generous 12 kg combined weight across the cabin bag and personal item in Economy. Lufthansa's personal item is 40x30x15 cm, matching Air France's 40x30x15 cm, so the two are even on personal-item size. Business-class Lufthansa passengers get two cabin bags at 8 kg each, while Air France Business lets you carry two cabin bags plus a personal item up to 18 kg combined. If you pack heavy tech or camera gear, Air France's weight math is friendlier; if you pack tall items, Lufthansa's 23 cm depth wins.

See Air France carry-on size
Lufthansa checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bagFree
2nd bag$90
Long-haul / international
1st bag$90
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Longhaul Economy Classic/Flex includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 158 cm (62 in) linear. Economy Light includes no checked bag on intercontinental or intra-Europe routes (HON Circle, Senator and Star Alliance Gold members may take one free piece on intercontinental Light). From the United States to Germany, a second Economy bag costs USD 90. On a Light fare, the first checked bag costs USD 90 per direction on intercontinental flights to or from the USA and Canada, the same online and at check-in; on other intercontinental routes it costs USD 85-100 online or USD 120 at check-in. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

Ways to skip the Lufthansa checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Lufthansa carry-on size.
  2. Check your Miles & More status. See whether your tier includes a free checked bag on Lufthansa.
Lufthansa special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Varies by route
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.

Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats in the cabin up to 8 kg including a soft-sided carrier of up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 in). The cabin pet price varies by route and is charged once per flight direction: USD 95-115 within Europe and USD 145-165 on intercontinental long haul. Sports equipment prices are shown only in the baggage calculator. Winter sports gear travels free on top of the allowance except on flights to or from the USA, Mexico and Central America and on Economy Light.

Lufthansa basic economy restrictions
Economy BasicLufthansa's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Economy Basic is available on European routes and is personal-item-only (40x30x15 cm); a carry-on can be added online only, not at the airport
  • No checked bag included
  • No seat reservation included
  • No rebooking
  • Non-refundable
Does my checked bag transfer to Lufthansa's partner airlines?

Yes, on a single ticket. Lufthansa holds checked-bag interline agreements with 145 airlines, so when your itinerary is booked as one ticket your bag is through-checked to the final destination on any of those carriers. You collect it once, at the end, not at the connecting airport. If your onward flight is on a carrier not on this list, or the two legs are on separate tickets, you must claim the bag at the connection, clear customs where required, and re-check it yourself, so allow extra connection time.

Through-check partners we cover (46 of 145):

Plus 99 more partner airlines not yet profiled on this site.

Lufthansa also files e-ticket interline with 136 carriers, which lets two airlines sell a single through-ticket. Through-checked bags depend on the baggage agreement above, not the e-ticket count. Interline partners verified May 2026 from ExpertFlyer, Travel Information, Interline Agreements (Premium tier).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lufthansa carry-on size limit?

Lufthansa allows carry-on bags up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lb).

What are the Lufthansa carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Lufthansa carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Lufthansa hand luggage allowance?

Lufthansa hand luggage (the cabin bag that goes in the overhead bin) can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weigh up to 8 kg. A personal item that fits under the seat is included on every fare.

What is the Lufthansa carry-on weight limit?

Lufthansa limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Does Lufthansa charge for carry-on bags?

No. Lufthansa includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on every fare except the Economy Basic fare, which includes a personal item only.

What is the Lufthansa personal item size?

The personal item on Lufthansa must fit within 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9") and slide fully under the seat in front of you. A small handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Lufthansa?

Our guidance rates the gate-check risk on Lufthansa as Medium. It is our own rating, not a figure Lufthansa publishes. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Can I bring a carry-on on Lufthansa Economy Basic?

No. Lufthansa Economy Basic passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Lufthansa carry-on?

No. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on (55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm) is over the Lufthansa limit of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"). Longest side 55.9 cm, limit 55 cm: 0.9 cm over. Choose a bag within the limit, measured with wheels and handles.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Lufthansa?

Only a small one. A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) is larger than the Lufthansa personal item limit of 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9"). A backpack within that limit counts as the personal item, and a bigger one counts as the carry-on.

Is there a weight limit for personal items on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa does not publish a weight limit for personal items. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, within 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9").

How much does a checked bag cost on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa includes a first checked bag on most economy fares. The Economy Basic fare does not include a checked bag.

Will my checked bag transfer to Lufthansa's partner airlines?

On a single ticket, yes. Lufthansa has checked-bag interline agreements with 145 airlines, so your bag is through-checked to your final destination and you collect it only at the end. If your connecting flight is on a carrier without an agreement, or the legs are booked on separate tickets, you must claim and re-check the bag at the connection yourself.

Flying Lufthansa out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Lufthansa hubs and focus cities.

Lufthansa head-to-head comparisons

In-depth comparisons between Lufthansa and another carrier, covering bags, seats, on-time performance, routes, and loyalty.

Sources

Facts, costs, and travel details in this carry-on guide were verified against the following sources. See our research methodology for how we vet and update data.

If a figure looks wrong, email hello@vient.org, see how we handle corrections, or browse past fixes in our public changelog.

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