Skip to content

LH · Germany · Full-service

Lufthansa Cabin Bag Rules 2026 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1"

By Caden Sorenson Updated April 22, 2026 Sourced from the official Lufthansa policy

Exact Lufthansa cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

ShareXFBPinRedditHN
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. FAQ

Quick answer

Lufthansa cabin bag bags can be up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), with a 8 kg (17.6 lb) weight limit, and no cabin bag fee on most fares.

  • Carry-on size: up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
  • Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
  • Carry-on fee: free on most fares
  • Personal item: up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9", free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Medium
  • Last verified: April 22, 2026
Lufthansa carry-on maximum size, 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) 21.7" (55 cm) 9.1" (23 cm) 15.7" (40 cm) L H W
Lufthansa maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

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

Strict 8 kg weight limit, actually enforced at European gates. Light Economy fares on short-haul may not include a carry-on.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in)
15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
40 x 30 x 15 cm
Included
Yes, free

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

See checked bag fees & more

Lufthansa cabin bag dimensions and bag size

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

Lufthansa cabin bag weight limit

Lufthansa limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.

Does Lufthansa charge for cabin bag bags?

No. Lufthansa includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to 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 type Typical size On 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

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
Economy Light Included Included 1 carry-on up to 55x40x23 cm / 8 kg plus 1 personal item up to about 40x30x10 cm; no checked bag.
Economy Classic / Flex Included Included Same 55x40x23 cm / 8 kg carry-on plus personal item; checked allowance added.
Premium Economy Included Included 1 carry-on up to 8 kg plus personal item.
Business Included Included 2 carry-on bags plus 1 personal item, each piece up to 8 kg.
First Included Included 2 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 roughly 40x30x10 cm, tighter than Air France's 40x30x15 cm, so a bulky laptop bag is more likely to be flagged on LH. 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 bag$0
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
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 on transatlantic routes to/from North America typically includes 1 checked bag; intra-Europe Light does NOT include a checked bag. Excess baggage fees are published in EUR and vary by route. 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. Use a Lufthansa co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Lufthansa special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
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 pets in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier) on most routes. Fees are published in EUR and vary by route tier (short/medium/long-haul). Sports equipment fees are published in EUR at lufthansa.com.

Lufthansa basic economy restrictions
Economy Light Lufthansa's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No free checked bag on intra-Europe Light
  • Longhaul North America Light typically includes 1 bag
  • No seat selection
  • No changes
  • Non-refundable
  • Reduced status mile earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lufthansa carry-on size limit?

Lufthansa allows carry-on bags up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 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 carry-on weight limit?

Lufthansa limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.

Does Lufthansa charge for carry-on bags?

No. Lufthansa includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.

What is the Lufthansa personal item size?

The personal item on Lufthansa must fit within 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9" (40 x 30 x 15 cm) 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?

Lufthansa currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. 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 Light?

Yes. Lufthansa Economy Light passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

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

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Lufthansa published limit of 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Lufthansa?

A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the Lufthansa personal item limit of 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9". The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does Lufthansa weigh personal items?

Lufthansa does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on Lufthansa?

The first checked bag on Lufthansa costs $0 for domestic economy. A second bag costs Not published. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

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.

Helpful guides

Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Lufthansa flight.

Compare other airlines

Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-04-22 against the official Lufthansa policy at https://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/carry-on-baggage . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Lufthansa before flying. See our research methodology.