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Lufthansa Cabin Bag Size 202655 x 40 x 23 cm

By Caden SorensonUpdated Jul 2026Sourced from the official Lufthansa policy

Exact Lufthansa cabin bag (hand luggage) dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

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Quick answer
Lufthansa dimensions
Weight limit
Carry-on fee
Bag fit matrix
Fare class breakdown
Common mistakes
Gate-check process
vs Air France
Checked bag fees
Special items
Basic economy
Bag through-check partners
FAQ

Quick answer

Lufthansa cabin bag 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 cabin bag fee on most fares.

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 on most fares
Personal item:up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm, free on every fare
Gate-check risk:Medium
Last verified: Jul 2026

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. Light Economy fares on short-haul may not include a 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

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 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. 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 55 cm. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Lufthansacabin 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 40x30x15 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 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 bag$0

2nd bag$90

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. Second checked bag USD 90 online (USD 100 at airport) on transatlantic Economy, per Lufthansa Group excess-baggage fee table.

Ways to skip the Lufthansa checked bag fee

Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Lufthansa carry-on size.
Use a Lufthansa co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
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 BasicLufthansa's lowest fare tier

Carry-on allowed: No
Personal item allowed: Yes
Checked bag surcharge: Not published

Short and medium-haul Economy Basic is personal-item-only (40x30x15 cm); the 8 kg carry-on returns on Economy Light, Classic and Flex
No free checked bag on Economy Basic or intra-Europe Light
No seat selection
No changes
Non-refundable
Reduced status mile earning

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.

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 also included on most fares.

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 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?

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 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?

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Lufthansa published limit of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (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 40 x 30 x 15 cm (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 $90. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

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.

Helpful guides

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

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Best 55 x 40 x 23 cm Carry-On Luggage for Lufthansa (2026)→

Sources & verification

Last verified Jul 2026 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.