Planning a trip with Lufthansa and trying to figure out how much you'll pay for your luggage? You're not alone. Baggage fees can be one of the most confusing parts of booking a flight, especially when prices vary by route, fare class, and booking time. Understanding Lufthansa checked baggage rules ahead of time can save you a surprising amount of money — and a lot of airport stress. If you need personalized help, you can always call +1-(866)-673-8391 to speak with a travel expert who can walk you through the specifics for your booking.
In this guide, we'll break down exactly what Lufthansa charges, how to add bags before or after booking, what the weight limits are, and what to expect at the airport. Whether you're traveling on a budget fare or a premium ticket, this article has you covered.
Understanding Lufthansa's baggage policy: the basics
Lufthansa's baggage allowance depends on several factors: your ticket type (fare class), your route, your frequent flyer status, and whether you're flying in Economy, Business, or First Class.
In general, Economy Light fares — the cheapest tickets Lufthansa offers — do not include any free checked baggage. Economy Classic and Economy Flex fares typically include one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 23 kg (about 50 lbs). Business Class passengers are usually entitled to two pieces, each up to 32 kg.
For intercontinental routes (like flights from the US to Europe), the allowances tend to be more generous than for short-haul European legs. This is why it's important to check your specific ticket type before assuming you have free baggage included. The checked baggage allowance for Lufthansa is directly tied to what you paid for — so always verify during booking.
How much does Lufthansa charge for checked baggage?
This is the question most travelers ask first, and the honest answer is: it depends. Lufthansa uses a dynamic pricing model, which means fees change based on route, timing, and demand. However, here's a general overview of what you can expect.
Fees for Economy Light passengers on European routes
- First checked bag: roughly €30–€60 when added in advance online
- At the airport check-in counter: typically €60–€100 or more
- Second checked bag: usually higher than the first
Fees for long-haul / intercontinental routes
- First checked bag (if not included): around $50–$80 USD when pre-purchased
- Additional or second checked bag: approximately $100–$150 USD
- Airport prices are consistently higher than pre-booked prices
So, how much is Lufthansa checked baggage if you forget to add it before flying? Expect to pay a premium at the counter. Pre-booking your luggage online is almost always the cheaper option, sometimes by 40–50%. If you're unsure about the exact cost for your route, the team at +1-(866)-673-8391 can give you a precise quote based on your itinerary.
How much is an extra checked baggage on Lufthansa?
If you've already used up your free baggage allowance and need to bring an extra bag, Lufthansa does allow it — but the pricing varies. How much is an extra checked baggage on Lufthansa typically depends on whether you add it before departure or at the airport.
Adding an extra bag online before your flight is much more cost-effective. For most intercontinental routes, the cost of a second or additional bag is in the range of $100–$200 per piece. On European short-haul routes, it tends to be lower but still adds up.
Lufthansa also charges for excess weight. If your bag exceeds the allowed weight (usually 23 kg for Economy or 32 kg for Business), you'll be charged for the extra kilograms. Lufthansa typically charges around €12–€20 per extra kilogram for domestic and European flights, and a flat fee or per-kg charge for intercontinental routes. Lufthansa is reasonably strict with checked baggage weight — they do weigh bags at check-in and will charge you for overweight items. It's a smart idea to weigh your luggage at home before heading to the airport.
Need help calculating your total baggage cost before your trip? Call +1-(866)-673-8391 for quick, friendly assistance.
Can you take two bags as checked baggage with Lufthansa?
Yes, in many cases you can travel with two checked bags — but whether both are free depends on your ticket. Business Class and First Class passengers are typically entitled to two free checked bags on most routes. Economy passengers usually get one free bag (on Classic or Flex fares), and Economy Light passengers may get none.
If you want to bring a second bag as an Economy passenger, you'll need to pay for it. How much is checked baggage on Lufthansa for a second piece? On long-haul routes, expect to pay around $100–$150 USD if added online in advance. At the airport, prices rise significantly.
Frequent flyers with Miles & More status (especially Senator or HON Circle members) often receive complimentary extra baggage. If you have elite status, it's worth checking whether you're entitled to additional free bags before purchasing extras.
How to add checked baggage to your Lufthansa booking
Adding luggage to your Lufthansa booking is straightforward and can be done in several ways. Here's how to add checked baggage on Lufthansa:
Option 1: Add during initial booking
When you book your ticket on Lufthansa.com, you'll be prompted to add baggage during the checkout process. This is often the cheapest time to add it.
Option 2: Manage your booking online
Go to Lufthansa.com and click on "My Bookings." Enter your booking reference and last name, and you'll see options to add or upgrade your baggage allowance. This option is available up to a few hours before departure.
Option 3: Lufthansa mobile app
The Lufthansa app also lets you manage your baggage. Simply navigate to your trip and look for baggage options under the flight details section.
Option 4: Contact customer service
If you're having trouble online or want help adding a bag to an existing booking, you can call +1-(866)-673-8391. A representative can assist you with adding baggage quickly and confirm the exact cost for your flight.
What is the 24-hour rule for Lufthansa?
The 24-hour rule for Lufthansa — often searched by travelers — refers to Lufthansa's policy around changes and cancellations. Lufthansa allows passengers who book directly through its website or app to cancel or modify their booking within 24 hours of purchase without penalty, as long as the departure is at least 7 days away.
While this rule applies mainly to ticket changes, it's also relevant when thinking about Lufthansa checked baggage fees. If you realize shortly after booking that you need to add a bag, doing so within that 24-hour window — or at least online well in advance — saves the most money. Waiting until the last moment or the airport is always costlier.
For clarity on your specific booking and cancellation options, don't hesitate to reach out to support at +1-(866)-673-8391.
Is it cheaper to add baggage before or after booking?
Almost always, adding your luggage before you fly — whether at booking or online shortly after — will be cheaper than paying at the airport. Lufthansa's airport baggage fees are notably higher than their online pre-purchase prices. In some cases, the difference can be 50% or more.
The general cost hierarchy for Lufthansa checked baggage goes like this:
- Cheapest: Add during initial ticket booking
- Still affordable: Add via Manage My Booking online (before check-in opens)
- More expensive: Add via the app on the day of travel
- Most expensive: Pay at the airport check-in counter
If you've already booked your flight and forgotten to add a bag, log into your account as soon as possible. Even adding it a day or two before departure online is far better than waiting. And if you're unsure about fees or the process, call +1-(866)-673-8391 for personalized consultation.
Tips to avoid unexpected baggage charges on Lufthansa
Nobody wants a nasty surprise at the check-in counter. Here are some practical tips to keep your Lufthansa checked baggage costs under control:
- Always double-check your fare class when booking — Economy Light rarely includes free baggage.
- Weigh your bags at home using a luggage scale before you leave. Going even 1 kg over can result in fees.
- If you're a Miles & More member, check your status benefits — elite members may get extra baggage allowances.
- Add baggage at the time of booking to lock in the lowest fee possible.
- If traveling as a group or family, consider consolidating items into fewer, heavier bags (as long as each is within the weight limit) rather than paying for multiple extra pieces.
- For fragile or oversized items (sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.), contact Lufthansa in advance or call +1-(866)-673-8391 for guidance on special baggage handling.
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