Lufthansa Group Tightens Hand Luggage Rules, Fines for Violations
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Lufthansa Group is introducing a new "Economy Basic" fare on European routes starting October 27, limiting passengers to one small personal bag. Standard cabin suitcases will cost extra, and attempting to bring one without payment will incur fines of 60-110 euros. The new rules apply to seven airlines but exclude flights to Israel. Elite status passengers may be exempt from some restrictions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lufthansa Group introduces "Economy Basic" fare with strict hand luggage limits on European flights from October 27.
- Passengers must pay extra for standard cabin suitcases, or face fines of 60-110 euros at the gate.
- The new rules apply to seven Lufthansa Group airlines, including Swiss and Austrian Airlines.
- Flights to Israel are excluded from the new "Economy Basic" fare category.
- Elite status passengers may still be allowed to bring an 8 kg cabin suitcase for free.
Lufthansa Group is implementing stricter hand luggage regulations on most of its European routes, introducing a new "Economy Basic" fare available for flights starting October 27. Tickets for this minimal fare went on sale Tuesday, October 6. The Economy Basic fare includes only one small personal bag, measuring up to 40x30x15 cm, which must fit under the seat in front. This fare excludes cabin suitcases, checked baggage, and advance seat selection, with tickets being non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Passengers wishing to bring a standard cabin suitcase (up to 8 kg and 55x40x23 cm) will need to purchase this option separately for an additional fee starting at 15 euros. Attempting to bring an unpurchased cabin suitcase to the boarding gate will result in it being checked as baggage and incurring a fine of 60 to 110 euros, depending on the destination. Lufthansa's free hand luggage allowance is now smaller than that of budget carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
The new rules apply to seven airlines within the Lufthansa Group: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, and Lufthansa City Airlines. The fare covers short and medium-haul flights within Europe, as well as routes to Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Notably, flights to Israel are not included in this new fare category, nor do the rules affect connecting flights booked on a single ticket with an intercontinental segment.
Passengers with elite status (HON Circle, Senator, and Star Alliance Gold) may still be permitted to bring an 8 kg cabin suitcase for free, even with the Economy Basic fare. This Economy Basic fare was previously tested in May on over 300 routes. Higher fare options, such as Economy Light (including an 8 kg cabin suitcase and a personal bag) and Economy Comfort (including checked baggage up to 23 kg), remain available.
Mentioned
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.