Lufthansa Expands Budget Fare to Nearly All European Flights

The Lufthansa Group is launching its "Economy Basic" budget fare on almost all intra-European flights starting Tuesday, October 6. This new fare, applicable to flights commencing October 27, will include only a small personal item that must fit under the seat in front (40x30x15 cm). It excludes cabin baggage, checked luggage, and advance seat selection. Tickets purchased under this fare are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Passengers wishing to bring a cabin bag weighing up to 8 kg (dimensions 55x40x23 cm) can add it for an additional fee starting at 15 euros. Those who arrive at the boarding gate with an unpurchased cabin bag will be required to check it as luggage and pay a fee ranging from 60 to 110 euros, depending on the route. The free hand luggage allowance for Lufthansa's Economy Basic fare is smaller than that offered by major European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, which allow bags up to 40x30x20 cm, and easyJet, which permits bags up to 45x36x20 cm.

The expanded fare applies to seven airlines within the group: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, and Lufthansa City Airlines. The European fare structure covers short and medium-haul routes within Europe, as well as flights to Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Israel is not included in this list.

This new fare will not apply to connecting flights booked on a single ticket with intercontinental travel. Holders of HON Circle, Senator, and Star Alliance Gold status may still be permitted to bring an 8 kg cabin bag even with the Basic fare, under certain conditions. Lufthansa initially introduced the Economy Basic fare in May on over 300 routes and more than 45 destinations. More expensive fare options, such as Economy Light (including an 8 kg cabin bag and personal item) and Economy Comfort (including checked luggage up to 23 kg), remain available.