Lufthansa Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

Lufthansa Baggage Policy

Lufthansa's baggage allowance depends on your route and fare class. On short-haul European flights, the Light fare includes only carry-on baggage. Classic and Flex fares add one checked bag at 23 kg. On intercontinental routes, economy fares (Economy Light, Classic, Flex) include one checked bag at 23 kg in Classic and Flex, with Economy Light again limited to carry-on only.

Business Class on intercontinental routes comes with two checked bags at 32 kg each. First Class includes three bags at 32 kg each.

Overweight bags (23–32 kg) cost €50–€75 on European routes. Excess bags booked online typically cost €50–€150 on transatlantic routes depending on how far in advance you add them. At the airport, fees jump significantly — always pre-purchase additional bags online.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Lufthansa offers a 24-hour free cancellation window on all flights booked directly, as long as departure is at least 7 days away. Post that window:

• Economy Light: Non-refundable, no changes permitted.
• Economy Classic: Changes allowed for a fee (€50–€150 depending on route); no cash refund but travel voucher issued.
• Economy Flex / Business / First: Free changes and full refund to original payment method.

In case of significant schedule disruption (usually defined as 3+ hours), Lufthansa will offer a full refund or rebooking at no cost regardless of fare class.

Seat Selection Fees

On European flights, standard seat selection costs €10–€49 depending on seat type and booking timing. Emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats are at the higher end. On intercontinental economy flights, seat selection ranges from €20 to €100+ per flight for preferred positions.

Miles & More status members (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle) receive complimentary or discounted seat selection benefits. Star Alliance Silver and Gold members enjoy similar perks when flying Lufthansa.

Miles & More Loyalty Program

Lufthansa's Miles & More is one of Europe's largest loyalty programs. Miles are earned based on distance flown and fare class multiplier, ranging from 25% of miles in Light fare to 150% of miles in First Class. Status tiers are Frequent Traveller (25,000 miles/year), Senator (100,000 miles/year), and HON Circle (600,000 miles/year).

Redemptions are distance-based and can be made for flights on Lufthansa Group (Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) and all Star Alliance partners. Transatlantic business class awards start around 60,000 miles — a solid value for premium cabins. Miles & More also has partner programs with hotels, car rentals, and a credit card in Germany and Austria.

Lufthansa's Premium Economy

Lufthansa offers a Premium Economy cabin on long-haul routes with wider seats (50 cm vs. 44 cm in economy), more recline, and enhanced meal service. It also includes two checked bags at 23 kg each. This cabin is popular with European business travelers seeking comfort without full business class prices.

Pro Tips for Flying Lufthansa

• Book Economy Classic or Flex on intercontinental routes to include a checked bag and avoid steep add-on fees.
• Miles & More miles expire if you don't earn or redeem within 36 months — keep the account active with small partner transactions.
• Star Alliance Gold status (earned on United, Air Canada, etc.) gives you Lufthansa Senator-equivalent benefits including lounge access.
• Lufthansa Business Class (especially on A350 and 747-8) features some of the best lie-flat seats in the industry — worth targeting for long overnight routes.
• Book awards on Star Alliance partner airlines to avoid Lufthansa's fuel surcharges on its own tickets.