Frankfurt, April 23, 2026 Lufthansa will no longer include a free carry-on suitcase in its cheapest fare tier, requiring passengers to pay extra for luggage as part of a broader industry shift toward unbundled pricing.
Industry-Wide Shift to Unbundled Services
The move aligns Lufthansa with a growing trend among European carriers to separate core ticket prices from ancillary services like luggage. The airline industry association A4E, which counts Lufthansa among its members, defends the practice as consumer-friendly.
"Budget tariffs with mini luggage pieces are booked millions of times by consumers, and they should not be forced to pay for services they do not need," A4E stated. The association argues that à la carte pricing allows travelers to pay only for the services they actually use, rather than subsidizing amenities through higher base fares.
Passengers who still wish to bring standard carry-on luggage can now book it as an add-on service starting at 15 euros per flight segment. The policy change affects Lufthansa's most economical fare class, while higher-tier tickets will continue to include baggage allowances.
Pricing and Passenger Impact
The new basic fare without included carry-on luggage mirrors strategies already implemented by other European carriers like Air France. Industry analysts note this reflects a broader segmentation of air travel products, where airlines cater to both minimalist travelers and those requiring traditional services.