Frankfurt, April 23, 2026 Lufthansa will no longer include a free carry-on suitcase in its cheapest Economy Basic fare, requiring passengers to pay extra for additional luggage starting at 15 euros.
New Fare Structure and Booking Details
The German airline announced that its new Economy Basic fare, available for booking from April 28, will exclude the previously standard allowance of a free carry-on suitcase for overhead bin storage. Passengers opting for this budget ticket will instead be limited to a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, that fits under the seat.
Additional hand or checked luggage can be added for a fee, with prices starting at 15 euros. The change will take effect for flights departing on or after May 19, aligning Lufthansa’s policies more closely with those of low-cost carriers like EasyJet and Wizz Air.
The move reflects a broader industry trend toward unbundling services to offer lower base fares while charging extra for add-ons. Airlines argue this approach allows travelers to pay only for what they need, but critics contend it erodes the value of traditional full-service carriers.
Industry Justification and Consumer Impact
The airline association Airlines for Europe (A4E), of which Lufthansa is a member, defended the shift, stating that budget tariffs with minimal luggage allowances are popular among consumers. "Budget tariffs with a mini luggage piece are booked millions of times by consumers, and they should not be forced to pay for services they do not need," the group said in a statement.