Lufthansa increases check-in baggage allowance, introduces piece concept on all routes

Lufthansa_LogoGerman airline Lufthansa is simplifying and harmonising its check-in free baggage allowance policy, adopting the piece concept on all its flights globally. The new rules bring Lufthansa in sync with its North American Star Alliance partners who also follow a piece concept on all their flights.

Currently, the piece concept applies to all flights to/from North America across airlines. To and intra-Europe it is a weight concept. In economy class it is 20kg, and in business class it is 30kg. Some airlines allow 40kg in first class.

The free baggage allowance for passengers to and from India travelling in Economy Class has been increased from 20 kg to 23 kg for one piece of luggage. In Business Class, passengers may check in two items of baggage each weighing up to 32kg, and in First Class up to three pieces giving a whopping 96kg check-in baggage allowance.

By introducing the piece concept Lufthansa increases the check-in baggage. In the future, the free baggage allowance per passenger will be as follows:

  • Economy Class: 1 item of baggage weighing up to 23 kg (previously: any number of baggage items weighing a total of 20 kg).
  • Business Class: 2 items of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each, i.e. a maximum of 64 kg (previously: any number of baggage items weighing a total of 30 kg).
  • First Class: 3 items of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each, i.e. a maximum of 96 kg (previously: any number of baggage items weighing a total of 40 kg).

In addition to checked-in baggage, Lufthansa passengers travelling in First or Business Class can take two items of hand baggage on board. In Economy Class the free baggage allowance remains one item of hand baggage, as before.

The new baggage allowance rules will apply to all tickets purchased on or after 1 June 2011. For tickets booked before 1 June, the previous baggage allowances, as printed on the ticket, will apply.

These baggage policies and independent of the status benefits frequent fliers enjoy.

The new excess baggage fees are simpler than before. On European routes, each item of excess baggage (within the respective weight allowance) will be charged at a flat rate of 50 euros per flight leg. On long-haul flights, the excess baggage fee will be 150 euros per flight leg.

A full overview of the new rules is posted on the Lufthansa baggage website.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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