Lufthansa Cuts Cabin Allowance to a Single Personal Item

Lufthansa has introduced a new Economy Basic fare that limits passengers to one small personal item, marking one of the strictest cabin allowances among European airlines. The product launched in April 2026 and applies to selected short- and medium-haul routes for travel starting 18 May. It is aimed at passengers travelling light and willing to accept fewer options in exchange for lower fares.

The fare does not include a cabin bag, checked luggage or seat selection. Tickets also cannot be rebooked or refunded. Passengers are allowed only a small item such as a backpack or handbag, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Any additional baggage or services must be purchased separately, bringing the offer closer to a no-frills model.

Cabin Allowance Comparison

• Lufthansa Economy Basic: 40 x 30 x 15 cm personal item only
• Ryanair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm personal item included
• Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20 cm personal item included
• British Airways: personal item plus cabin bag included
• easyJet: cabin bag up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm included

Lufthansa’s allowance is smaller than what most airlines offer, including low-cost carriers. This directly affects how people pack. It works if you’re flying for a day or a short overnight stay. For anything longer, one small bag is not enough, so extra costs are likely. At the same time, the lower ticket price can make some routes easier to book, especially during busy travel periods.

These fares follow a simple logic: the ticket is cheap, but almost everything else costs extra. What used to be included is now optional. That brings traditional airlines closer to the model used by low-cost carriers. When booking, the base fare no longer shows the real price, so it’s worth checking what is and isn’t included before paying.