Lufthansa Introduces Economy Basic Fare Without Free Cabin Suitcase
Lufthansa Group airlines, including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa CityLine, and Air Dolomiti, will soon discontinue the free inclusion of a small cabin suitcase on short and medium-haul flights. Under a newly introduced “Economy Basic” entry-level tariff, passengers will only be allowed to bring a small personal item such as a laptop bag or backpack onboard without charge. The free carry-on suitcase will require an additional payment, marking a significant policy change announced by the airline group. This adjustment aligns the Lufthansa Group with pricing practices of other full-service and low-cost carriers such as Air France, Norwegian Air, Ryanair, Easyjet, and Wizz Air [Source 2][Source 1].
Implications for Expats and International Travelers in Germany
For expats, international students, and foreign workers flying on Lufthansa’s short and medium-haul routes within Europe, this means an increase in travel costs if they plan to bring a cabin trolley onboard. Travelers will need to decide whether to purchase the new Economy Basic fare, which comes with a lower upfront price but excludes free cabin suitcase allowance, or opt for higher fare classes that include the suitcase. Practical choices now include packing everything into one personal item or paying at least €15 to bring a carry-on suitcase into the cabin or checked luggage. This change affects daily commuters, business travelers, and families who previously relied on the complimentary cabin suitcase to carry essential belongings [Source 4][Source 1].
Passengers are advised to review their ticket options and baggage policies well in advance of their flights to avoid surprises at the airport. Understanding these changes is crucial to managing travel budgets and preparation for trips across Europe with Lufthansa Group carriers [Source 6].
Airline Industry Context and Consumer Response
The Lufthansa Group justifies the policy shift by citing changing passenger behavior and the need to offer flexible pricing, particularly catering to day travelers and those who prefer lower fares. The airline describes the new tariff as an additional option to meet diverse customer needs. However, the policy has met criticism from consumer advocates who argue every passenger should retain the right to bring a free carry-on suitcase. Meanwhile, the Association of European Airlines (A4E), which includes Lufthansa as a member, opposes such demands, emphasizing the popularity of basic fares that include only a mini personal item. This debate is ongoing within the European Union, where lawmakers have voted for passenger rights to free hand luggage, but member states still need to approve such legislation [Source 3][Source 1][Source 2].
Passengers flying with budget and traditional airlines can now expect similar restrictions on cabin baggage allowance, as the trend toward unbundling services and charging separately for luggage grows across the sector. Lufthansa’s move confirms a broader industry move to mirror low-cost carriers’ pricing structures on many routes, increasing transparency but also out-of-pocket costs for travelers [Source 2][Source 4].
For more information, see the original article at tagesschau.de [Source 2].
