Lufthansa personal item size restrictions

Normally items have to fit in their "sizers" of the stated dimensions. I personally have never seen any airline personnel carrying measuring tapes.

Thank you! So I figure if I can squeeze my tote into the sizer, I will be in the clear...hopefully ha!

Airline gate "sizers" are physical open-sided boxes or frames built to their limiting dimensions. If it fits it flies. That said, even a (soft sided) bag that meets the carry-on dimensions could be rejected if it is overstuffed and doesn't fit. Your "personal" bag is OK if it fits. In concept, it needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Under seat space (see Seat Garu) often has obstructions the restrict the size of what can fit under the seat, including your feet.

I flew Lufthansa twice last year from Europe back to the US. At check-in they weighed our personal items and tagged them to show they had been cleared to take on board. No one looked at the size or if they did they didn't say anything.

I've also found Lufthanse to be among the most serious enforcers of bag limits, both size and weight. It seems they have loosened up because it used to be you could carry a bag OR personal item - and they made people put their personal item in their bag. Expect to be checked and make sure you fit within the limits on your ticket. Your ticket is the contract and it may be different if you purchased through an American carrier than if you purchased directly through Lufthanse.

Hard sided luggage can be an issue, especially if it's right at the limit. Wheels or handles that extend even a fraction of an inch beyond the limit can make your bag too big for carry-on.

I fly Lufthansa on a regular basis out of SFO and then onto destinations in Europe and India. They are very strict on the carryon suitcase (even in business class). While my suitcase fits the dimensions, often it weighs too much. I went out and bought lighter luggage just for that purpose. They will weigh your luggage at the gate and make you gate check. I have never had my personal item (laptop case or backpack) measured or weighed. That said, I also plan on having all items weighed and measured with Lufthansa and count myself lucky if they are not.

I've flown Lufthansa from the US to France via Munich the last 2 years, and our carry-on bags were never sized, nor do I think they were even weighed. I was a little worried because I think my bag is is an inch or so too tall, but no one questioned it. As to a person item, we've never had one questioned. I've never even seen a sizer to measure a personal item (as opposed to a carry-on). If your personal item is large enough that you're worried whether it would fit in one of the carry-on sizers, it definitely could be a problem.