Lufthansa's limits for carry-ons are 22x16x8 inches. Both my son's backpack and my roll-aboard measure 21x14x9 inches, over the limit by just one inch. The Lufthansa Reservations desk told me that it will not be accepted. The Reservations did not know if exceptions are made for a small over-the-limit, as they are very strict because of needing to store items in the overhead compartment. When I purchased our luggage from RS, I was assuming it would fit Lufthansa's guidelines, although it does mention on the site that it fits within the requirements of MOST airlines. I love the 21 inch roll aboard and it is very good quality, sturdy and looks great. The Classic backpack is also very good quality (same dimensions). I was thinking that maybe at least the airline will allow the back pack, as it doesn't have a frame. We were counting on taking them as carry-ons. We didn't want to check in luggage. Maybe we will just need to check our luggage after all. Anyone have experience with Lufthansa on this issue and if they are flexible? Please advise. Thanks! Ruth
Posted by
Bellevue, WA
257 posts
Ruth,
The weight limit is 8 kg ( 18 lbs). I think Lufthansa is more concern of the weight than the size. One inch over should not be a problem.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5900 posts
They might let you carry on, but they might not. I find it sometimes varies by who is doing the check. If the bag is over the limit, you should always be prepared to check. Even if the bag is under the limit, you should be prepared to check if it is too big to fit under the seat in front of you. While this has not happened to me on Lufthansa, I've had quite a few occasions where I have had to gate check a bag simply because I was in the last boarding group and the bins were all full before I got on. The only space that is really guaranteed is the space under the seat in front of you. It really is not the end of the world to check a bag. I do it on every trip to Europe just because I hate dealing with a bag in the airport. Just pack a change of clothes and your essentials in something that you can pull out of the bag and carry on if you should have to check.
Posted by
Alachua, FL, USA
238 posts
I flew to Italy from Florida yesterday on British Airways. My carry-on fit on the transatlantic plane but they made me check it on the European leg of the trip. They were NOT flexible about it. No big deal.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
198 posts
Thank you very much, Laura and Celeste. I was feeling in panic mode, but now I feel better. I will be prepared to check if necessary and also take or pack an additional small carry on. Ruth
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
My experience with several Lufthansa flights is that it depends on who is doing the checkin. It the bag fits inside the sizing box you are OK. Since the backpack is flexible, that extra inch probably will compress within the box. However, rolling bags, because of the wheels and handle, cannot be compressed into the box and will be checked. And generally the wheels and handle are not included is the stated measurements for a rolling bag. So your rolling bag could be much larger.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
We have flown Lufthansa and are aware of their carry on policy. Our bags were slightly larger than what it shows online and we were never checked. No sizing box either. No problems. That doesn't mean that they can't be more strict.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
Don't know what the basis is for saying that Lufthansa is more concerned about weight than size. Have stood in more than one Lufthansa check in line and watched them put the bags in the sizing box. All of the wheeled luggaged failed while we were watching. Never have we seen them weigh a bag. So I would conclude that size is more important to Lufthansa.
Posted by
Kamloops, BC, Canada
483 posts
Ruth, it would be a good idea to find out about fees for checking a second bag. I believe you are allowed to check in only one bag no charge. The second bag costs 50$ (last summer).
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
I flew out of O'hare airport to Munich on Lufthansa a few weeks ago. My husband and I both have the classic RS bags (the soft kind, not the roll-aboard kind). Lufthansa weighed our bags and allowed us to carry them on. We saw several people whose bags were weighed at the gate and made to check their bags. We took a total of 4 flights through Lufthansa on that trip and did not have to check a bag. We are light packers.