Hello. I am flying to Munich in a few weeks. I'm flying United Chicago to Charleston and then Lufthansa to Munich. I've read up on the luggage restrictions, but I'm still not sure about the exact carry-on rules. Will I be able to carry on both a small suitcase and a normal sized school backpack on both airlines? I plan on checking two 50lb suitcases, so I really can't risk not being able to carry one of these things on. Thank you!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Both United and Lufthansa have this clearly spelled out on their websites. CLICK HERE to see the Lufthansa information. We have flown both United and Lufthansa and had no difficulties but I only had one medium piece of luggage. My wife had the same plus a large open bag with her books and sewing projects.
If one of these items can fit under your seat, you might be OK. If both need to go overhead, or, they are oversized, you may have problems.
As a side note, we flew Delta last week from California to Salt Lake City. $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. I haven't seen any changes from United but things are changing out there.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
As long as the small suitcase is within the 55cm x 40cm x 20cm dimension and 8kg limits you should not have any problem. Note that Lufthansa does have "sizing" boxes next to the gate. Although I have never seen one used, it could be. And, I have had my bag weighed.
I have no idea what you call a "normal sized" school backpack. Lufthansa says a "small bag"; I've seen some pretty large school packback. It better be a lot smaller than the size limits for your first carryon. I think it has to fit under your seat, and there is not a lot of space there.
Posted by
Freedonia
16283 posts
Charleston? Are you sure it's not Charlotte since Lufthansa doesn't fly into Charleston.
Is it one ticket and are they both considered United flights or is one a United Flight and one a Lufthansa flight. (Not in reality..but on the ticket. What are the flight numbers? Is one UA and the other LH? Are both UA?
This matters. If they are both United, then you technically can go by United's carry-on policy.
If one is ticketed under Lufthansa, then you have to go by Lufthansa's carry-on policy for that flight.
UAL is 9 x 14 x 22 (no more than 45 linear inches). No weight restriction. The personal item should be small--standard size is no more than 36 linear inches.
Lufthansa is different. They limit to you one piece of luggage and a smaller item. the main item must be no more than 21.6 x15.7 x 8 and both must weigh no more than 17.6 pounds together.
I'll say it because other's are thinking it. Have you ever thought of packing light?
Posted by
OP
New Berlin, WI, United States
2 posts
Yes, I did mean Charlotte. Just wasn't thinking properly.
The tickets are two separate tickets. It's united 432 and lufthansa 429.
And yes, I am moving to Munich, so packing light really isn't an option Frank. And I am traveling solo. But I have people dropping me off at O'hare and people picking me up at baggage claim in Munich, so I'm not too worried about managing all the luggage since the only time I'll be alone is in Charlotte. And then I'll just have my carry-on luggage.
Posted by
Freedonia
16283 posts
You'll be okay for the United flight but you will have to go by Lufthansa's carry-on rules for the Charlotte to Munich portion of your flight.
Remember, both of your "cabin" items must be under 17.6 pounds (8 kgs) when weighed together. If it's over, you may have to check one.
Lufthansa will take the two 50 lbs suitcases for free. H0wever, if you have to check one of the two cabin bags, it will cost $200. It may be cheaper to ship one of those two bags separately.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Go with the more restrictive like Frank II said - I've literally been there on a British Air connection when BA had lower limits, and was refusing to allow me to board my connection to Munich with my bag (luckily I had two tickets, as I was traveling with someone who needed two seats).
They had no sympathy.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
Also, be sure those suitcases are UNDER 50 lbs.... give yourself and the scales some wiggle room. It's costly to go over!
Since this is two tickets it looks like you have to pick up and recheck in Chicago? I would suggest the use of a skycap and a $10 bill :)
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
United and Lufthansa are part of the Star Alliance, so since they have a partnership, you won't have to pick up your bags and recheck them in Charlotte.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Even though you have two separate tickets you can still have you bags sent direct to your final destination; no need to recheck them. When you check-in for your first flight be sure to have the agent "tag" your bags all the way to Munich.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2790 posts
While in THEORY you can check your luggage direct IF you bought two tickets...theory often has a few flaws. (AKA as the gate agent) Be prepared NOT to be allowed to do this. My mother does this quite often and we have about a 75% success rate, but.. (she uses my miles to get to the "tour" departure point)