July 8, 2026, 3:03 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
There are low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet, where passengers have to pay extra for almost everything beyond basic transportation. Then there are traditional airlines like Lufthansa, which have long been known for including many services (such as meals or checked baggage) in the ticket price. But those days are over–now, even in this travel category, more services are being charged separately. According to media reports, Lufthansa is now extending fees for changing a seat assigned at check-in to more long-haul fares. TRAVELBOOK inquired with the airline.
Rising operating costs and new regulatory requirements are making flying more expensive overall. At the same time, airlines are increasingly relying on differentiated fares and additional services to appeal to different customer groups. At Lufthansa, where a booking used to include significantly more services, the offerings now range from the classic fare with several included services to particularly affordable options–where passengers must specifically add individual services. Now, the next step appears to be underway: additional fees will also apply for changing seats after check-in.
Fee-based Seat Changes at Lufthansa
For low-cost airlines, charging for certain seats has long been part of the business model. Those who want to choose their seat on a flight with airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet pay extra. Those who don’t usually get a seat assigned at check-in.
At Lufthansa, it was also possible for passengers without prior seat reservations to be assigned a seat at check-in. According to the airline’s conditions of carriage, changes to a selected or assigned seat may incur a fee depending on the fare. This means less flexibility for travelers: many passengers deliberately wait until check-in to choose another, perhaps “better,” seat from the available options. According to media reports, the unpopular rule has now been extended to more long-haul fares. TRAVELBOOK asked the airline what specifically has changed.
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Lufthansa Confirms New Regulation
A company spokesperson confirmed an adjustment to the rules for seat changes at check-in. New: Passengers who are automatically assigned a free seat at check-in will now have to pay if they want to actively swap it for another available seat. The regulation has been in effect since July 1, 2026, for Lufthansa Group airlines on long-haul flights, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Discover Airlines.
Certain Economy and Premium Economy fares are affected. According to Lufthansa, the fee amount is not fixed–it depends on factors such as route, departure location, and booking time. The specific amount is only displayed to passengers during online check-in.
Which Travelers Are Not Affected
Exemptions include Flex fares and certain status customers. Passengers who have already reserved a seat in advance can still change it within the booked category at check-in for free. HON Circle Members and Senators of the Lufthansa Group retain the benefits of their status: they can continue to reserve seats in Economy and Premium Economy fares for free in advance and choose freely at check-in.