July 13, 2026, 11:34 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Summer vacations have already begun in most German states, and airports are bustling. If you’re traveling with Lufthansa these days, you should check your booking documents before departure. Depending on the fare booked, different rules apply, especially regarding carry-on luggage. Not every ticket automatically includes a cabin trolley. If you bring one, it can become quite expensive at short notice.
Cabin Trolley Not Always Included
Since the end of April 2026, the Lufthansa Group has been gradually introducing the new Economy Basic fare, bookable on selected short- and medium-haul routes. This comparatively cheaper fare is aimed at day travelers who travel with little luggage, as explained by a Lufthansa spokesperson in response to a TRAVELBOOK inquiry.
For the described type of traveler, the fare may suffice. It includes only a personal item—such as a laptop bag or a small backpack. This item can be no larger than 40 × 30 × 15 centimeters and must fit under the seat in front of you.
This also means: A classic cabin trolley is not automatically included in the Economy Basic fare. If you still want to take a rolling suitcase into the cabin, you can book it as an additional service. According to Lufthansa, this is possible online up to two hours before departure. Lufthansa does not specify a fixed fee for this; the price depends on factors such as the route, booking time, and demand.
Unauthorized Carry-On Can Be Costly at the Gate
It is significantly more expensive to forget to book in advance and show up at the gate with unauthorized carry-on luggage. In that case, it will be taken from travelers and transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold for a fee. “The fees for this are significantly higher than for pre-booked check-in luggage and can only be paid with a credit card,” the airline explains on its website. Depending on the route, the costs range from 60 to 110 euros.
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Other LH Fares Still Include Free Carry-On
Lufthansa emphasizes that the new Economy Basic fare is merely an additional option. “The other fares include a free carry-on piece/rolling suitcase,” the spokesperson told TRAVELBOOK. This includes fares such as Economy Light, Comfort, Comfort Green, and Flex. “Nothing has changed with the existing fares. There is just another product that customers can choose.”
Nevertheless, it’s worth checking your booking confirmation before your vacation. It shows which fare was chosen and which luggage items are actually included. This can help avoid additional costs or surprises at the airport.
Criticism from Consumer Advocates
Even though the new fare offers travelers an additional choice, the development has faced criticism. Consumer advocates mainly criticize that flight services are increasingly being divided into individual additional costs.
According to the European Consumer Organization BEUC, additional fees—such as for carry-on luggage—make the actual price of a trip less transparent. From the organization’s perspective, such additional costs make price comparisons more difficult because a ticket that initially seems cheaper can become significantly more expensive with additional services.
Travelers should be cautious. Lufthansa is not the only airline that has expanded its fare portfolio with low-cost basic offers. Always keep in mind what services you need and which ones you would have to book and pay for separately depending on the fare. It may sometimes be worthwhile to choose a higher-priced fare that includes more services.