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Passengers flying with several major European carriers will now have to pay for their cabin trolley bags.
Beginning 19 May 2026, the Lufthansa Group has officially ended the long‑standing practice of allowing a free carry‑on suitcase on many short‑ and medium‑haul routes. The move affects millions of travellers across Europe and marks one of the most significant baggage‑policy shifts since Ryanair’s changes last autumn.
What changes for passengers
The key change:
- A standard cabin trolley is no longer included in the basic fare.
- Travellers must now purchase a hand‑luggage option starting at €15, depending on route and availability.
The Lufthansa Group says the adjustment reflects “changing passenger behaviour” and aims to offer more tailored fare options—particularly for day travellers who often fly with minimal luggage.
What remains free: one personal item
Passengers booking the new entry‑level fare may still bring one personal item into the cabin.
The allowed dimensions are:
- 40 × 30 × 15 cm
(e.g., a small backpack, handbag, or laptop case)
This mirrors the model already used by low‑cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Airlines affected
The new policy applies across nearly the entire Lufthansa Group network:
- Lufthansa
- SWISS
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Discover Airlines
- Lufthansa City Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
The group emphasises that the new structure gives passengers “additional choice,” though frequent flyers may see it as another step toward the à‑la‑carte pricing model that has become standard in European aviation.
Why the change now?
Industry analysts point to several factors:
- Overhead‑bin congestion on busy routes
- Pressure from low‑cost competitors, who have long charged for cabin trolleys
- Operational efficiency, as smaller personal items speed up boarding
- Revenue diversification, increasingly important for traditional carriers
The Lufthansa Group has not ruled out further fare restructuring later this year.
What travellers should do now
To avoid surprises at the airport, passengers are advised to:
- Check the fare class carefully before booking
- Add a trolley bag in advance—airport prices are typically higher
- Travel with only a personal item when possible
- source: 5minuten.at/picture: chatgpt.com
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