Lufthansa Changes Ticket Structure: No More Carry-On Luggage!

Lufthansa Cuts Carry-On Luggage Benefits

Recently, Lufthansa made headlines with a notable change to its ticket pricing policy — removing carry-on luggage for the lowest fare class. This could raise concerns among passengers as the airline promotes this as an enhancement to its services.

Changes in Ticket Structure

Starting from April 28, 2026, for tickets booked for flights beginning May 19, 2026, Lufthansa will expand its fare categories for short and medium-haul flights. They will introduce a new fare class called Economy Basic, applicable to certain routes and available across all airlines within the Lufthansa Group, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Differences Between Fare Classes

The Economy Basic fare will not include large carry-on luggage. Instead, passengers are allowed to bring only one personal item, such as a laptop bag or a small backpack. If travelers wish to bring additional luggage, they will need to pay extra fees for carry-on or checked baggage or opt for a different fare class.

The Economy Basic fare differs from the previous Economy Light fare offered by Lufthansa. The Economy Light fare allows larger carry-on luggage and can be changed for a fee of 100 Euros, while the Economy Basic fare is non-changeable and non-refundable.

Analysis of Lufthansa's Changes

While Lufthansa is not the first airline in Europe to implement a carry-on luggage exclusion policy (KLM has offered some such fares), it is the first to do so on a large scale across all its subsidiaries. The complexity of Lufthansa's fare structure may confuse many customers, as the subtle differences between Economy Basic and Economy Light create unnecessary choices.

Furthermore, Lufthansa seems to be marketing these changes as good news for customers. This is quite puzzling, as cutting benefits while increasing ticket prices truly offers no advantage to passengers.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese travelers planning to use Lufthansa, it's important to note that the lack of carry-on luggage can be inconvenient for those accustomed to bringing multiple personal items. To fly with Lufthansa from Vietnam, passengers can depart from two major airports: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) or Noi Bai (HAN). Ticket prices from Vietnam to Europe typically range from 15 million to 25 million VND, depending on the booking time and flight schedule.

Make sure to check specific visa information for each country if you plan to transit or arrive in Europe. A Schengen visa is a common requirement for trips to many countries in this region. Additionally, stay updated on time zones and the latest airline regulations when booking your tickets.

Conclusion

Lufthansa is altering its ticket pricing structure, which could significantly affect how passengers choose their fares. Carefully consider all options and be aware of the new regulations when planning your trip with Lufthansa.

Article referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time