Forget what you knew about hand luggage on air travel. It brings the American model of “bare-bones” fares (the cheapest version of a ticket) to Europe, forcing even the most experienced travelers to reconsider what fits in their luggage.
With the new Economy Basic fare, the right to the classic suitcase in the cabin is no longer taken for granted, as the spike in fuel prices is now transferred directly to… the size of your bag.
If you’re preparing for your next business trip or a short getaway from May onwards, see exactly what’s changing so you don’t face any surprises at the boarding gate.
Finally the free hand luggage
Lufthansa follows the model of large American airlines (such as United), targeting the needs of every traveler. At the same time, the “Economy Light” fare will be upgraded, now allowing rebooking with the payment of a fee.
With the new system, passengers will only be entitled to one personal item (such as a laptop bag or a small backpack) for free. Anything greater will be considered an extra service and charged accordingly.
Bookings open gradually from April 28. The charge will be applied to short and medium-haul flights from May 19 and will apply to all group companies (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, etc.).
Pressure from fuel costs
This shift is not accidental. The global aviation industry is under severe pressure from the steep rise in fuel prices due to the war conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
American Airlines has raised fees for traditional bags by $10-$150, depending on the number of bags, while many airlines are reducing benefits in economy class to offset their financial losses.
