GermanyStar AllianceMiles & MoreInternational Airlines Serving the US
Lufthansa Overview & Policy Summary
Lufthansa is the largest airline in Europe by fleet and a founding Star Alliance member. Its Frankfurt and Munich hubs connect more than a dozen US gateways to destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, and it operates alongside group carriers SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: One cabin bag up to 8 kg (17 lbs) plus a personal item in economy; two cabin bags in Business and First.
- First checked bag: Included on Economy Classic and above for transatlantic.
- Changes: Economy Light is non-changeable.
- Check-in: 23 hours before departure — one hour earlier than most carriers..
Lufthansa help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
Lufthansa at a glance
Baggage
One cabin bag up to 8 kg (17 lbs) plus a personal item in economy; two cabin bags in Business and First. The 8 kg weight limit is enforced more actively in Europe than in the US.
Full baggage rulesChanges
Economy Light is non-changeable. Classic and Flex fares change for a fee plus fare difference, or free on Flex.
How to change a flightCheck-in
23 hours before departure — one hour earlier than most carriers. 30 minutes before departure within Germany.
Check-in and boarding cutoffsMiles & More
Miles expire after 36 months for basic members; status members and cardholders have extended or no expiry.
Loyalty programme guideLufthansa fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | Cabin bag only. | No checked bag, no changes, no refund. The cheapest transatlantic fare and the one that most often costs more once a bag is added. |
| Economy Classic | One checked bag and paid seat selection. | Changes carry a fee plus fare difference. |
| Business | Lie-flat seat, two checked bags, lounge access and priority services. | Older aircraft still fly the 2-2-2 layout without direct aisle access from every seat — check the seat map before paying a premium. |
Hubs
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Munich (MUC)
Airbus A350 and A380 and Boeing 747-8 and 787 widebodies — Lufthansa is the last major operator of the passenger 747.
Popular routes
- New York (JFK) → Frankfurt (FRA)
- Chicago (ORD) → Munich (MUC)
- San Francisco (SFO) → Frankfurt (FRA)
- Washington (IAD) → Munich (MUC)
Lufthansa frequently asked questions
Does Lufthansa Economy Light include a checked bag?
No. Economy Light is a cabin-bag-only fare. Adding a checked bag afterwards usually costs more than booking Economy Classic outright, so compare the total rather than the headline fare.
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Lufthansa?
Yes, on most routes, for cats and small dogs up to 8 kg including the carrier. That is a real advantage over British Airways, which permits no pets in the cabin at all. EU import documentation is still required.
What happens if I skip the outbound leg of a Lufthansa ticket?
The return is automatically cancelled. Lufthansa enforces sequential segment use strictly, and this catches out travellers who plan to join a trip late. Contact the airline before missing a segment rather than after.
Compare with other international airlines serving the us
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