Lufthansa will switch to a piece baggage system from June 1 onwards, which will simplify and standardise baggage policies.
Previously, the carrier rolled out this initiative on long-haul North Atlantic flights and will now complete the transition for all flights including short-haul intra-European flights and long-haul flights to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. The piece concept breaks down baggage allowance into the number of bags that can be checked depending on class of travel rather than a weight system.
Under the new ruling, economy class passengers can check in one bag weighing up to 23kg instead of the previous policy of allowing passengers a number of bags weighing a total of 20kg. Business class passengers can check in two items of baggage weighing up to 32kg each and First class passengers are allowed three bags weighing up to 32kg each.
Higher-tier members of Miles and More will enjoy "an additional free baggage allowance over and above this," states the carrier's website.
Excess baggage fees will also follow the piece policy. Fees fall under two categories: European routes and intercontinental routes. On European routes, passengers are charged a fee starting from €50 (US$71) for every additional piece rather than charging passengers for each additional kilo, on the condition that the additional piece weighs up to 23kg for economy passengers and up to 32kg for Business and First passengers. On intercontinental routes, passengers are charged a fee starting from €70 (US$99) but the same restrictions on weight apply.
For hand luggage, economy class passengers are allowed one item onboard while Business and First class passengers can take two items onboard.
For more information, visit www.lufthansa.com/baggage
Alisha Haridasani
