Lufthansa Group announced on April 23 that it will introduce a fourth branded fare for short and medium-haul flights: Economy Basic.
The new Economy Basic fare will sit below the existing Economy Light fare and will include only a personal item and no carry-on bag. A carry-on bag or checked luggage may be added for a fee.
This means that Lufthansa Group will join easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air in unbundling carry-on luggage.
Key details about Economy Basic
- Bookable from April 28 for travel from May 19
- To be rolled out “gradually” across all Lufthansa Group airlines
- Available through direct and NDC channels
- Maximum size of personal item: 40x30x15cm*
*Assuming the dimensions remain unchanged from the current definition
How does this compare to the LCCs?
Lufthansa Group’s definition of a personal item is smaller than easyJet, Ryanair or Wizz Air.
What’s happening with European legislation for carry-on bags?
In January 2026, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of requiring that all passengers travelling in Europe are permitted to bring a carry-on in addition to a personal item.
This conflicts with the position of the European Council whose draft legislation only mandates that passengers must be permitted to bring a personal item with minimum dimensions of 40x30x15cm.
Conciliation talks between the European Parliament and European Council began on April 20. The aim is to reach agreement on a joint text for the legislation. If an agreement is reached, the joint text will go to the Parliament and Council for a third reading. If no agreement is reached, the legislative act will not enter into force.
Given the uncertainty over future policy, Lufthansa Group's choice of timing to unbundle the carry-on bag is certainly interesting.
Nevertheless, higher fuel costs will necessitate higher revenue once hedge coverage rolls off and Lufthansa Group’s dimensions for the personal item align exactly with the European Council’s definition.
The Engine Cowl
