Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
British Airways vs Lufthansa: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for British Airways and Lufthansa, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- British Airways' carry-on limit is roomier (22 x 18 x 10 in) than Lufthansa's (55 x 40 x 23 cm), about 25% more space.
- British Airways: no published carry-on weight limit. Lufthansa: 8 kg (18 lb) carry-on weight limit.
| British Airways | Lufthansa | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 22 x 18 x 10 in / 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 55 x 40 x 23 cm / about 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in |
| Carry-on weight | No published limit | 8 kg (18 lb) |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included | Included (Not on Economy Basic (short and medium haul)) |
| Personal item | 16 x 12 x 6 in / 40 x 30 x 15 cm | 40 x 30 x 15 cm / about 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in |
| Checked bag size | 90 x 75 x 43 cm | 158 cm (62 in) in total |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (51 lb) per bag in economy, 32 kg (71 lb) max for any bag | 23 kg (51 lb) per bag in economy, 32 kg (71 lb) max for any bag |
| Online check-in opens | 24 hours before | 30 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) | 45 min before |
| At the gate by | 20 min before | Not published |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules |
Carry-on that fits both
55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Flying both on one trip? The trip checker shows which airline sets each limit, and the gate card keeps the rules on your phone.
Will your bag fit?
Measure with wheels, handles and pockets included. The order of the sides doesn't matter.
Questions people ask
Is the British Airways carry-on bigger than Lufthansa?
British Airways' carry-on limit is roomier (22 x 18 x 10 in) than Lufthansa's (55 x 40 x 23 cm), about 25% more space.
What carry-on size fits both British Airways and Lufthansa?
A bag no bigger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) fits both carry-on limits, and 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) fits both personal item limits. Check weight limits too.