No more hand luggage? New tariff and change of rules for a large carrier

Lufthansa decided to take a radical step. In pursuit of profitability and passengers looking for the lowest price, it introduces a new tariff that excludes… classic hand luggage from the ticket price.

The aviation market in 2026 leaves no doubt: the business model of “legacy carriers” (traditional airlines) is becoming more and more similar to the strategy used by Ryanair or Wizz Air. The new offer is intended to attract customers with “ultra-cheap” ticket prices, which at first glance look extremely attractive. However, the problem arises when we want to take something more than a small bag that fits under the seat.

Lufthansa has just announced that from April 28 to May 19, it introduces the Economy Basic tariff. The devil is in the details: because these are cheap economy class tickets, but without hand luggage. The traveler will be able to take it with him only one personal item: a small backpack, handbag or laptop bag.

Hidden costs and price psychology

Financial experts pay attention to the so-called “unbundling” strategy, i.e. breaking the service into its first parts. Lufthansa and its associated airlines (such as Swiss and Austrian) want to artificially reduce the starting ticket price in order to rank higher in flight search engines. In practice, however, a passenger who wants to take a classic cabin suitcase will be forced to purchase a more expensive fare or pay an additional fee for luggage, which may ultimately make the trip more expensive than before.

The fight for survival in the era of high costs

This decision was not made in a vacuum. Rising aviation fuel prices, emission fees and pressure on financial results force traditional carriers to optimize every centimeter of space on board. Paid hand luggage is not only additional revenue (so-called ancillary revenue), but also a way to speed up the rotation of planes at airports – fewer suitcases in the lockers means faster boarding.

Lufthansa is struggling with staff strikes and recently announced the cancellation of 20,000 flights between May and October 2026. The cuts will also affect Polish travelers.

What does this mean for your wallet?

For a conscious traveler, the new offer may be a chance for a really cheap flight, provided that he or she masters the art of packing in a “pocket size”. However, for most passengers accustomed to Lufthansa standards, this change will mean a hidden price increase. The airline industry clearly shows: predictability and peace of mind of travel are becoming a premium commodity for which you will have to pay dearly.

Will other lines follow in the footsteps of the German giant? Everything indicates that in 2026 the division into “low-cost” and “traditional” airlines will finally cease to exist – at least in economy class on short routes.

prepared by COGS

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