From today, Lufthansa is selling tickets in the Economy Basic fare, which does not include hand luggage

From today, 28 April 2026, passengers can purchase tickets under Lufthansa’s new, cheapest fare category for travel from 19 May this year. The fare is called Economy Basic and is intended to guarantee lower airfares than before, but apart from that... only and exclusively one personal item, i.e. a small rucksack, handbag or laptop bag, is included in the price. Even a basic 10kg rucksack, as with low-cost airlines, will incur an additional charge. The new fare will be gradually introduced into the booking systems of all carriers within the Lufthansa Group, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Air Dolomiti.

The Economy Basic option may seem tempting, as lower ticket prices always sound great. If airfares are actually reduced under this fare, then one could admit that Lufthansa’s strategy is not insincere. The problem, however, lies in the worrying trend whereby, for a slightly lower price, we as consumers get far less, and have to pay extra for everything else, such as luggage, seat selection or meals.