AZ vs LH · 2026 comparison
ITA vs Lufthansa
ITA wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
ITA
AZWins 1 category
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
Lufthansa
LHWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
ITA wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- ITA: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Lufthansa: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- ITA: Included on every fare · Lufthansa: Not on some basic fares
Side by side
| ITA | Lufthansa | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 55 × 40 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Not on some basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | 8 kg (17.6 lb) | 8 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | Miles & More |
| Main hubs | FCO | FRA, MUC |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
ITA allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and Lufthansa up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), so Lufthansa's is roomier.
ITA includes it on every fare, while Lufthansa's Economy Basic / Light can be personal-item only.
Carry-on weight limits: 8 kg (17.6 lb) on ITA, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on Lufthansa.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on ITA, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Lufthansa.
Basic economy
ITA (Economy Light): Economy Light includes the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag, and boards last.
Lufthansa (Economy Basic / Light): Economy Basic, on every European route from October 27, 2026, includes only a personal item; you can buy a carry-on online but not at the airport. Long-haul fares start at Economy Light, which keeps the 8 kg carry-on.
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are Star Alliance members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: Miles & More (ITA) and Miles & More (Lufthansa).
ITA's main hubs are FCO. Lufthansa's are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose ITA if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from FCO
Choose Lufthansa if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from FRA, MUC
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
ITA vs Lufthansa FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. ITA wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- ITA Airways official baggage policy
- LoyaltyLobby: ITA Airways joins Star Alliance on April 1, 2026
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Lufthansa official baggage policy
- LoyaltyLobby: Lufthansa introduces no-carry-on Basic fares (Apr 23, 2026)
- Travel Extra: Lufthansa Group rolls out Economy Basic on all European flights from Oct 27, 2026
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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