Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, KLM or Lufthansa?

KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Lufthansa: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Lufthansa allows the larger bag.

Where do KLM and Lufthansa fly from?

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). Lufthansa's are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are KLM and Lufthansa partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (KLM: SkyTeam; Lufthansa: Star Alliance), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

KL vs LH · 2026 comparison

KLM vs Lufthansa

Q: Do KLM and Lufthansa include a carry-on on basic economy?

KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag. Lufthansa: 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.

KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; 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

KLM

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Lufthansa

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Lufthansa: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: KLM: Not on some basic fares · Lufthansa: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): KLM: 1 free bag · Lufthansa: 1 free bag

Side by side

	KLM	Lufthansa
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	12 kg (26.5 lb)	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	Miles & More
Main hubs	AMS	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

KLM 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.

KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while Lufthansa's Economy Basic / Light can be personal-item only.

Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on Lufthansa.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Lufthansa.

KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and Lufthansa includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Europe.

Basic economy

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

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

KLM is in SkyTeam and Lufthansa is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (KLM) and Miles & More (Lufthansa).

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). 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 KLM if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

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.

KLM vs Lufthansa FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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