LH vs TP · 2026 comparison
Lufthansa vs TAP
Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on; TAP wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Lufthansa
LHWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
TAP
TPWins 1 category
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
Quick verdict
Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on; TAP wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Lufthansa: 55 × 40 × 23 cm · TAP: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Lufthansa: Not on some basic fares · TAP: Included on every fare
Side by side
| Lufthansa | TAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 23 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Not on some basic fares | Included on every fare |
| 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 | TAP Miles&Go |
| Main hubs | FRA, MUC | LIS, OPO |
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
Lufthansa allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), and TAP up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), so Lufthansa's is roomier.
Lufthansa's Economy Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while TAP includes it on every fare.
Carry-on weight limits: 8 kg (17.6 lb) on Lufthansa, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on TAP.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Lufthansa, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on TAP.
Basic economy
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.
TAP (Discount): Discount fares include the carry-on and a personal item but no checked bag.
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are Star Alliance members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: Miles & More (Lufthansa) and TAP Miles&Go (TAP).
Lufthansa's main hubs are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC). TAP's are LIS, OPO. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Lufthansa if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from FRA, MUC
Choose TAP if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from LIS, OPO
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.
Lufthansa vs TAP FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Lufthansa wins on a bigger carry-on; TAP wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare. 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.
- 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
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- TAP Air Portugal official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: TAP Air Portugal baggage fees
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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