Fresh from cancelling tens of thousands of flights because of the soaring cost of jet fuel, Lufthansa is set to reduce consumption further by introducing “economy basic” to its short- and medium-haul flights.
Bookings have opened for the German airline’s new class, which enters service on 19 May “on selected routes”. The category is designed to offer “an attractive entry-level price” in order to compete more effectively with budget carriers.
But the new fare level comes with Europe’s smallest free cabin baggage allowance for standard passenger jets.
While Ryanair and Wizz Air allow passengers to take on board a bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20cm, giving a volume of 24 litres.
Lufthansa’s economy basic limit is smaller by a quarter, with the shortest dimension reduced to 15cm – a maximum volume of 18 litres.
The dimensions are the smallest allowed under an agreement between the trade group Airlines for Europe and EU transport ministers for a standard size that all carriers will permit.
The UK’s biggest budget airline, easyJet, allows passengers to take almost twice as much without paying, with a limit of 32.4 litres for free hand luggage.
British Airways’ “Economy Basic” has a free allowance of two bags with a total volume of 81 litres and a maximum weight of 46kg.
The German airline’s new class will apply on other Lufthansa Group airlines, including Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.
The airline says: “The new basic fare offers day travellers, for example, an additional option at an attractive entry-level price.
“Those who wish to bring more luggage can flexibly add carry-on or checked baggage as an add-on service within this particularly affordable fare or choose a fare option with expanded baggage allowances.”
The new “entry-level” fare increases the options for economy passengers to five. The other four are:
- Economy light: two pieces of cabin baggage
- Economy classic: as above plus a checked bag and free seat reservations
- Economy green: as “classic” but around 10 per cent more expensive to pay for “future CO2 savings”
- Economy flex: as “classic” but with no rebooking fee, priority boarding and maximum frequent-flyer points
Lufthansa says: “The enhanced fare structure thus enables a clear, transparent selection tailored to individual needs.”
Passengers with the highest frequent-flyer status – “HON Circle or Senator status, as well as Star Alliance Gold” – will be able to bring a larger additional piece of cabin baggage even on economy basic fares.
Airlines are still negotiating with the European Commission for a deal on cabin baggage after MEPs voted overwhelmingly to force carriers to allow passengers to bring a roll-along bag for free. The airlines say such a policy would delay flights and increase fares.
Read more: Getting a handle on cabin baggage
