Lufthansa’s New Economy Basic Fare: What Travelers Need to Know Before Booking

Lufthansa’s new Economy Basic fare changes what passengers can bring on board for free on selected short-haul flights. For travelers using Milan as a starting point, stopover or arrival city, this is the kind of fare detail that can turn a “cheap” ticket into a more expensive trip.

A cheaper fare, but with less included

The new Economy Basic fare is designed to be the lowest-priced option within the Lufthansa Group. The main catch is baggage.

Passengers booking this fare will be allowed to bring only a small personal item on board, such as a laptop bag or a small backpack. A larger cabin bag, like a trolley suitcase, will no longer be automatically included.

That means travelers who usually fly with a carry-on trolley should check the fare conditions carefully before paying.

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When the change begins

The new fare starts from April 28, 2026, and will be introduced gradually on selected short-haul routes from May 19, 2026.

It will be available through the airlines’ digital sales channels, including official websites and NDC channels.

Read also: Best Ways to Get from Linate Airport to Milan City Center and Getting from Malpensa Airport to Milan Center

Airlines included in the change

The Economy Basic fare will be available with several airlines in the Lufthansa Group: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines and Air Dolomiti.

For now, ITA Airways is not part of this change, even though the Lufthansa Group owns 41% of the Italian airline.

What happens if you need more baggage

Travelers who need more than a small personal item will have two options: add cabin baggage or checked baggage as an extra service, or book a higher fare that already includes a more generous baggage allowance.

This is where the final price matters more than the first price shown on the screen. A lower fare may look attractive at first, but it can become less convenient once extras are added.

Economy Light also gets an update

Lufthansa is also changing its current Economy Light fare. This option will become more flexible, allowing passengers to modify their booking by paying a penalty.

For travelers with uncertain plans, this could make Economy Light more useful than before.

A practical tip for Milan travelers

For short trips from Milan to European cities, many passengers rely on a cabin trolley to avoid waiting at baggage claim. Under the new Economy Basic fare, that habit may come at an extra cost.

Before booking, compare the total price of Economy Basic with baggage added against the next fare level. The best deal is not always the cheapest fare, especially if you already know you will need more than a small backpack.