Lufthansa - cost for a third checked bag?
 

I am pulling my hair out.

I have read and re-read the Lufthansa website and cannot find the answer to this simple question. How much would it cost to check a third bag, above the 2 free bags, if the third bag isn't that heavy? (Flying from Houston to Brussels via Frankfurt)

And grrrr why is this answer so hard to find?

I think I'll be over my weight limit for my flight tomorrow, trying to decide whether it's more cost efffective to have 2 bags with 1 over the weight limit, or to check a third bag and have them all within the weight limit...

I THINK that your rate for a third piece of luggage from US to Germany, weighing between 23 and 32 kgs will be a flat rate of $50 (40 euros), based upon lufthansa.com website, checking under 'baggage/excess rules and regs'.
It appears that different zones apply for flights to Germany from other countries (range 5 Euros WITHIN Germany to 40 Euros from Asia).
The 2 "free" pieces can weigh up to 32 kgs each for 1st or business class, but no more than 23 kgs each for economy class. Hope this info is not too late to help!

Heheh i like the "I think"....it's difficult to read isn't it?

I was interpreting that as saying that it would cost $50 to have a bag that weighed over 23kg but less than 32 kg, i.e. if one of my bags was overweight.

I guess its possible that the rate is the same for an overweight bag as for a third bag but I would be surprised.

I have a little time so I'm still trying to re-stuff things in a don't-pay-$50, but we'll see.

Thanks for the input!
Carrie

FYI (anyone else) this is what the rule says

If you are allowed to check in 2 pieces of baggage weighing 32 kg each, the fee for baggage exceeding this allowance will have to be individually calculated according to the destination. The same applies should you wish to check in more than two pieces or if the total dimensions exceed the allowed maximum of 158 cm (length x width x height).

If you are allowed to take 2 pieces of baggage weighing no more than 23 kg, you will be charged a flat rate of €40/USD50 per piece if the weight is between 23 and 32 kg. If your baggage is heavier than this please contact the Lufthansa Service Center +49 - 1 80 - 58 38 426.
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So maybe, since the paragraph about people being allowed to take 32 kg, it says "the same will apply if you want to bring an extra piece of baggage", that applies to economy people as well? *shrug*

I think the EUR 50 is for each bag of the 2 allowed that is between 23 and 32 kg and not for a third piece. (Though this rule doesn't apply to/from the US as you're allowed 32 kg/bag.) In 2004, I paid EUR 129 ($157 at the time) for a third bag from Germany back to the US. At the bottom of the excess baggage page, it states "*... The Piece Concept excess baggage fee is based on the flight route. Please contact your local Lufthansa Service Team for help with your calculation.", so it may be worthwhile calling and asking.

Paul

Not to answer your question - but that is a HECK of a lot of luggage. Are you moving to Brussels? Probably too late to re-pack now though . . . . .

I live in Belgium :) My annual trip back home to visit family and buy clothes, books, magazine, other what-nots. Always bring back everything I can.

In response to Paul...
"(Though this rule doesn't apply to/from the US as you're allowed 32 kg/bag.) "

That's only true in Business or First class....economy is allowed only 23kg/bag.

Just to clarify. :)
Well according to my parents scales, after doing some weeding out of not-as-important magazines and other mail, etc, I have both bags at 50lbs on the nose (one is a carry-on sized bag full of books! :)). Here's to keeping fingers crossed that their scale is accurate! :)

thanks for the input

Just to remind everybody that you cannot assume the airline will definitely take extra luggage or overweight luggage, regardless of cost. At times, some airlines may impose an embargo on extra luggage, due to weight restriction or other factors.

It's rare, but it can certainly happen.

I know that Lufthansa recently changed their rules regarding extra baggage costs (and that includes the extra bag and/or the extra weight), but I'm not sure exactly when that went into effect. When I travel to Germany - I check my suitcase, a large duffel and a trade show display case. The past three trips, the third bag - regardless of which one I choose it to be is $110.

I've heard different replies for carry-on plus purse. On Lufthansa's web site it says 1 carry-on and then further down under "other items allowed to be carried" it says purses. Does this mean you are allowed a carry-on plus a purse?

Just an update...

I managed to get everything down to 50 pounds on the nose for each bag.....and wouldn't you know, they weighed my carry-on backpack!!!1 grrr. But when that turned out to be waaaay overweight, they let me put some stuff into one of my suitcases, only realizing after they told me that that then my suitcase would be over weight but she didn't charge me for it. Which was nice of her and very lucky for me.

re: the carry on, yes, I took a purse and a backpack, and I saw several other people with purse/briefcase/backpack and another bag.

Yes, you can have a carry-on plus a purse plus a fanny pack plus a camera etc.

They are pretty relaxed with their own carry-on rules.

FWIW, the last 2 times we've flown LH (out of IAH) they've not been very flexible with carry ons. They weighed and measured them, put stickers on the ones they approved and definitely let you take on a carry on and only 1 small purse/camera bag/etc.