Airline rolls out new 'basic' option with cheaper fares for travelling light

Sarra Gray
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:18:56 +0000

Lufthansa Group is set to introduce a stripped-back Economy Basic fare, designed specifically for travellers carrying minimal luggage or making short trips.

The new ticket option will be rolled out across the German aviation giant's portfolio of carriers, encompassing Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City and Air Dolomiti.

British passengers will have access to the fare, with selected routes connecting the UK among those included in the launch.

The offering is the most basic tier in the group's economy cabin, sitting below existing fare options and catering to those who need nothing beyond essential hand luggage.

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Passengers opting for Economy Basic will be permitted just one small personal item in the cabin, with the airline group specifying items "such as a laptop bag or small backpack" as suitable options.

The dimensions are capped at 40x30x15cm, a restriction that is smaller than what budget carrier Ryanair permits for its most basic travellers.

Checked baggage is entirely excluded from the fare, meaning anyone requiring hold luggage would need to either pay additional fees or select a higher ticket category.

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The tight restrictions make the fare most suitable for business travellers on quick turnarounds or leisure passengers heading away for just a few hours.

Economy Basic offers only a modest saving compared to the next tier up, with pricing sitting a few pounds below Economy Light.

The Light fare provides considerably more flexibility, bundling both a small personal item and a larger cabin bag weighing up to 18kg.

Lufthansa Group has simultaneously updated its Light fare conditions, now permitting passengers to amend their booking upon payment of a reservation charge plus any difference in ticket price.

Those purchasing the new Basic option will not have that flexibility available, with flight alterations prohibited entirely under the fare's terms.