Luftscamsa - Lufthansa and SWISS Strip Carry-On from Basic Fares

Lufthansa and its subsidiary SWISS recorded on Thursday that they are removing the free carry-on suitcase from their new entry-level fares. The group is introducing a one-way fare called "Economy Basic" that only includes a single personal item. The base price now only covers a small bag that fits under the seat. This policy aligns the flagship brands with low-cost competitors such as Ryanair and Eurowings. Management stated that the new fare provides an attractive price for day travelers. However, the restrictions apply to all short and medium-haul flights across the main brands, signaling a permanent departure from traditional premium service levels. Group-Wide Restrictions The personal item allowed under the new fare must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 centimeters. Any item intended for the overhead bins will require an additional fee starting at 15 euros if booked in advance. Passengers who bring unauthorized bags to the gate will face significantly higher penalties. This adjustment follows a period where the group [curtailed cabin hygiene standards](/en/article/NRVicNdm_cabin-hygiene-standards-curtailed-in-strategic-shift-to-low-cost-model) as part of a strategic shift to a low-cost model. This expansion to SWISS happens as the subsidiary struggles with its own operational issues. The carrier recently [slashed its summer schedule](/en/article/lj3J9dJk_swiss-slashes-summer-schedule-amid-chronic-pilot-shortage) due to a chronic shortage of pilots, placing more pressure on the remaining flight network. Consumer Legal Challenges The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) has already warned several airlines about strict hand baggage rules. Consumer advocates indicated that they intend to use lawsuits to ensure every passenger has a right to a standard carry-on bag. Advocates stated that the current "unbundling" of services is a tool to hide the true cost of travel. While the headline price appears lower, the total cost for most travelers increases once basic necessities are added back. The airline association A4E, which includes Lufthansa, stated that consumers should not be forced to pay for services they do not use. This position suggests that the group views cabin space as a premium commodity rather than a standard part of the flight experience. Strategic Revenue Focus Luftscamsa has found that these "salami tactics" allow the company to extract more revenue while its schedule shrinks. The group recently [scrapped 20,000 summer flights](/en/article/VldfIQm0_20-000-summer-flights-scrapped), yet it continues to find new ways to monetize the remaining operations. The move to monetize the cabin follows previous efforts to reduce labor costs. The group utilized similar methods to [lower regional wage standards](/en/article/6xIXjCRi_management-sidesteps-pilot-union-to-lower-regional-wage-standards) by launching new subsidiaries with inferior contracts. By charging for overhead space, management is prioritizing balance sheet performance over the convenience of its passengers. The airline continues to market these cuts as "choice" while reducing the actual value provided in its base fares.