Trip Planning FAQs

RESERVATION

When should I make my reservation?
The sooner the better, booking well in advance is a good idea. If you wait till closer to the date of travel, chances are the rates might go up and you might not find seats for the date you want to travel on. Check lufthansa.com for the best deals right now.

If I prefer a window/aisle seat, can I specify that while making my booking?
You may book your preferred seat, window or aisle, while making the reservation.

When can I book my meal preference?
It is possible to book your meal preference 72 hours before the flight

ON CHECK IN

When should I reach the airport on the day of travel?
Preferably a little earlier than the recommended time to avoid last minute anxiety due to traffic jams on the way, congestion at the airport, or line-ups at the check in.

What all do I need at the check in counter?
You will need to present your passport with valid visa besides the ticket at the check in counter. It helps to keep these easily accessible as you will need to present these at several points such as the entry into the airport terminal, immigration, security check and boarding gate, besides the check in counter.

Do I need to do any paperwork at the airport?
Yes you will need to fill in a departure form for immigration clearance. Don’t forget to pick up this form at the check-in counter.

What information will I need to remember?
Make sure you know the flight number of all your flights. Write it down where you can reach it easily. You will need it to find the counter to check in, to find your gate to board the aircraft, and to claim your luggage. Also for some countries you have to fill out lots of forms on entering or leaving and they always ask you for the flight number.
Some flights have more than one flight number, sometimes from the same airline, sometimes from different airlines working together.

BAGGAGE

How much baggage am I allowed to take free of charge?
The checked in baggage (free baggage) allowance may vary depending on the route, booking class, Miles & More status etc.

What happens with excess baggage or special baggage?
If you exceed the free baggage allowance or if you take along particularly bulky or damageable baggage (bicycles, large musical instruments, wardrobe trunks etc.) you may have to pay an additional fee and register your baggage with us prior to your departure.

How should I transport valuable goods?
All valuable goods like laptops, mobile phones, PDAs, documents, jewellery etc. should be carried in your Hand baggage.

What do I have to consider when flying to the US?
On flights to the US, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) may break open suspicious, locked baggage to check its contents. There are special locks available that can only be opened without destroying them by you and TSA staff.
TSA baggage information (www.tsa.gov)

What are the items that I am not allowed to carry with me to the US?
Due to growing security concerns, there are several items that you cannot carry with you on the aircraft – in checked in baggage and hand baggage. Before packing your bags for travel to the US, It would be a good idea to check these details on http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

How should I mark my baggage?
A clearly visible baggage tag or sticker – with your name and, at the very least, your telephone number (ideally your mobile number) on it - should be attached to each piece of baggage that you are checking in. We also recommend that you put a tag or sticker with your name and contact details inside each bag. Suitable tags and stickers can be obtained at the check-in counters free of charge.

Please remove all tags from prior journeys as they can easily lead to baggage being misplaced.
To avoid mix-ups you should make each of your items of luggage uniquely marked with for example an eye-catching sticker, a striking colour, a special belt etc.

Can I gift-wrap the presents I am carrying with me?
Remember! – do not wrap gifts you're taking on the plane. Security officers may have to unwrap gifts if they need to take a closer look. Please wait until your destination to wrap them.

What do I do if my baggage is lost?
Immediately report the loss of baggage at the respective counter. Should you report the loss at a later stage you need to prove it which makes the procedure a lot more complicated. Detailed information regarding this topic can be found on lufthansa.com under Lost or damaged baggage.