The latest fare overhaul from Lufthansa represents more than just a tweak to pricing; it signals a fundamental shift in how one of Europe’s flagship carriers defines the baseline economy experience. Beginning in late spring 2026, the airline is introducing an “Economy Basic” fare across its short- and medium-haul European network that removes a feature long considered standard: the ability to bring a cabin-sized carry-on bag. Instead, passengers are restricted to a single, compact personal item, no larger than roughly 16 × 12 × 6 inches (40 × 30 × 15 cm), effectively aligning the experience more closely with ultra-low-cost carriers than with traditional full-service airlines.