• Lufthansa allows all passengers at least one free checked bag.Baggage image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com
  
  Unlike many airlines based in the United States, German-based Lufthansa offers at least one free checked bag per passenger and in many cases, two free checked bags. In addition, weight limits are less strict than they are on some American air carriers. Still, it is important to check the rules for your destination so you don't end up paying more than you expected.
  
  

Between Europe and the U.S., Canada and Mexico

• For economy class, you are allowed one free checked bag and one ski bag for flights between Europe and the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Your checked bag can weigh no more than 23 kilograms, or about 50 pounds, and has to be less than 158 centimeters, or about 62 inches, in height, width and length combined. If you have a business- or first-class reservation, or if you are a member of Lufthansa's "Miles and More" frequent flyer program, you are allowed two checked bags, and each bag can weigh 32 kilograms, or about 70 pounds. The same size requirements apply.
  
  

In Canada, the U.S., South America, West Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt

• If your travels begin and end in Canada, the U.S., South America, West Africa, Ethiopia or Egypt and you are in business or economy class, you are allowed two free checked bags. Bags must weigh no more than 32 kilograms each, or about 70 pounds, and must be less than 158 centimeters, or about 62 inches, in height, width and length combined. For economy class, you are also allowed two bags, but the weight must not be more than 23 kilograms, or about 50 pounds.
  
  

From Brazil and Japan

• If your travels begin in Brazil or Japan, you are allowed two free checked bags in economy, business or first class. Each bag can weigh no more than 32 kilograms, or 70 pounds. The bags must be less than 158 centimeters, or about 62 inches, in height, width and length combined.
  
  

Within Europe, and from Europe to the Middle East, Africa and Asia

• Flights from Europe to other European countries and to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia follow Lufthansa's "weight concept," meaning your baggage allowance is determined not by the number of bags you have, but by the weight of the total baggage. First-class passengers are allowed 40 kilograms, or about 88 pounds, plus a ski bag and a golf bag. For business class, you can have 30 kilograms, or about 66 pounds, plus one ski bag. For economy class, you are allowed 20 kilograms, or about 44 pounds, plus one ski bag.