The Lufthansa Group is expanding the Economy Basic fare to almost all European flights
The Lufthansa Group continues to change the way it sells airline tickets on the European market. After introducing the Economy Basic fare on selected routes in the spring, the company has expanded its availability to almost all European routes as of October 6, for travel starting from October 27, 2026.
The new tariff structure includes the carriers of the Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and Brussels Airlines. This further brings traditional network carriers closer to the model of low-cost airlines, where passengers supplement the basic ticket with services tailored to their own needs.
What does Economy Basic include and how much does additional luggage cost?
Economy Basic is intended for passengers who want the lowest available price and travel with minimal luggage. The price includes only one personal item, for example a small backpack or a laptop bag with a maximum dimensions of 40 × 30 × 15 centimeters.
Standard cabin baggage up to eight kilograms is not included in the price, but can be purchased additionally, at an initial fee of 15 euros. Checked baggage and seat selection are also charged separately.
Tickets purchased under the Economy Basic fare are not refundable or exchangeable. Passengers who have luggage not included in the purchased fare at the check-in counter may expect additional fees that are significantly higher.
New tariff available through NDC distribution
The way the new tariff is distributed is particularly important for travel agencies. Economy Basic is available through the direct sales channels of the Lufthansa Group and NDC technologies, including aggregators that support this mode of distribution.
Since October 6th, additional purchase of cabin baggage via NDC has also been enabled. Agencies can thus offer the basic ticket and adapt it to the needs of passengers without the need to redirect to the airline's websites.
What does the change mean for the Croatian and regional market?
The extension of the Economy Basic fare is relevant also for passengers from Croatia, Slovenia and other countries in the region, especially on European flights and connections via hubs. Lufthansa Group.
Lower starting prices can increase the competitiveness of the offer, but travel agencies will have to more clearly display what is included in the ticket. Specifically, after adding cabin baggage, seat selection or checked baggage, the total price of the trip can be significantly higher than initially displayed.
It is also important that the new European fare rules do not apply to European segments that are part of a single intercontinental ticket with an appropriate associated fare.
Although Economy Basic gives passengers an additional option of choice, it brings another reason for agencies to compare the total cost of the trip, not just the lowest available fares.
