United Airlines Baggage Policy

United Airlines allows travelers to bring one carry-on & personal item for free on all United flights.

The clock is ticking down towards the day of your trip, but you're still in the dark figuring out theUnited Airlines baggage fee and allowance. Here's a complete and revamped guidebook on United Airlines baggage policy.

Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning your first trip with United Airlines, mastering the ins and outs of baggage allowances, restrictions, and fees is vital to ensure an effortless and hassle-free travel experience.

This makes the process a headache for some travelers. But if you spend ample time reviewing our airline baggage guide it shouldn't be a problem. It will be just as effortless as zipping your suitcase.

In this United Airlines baggage guide, we will answer all your queries about how to become a pro in managing your luggage when flying with United Airlines.

Read More: United Check-in Guide 2024!

What is United Airlines Baggage Policy?

United Airlines baggage policy allows all passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one extra personal item on the flight for free.

• Carry-on: Remember, the baggage must fit in the overhead cabin with the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inches requirement, including the wheels and handles.
• Personal item: This must fit under the seat in front of you with the standard 17 x 10 x 9 inches requirement.

The baggage limit varies by ticket type, so check the standard limit or requirement according to your ticket.

What Additional Items Can You Bring on Board?

Along with your carry-on bag and a personal item, you can bring these items without additional charges:

• Jacket or coat
• Umbrella or raincoat
• Books, novels, or magazines
• Food edibles purchased at the airport
• Kid strollers
• Camera

What are the Types of United Airlines Baggage Fees?

United Airlines has four main baggage sections for charging fees whereas your baggage allowance may vary depending on factors such as your elite status, the United credit card you use for payment, your travel route, and the fare you've booked.

• Checked Baggage
• Carry-on Baggage
• Overweight Baggage
• Oversized Baggage

The fee charged for United baggage policies usually depends on factors such as the type of baggage required and what credit cards you must use to access the basic baggage benefits.

Check out these United Airlines baggage fees requirements to experience a safe & comfortable travel experience for your next trip with United Airlines.

Fond Tip: When preparing for your next trip, don't forget to review the guidelines for carrying special items like electronic devices, fragile objects, hazardous materials, and sports equipment. It's always good to stay informed before you head to the airport!

What is United Airlines carry-on baggage fees?

United Airlines carry-on baggage fees vary for different categories of items, such as personal items checked for free and carry-on baggage. You can check and calculate your baggage fees online at the Baggage fee calculator.

In cases of overweight & excess baggage there is an additional fee to be charged by the united airline for carry-on baggage.

What is United Airlines Checked Baggage Fee?

For passengers traveling in economy class, there is a distinct fee for United Checked Baggage for the first bag, $ 40, and the second bag, $50. Passengers traveling in other classes can check up to two bags for free without any additional costs.

Checked bags on United Airlines can be a maximum size of 30 x 20 x 12 or 62 total inches, including the weight of wheels and handles. The weight limit depends on which cabin you booked and your elite status

United Airlines Domestic baggage fees

On domestic flights, economy class passengers who reserve exemptions for elite status or co-branded credit cards can expect to pay $40 (or $35 if prepaid) for the first checked bag and $50 ($45 if prepaid) for the second checked bag. Premium economy, business, and first-class passengers acquire up to two checked bags free of charge.

Fond Tip: Traveling with checked bags? Prepay for your baggage in advance before your day of travel to save time and money. Take advantage of the convenience and enjoy some extra cash in your pockets.

United Airlines International baggage fees

On international flight routes, economy passengers generally obtain one or two free checked bags, depending on the destination's location. However, there are additional fees for all passengers to check more baggage.

Steps to Check United International Baggage Fees

When traveling internationally, the fees for checking in your bags are primarily determined by your seating class and destination.

• The standard checked bag fee requirement for passengers flying from the U.S. to destinations like Europe, Africa, South America & Asia catching international flights with United Airlines are shown below,

• The standard checked bag fee requirement for the passengers flying from the U.S. to/from destinations like Canada, the Caribbean, Central America & Mexico catching international flights with United Airlines are shown below,

Do check the United Airlines baggage international fees to save extra time and effort. Check out the other airlines guides stating the ins and outs of baggage fees and allowances.

Read More: Best Day to book a flight on United Airlines 2024!

United Airlines baggage fees for basic economy

When you choose the basic economy fare, you'll enjoy a lower price, but remember that it comes with a few limitations, such as seat assignment, carry-on baggage, and upgrades.

Fond Tip: If you want more flexibility, you can add benefits like the option to change or cancel your flight, bring a carry-on bag, choose your own seat, or upgrade to Economy Plus® or a premium cabin with Fond Travels.

How to Avoid Overweight baggage fee for United Airlines?

To avoid overweight baggage fees on United Airlines, weigh your bag at home, pack efficiently, check United baggage policies online, purchase extra allowance in advance, and utilize a portable scale for a stress-free trip with Fond Travels.

• Check Baggage Weight at Home: Use a weighing scale to ensure that your bag meets all the United Airlines standard weight limits.
• Pack Strategically: Remove all fragile items like glassware, electronics, and non-essential items such as bulky shoes or extra toiletries. Pack efficiently to check standard weights and stay within the limits, giving you a sense of organization and efficiency for your trip.
• Check Allowances: It's crucial to understand all baggage rules for your fare class and destination in the United Airlines baggage Guidebook. This will keep you well informed and prepared for your journey.
• Pre-Purchase Additional Allowance: You can purchase the extra baggage allowance online at a lower rate to stay ahead of your travel plans and ensure you're prepared for any extra United Airlines carry-on baggage weight requirements.
• Upgrade Your Ticket: Consider upgrading to a higher fare class. These often come with more generous United Airlines baggage allowances, giving you more flexibility and comfort during your journey.

How to Avoid Excess baggage fee for United Airlines?

There are various strategies for avoiding United Airlines baggage fees when bringing checked baggage on an upcoming United flight. Let's check these best tips:

Elite status allowances

All four status levels in the United's MileagePlus program offerchecked bag benefits for those flying within the U.S. States and between the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

• Premier Silver members and up to nine accompanying travelers on the same reservation enjoy complimentary first-checked United baggage on all flights. The weight limit is 70 pounds per bag.
• A Premier Gold member and up to nine companions on the same reservation can enjoy the privilege of checking up to two bags for free on all flights, each weighing up to 70 pounds.
• Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members are entitled to check three bags weighing up to 70 pounds each on all their itineraries and on the itineraries of up to nine traveling companions on the same reservation.
• As a Star Alliance Gold member, you'll enjoy the perk of receiving a complimentary first checked bag on all United flights.

Credit cards

United has several credit cards that offer baggage fee waivers. The United Explorer Card and United Business Card give the primary cardholder and one traveling companion a free first-checked bag on all United flights. However, you must book the flight with your Credit Card to receive this benefit when flying with United Airlines.

Always understand the proper credit card guidelines, as some restrictions apply when using your credit card to book travel adventures.

Book a premium-class cabin

You'll receive an increased United baggage allowance if you're flying in first-class domestic or international business class. Passengers traveling in a premium cabin can check at least two checked bags for no additional costs.

Read More: United Premium Plus!

Travel Card Credits

Several travel rewards cards offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases. Some cards offer credit that you can use for various travel purchases, and they usually cost $300 for an annual travel credit. Some American Express cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, offer yearly credits for incidental airline fees. If you enroll in this benefit and select United as your airline, your baggage fees could be eligible for reimbursement through this credit.

In these ways, you can easily avoid excess baggage restrictions by using various insightful tips to make your travel stress-free here at Fond Travels.

What are the United Baggage Restrictions?

United Airlines has detailed baggage restrictions and fees that you should be aware of before planning a trip & booking tickets for United:

Carry-On Baggage

• Number of bags: One carry-on bag and one personal item are normally allowed.
• Item Restrictions: Some items, such as oversized musical instruments or sports equipment, may have explicit rules or require advance notice.
• Weight restrictions: There might be weight limits for carry-on bags, especially on all domestic & international flights.

Checked Baggage

• Number of bags: It depends on your ticket type, fare class, and MileagePlus status.
• Weight restrictions: The cost will change depending on the ticket class and the specific route you choose.
• Oversized baggage: Extra charges may be incurred for bags that exceed weight or size limits.
• Prohibited items: Remember, certain items, like hazardous materials, aren't allowed in checked baggage.

Check these crucial baggage restrictions to efficiently check-in before flying with United Airlines. There are also restrictions on carrying electronic devices, fragile and valuable items, dangerous goods, and sporting goods.

Conclusion: Master United Airlines Baggage Fees

Navigating United Airlines baggage policy doesn't have to be a challenge. You can sidestep extra fees and enjoy a smoother journey by understanding your allowance, packing smart, and leveraging tools like pre-purchased baggage or credit card perks. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, staying informed and planning ensures your trip is as carefree as possible. So, pack your bags confidently and contact our travel experts at +1-571-389-6426 to take you to your destination without facing baggage blues. Safe travels and happy flying with Fond Travels.

FAQ’s