Information about United baggage fees, baggage policy, and baggage allowance Show
United Airlines’ baggage policy, incl. for overweight/oversized baggage, is similar to that of most U.S. airlines. One thing to note is that Economy Class fares are split into 2 types: Basic Economy and Standard Economy, which is important to remember for your carry-on allowance. Below is a snapshot of United Airlines baggage policy, fees, and allowance:
Exception. Basic Economy passengers are allowed only 1 personal item of the same dimensions as above. If you bring a full carry-on bag, you will need to check it in and pay the applicable checked baggage fee plus a USD 25 gate handling fee unless you’re a Premier member or hold a qualifying MileagePlus credit card. However, Basic Economy passengers travelling on transatlantic flights are allowed to carry 1 standard carry-on bag and 1 personal item of the same dimensions as above.
United Airlines Carry-on Baggage
United Airlines Carry-on Baggage Allowance. The carry-on baggage policy at United Airlines allows most travellers to bring 1 full-sized carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free. However, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare can bring only 1 personal item on board for free (except on transatlantic trips, where they’re allowed the same baggage allowance). The carry-on luggage rules on flights operated by United’s partners and codeshare flights may be different, so do check with the airlines before travelling if your itinerary includes a flight with them.
Other Items You’re Permitted to Carry on Board for Free
Carry-on Baggage Allowance Tips
United Airlines Carry-on Baggage Fees What are United Airlines baggage fees for carry on bags? Aside from the USD 25 fee thatBasic Economy passengers must pay for bringing a full-sized carry-on bag, United Airlines does not charge a carry-on fee for any ticket. However, if your carry-on bag is bigger than the maximum size permitted, your bag will be checked to your final destination but you will be charged the applicable checked baggage fee. United Baggage Allowance Per United Airlines checked baggage policy, your checked baggage allowance (by weight and size) will depend on your travel class and route. According to the checked baggage rules, a single checked bag must not exceed 50lb/23kg for Economy and Premium Economy fares and 70lb/32kg for Business and First-Class fares. Plus, the combined linear dimensions of a single checked bag must not exceed 158cm/62in.
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United Airlines Baggage Fees What are the baggage fees at United Airlines? United Airlines does not provide an easy-to-glance baggage fees table but recommends all passengers use their free baggage calculator tool to assess the baggage fees. However, if you’re flying within North America on an Economy Class fare and you purchase your checked baggage online more than 24 hours prior to departure, you will typically pay USD 30 and USD 40 for your first and second bag respectively. But if you pay at the airport, the fee goes up by USD 5, which means you will have to pay USD 35 and USD 45 for the first and second bags. If you’re travelling between USA and Mexico, the second bag will cost you USD 55. United Airlines International Baggage Fees What are the United baggage fees for international routes? United Airlines’ international baggage fees payable online/at the airport will depend on your route, travel class, and how you pay the baggage fee—online or at the airport (USD 5 costlier). The international baggage fees on United are shown in the table below:
United Airlines Checked Baggage Fees What is the United checked baggage fee? Passengers travelling on Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class fares can check in up to 2 bags for free. The maximum weight limit for Premium Economy fares is 50lb/23kg per bag and 70lb/32kg per bag for Business and First-Class fares. United Airlines baggage fees (international) and checked baggage allowance by travel class are shown in the table below.
United Airlines Military Baggage Policy Per United Airlines military baggage policy, active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents are entitled to a free baggage allowance of:
Dependents travelling on the same booking are allowed the same baggage allowance unless the military personnel is travelling ahead on official orders. Dependents travelling on personal business will be subject to the standard baggage allowance and fees, depending on their fare type. Overweight and
Oversized Baggage Fees As with checked baggage, United Airlines recommends that you use their free baggage fee calculator tool to calculate the baggage fees on your specific route. If you’re travelling with overweight or oversized bags, you will be charged for it, depending on your route. The overweight and oversized baggage fees charged by United Airlines are typically as follows:
To know the exact excess baggage amount, use the baggage calculator. After viewing your results, check the box for Additional and other bag charges.
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United Excess Baggage Fees United baggage fees for excess baggage Anything additional baggage that you may be carrying above your baggage allowance is considered excess baggage. The excess baggage fees charged by United Airlines range from USD 150 – 500 per bag, depending on your route. Note
United MileagePlus Baggage Policy—Additional Free Baggage What is United Airlines’ luggage policy for MileagePlus members? United Airlines baggage policy provides additional baggage allowance for MileagePlus members, depending on their travel class and membership status, as shown in the table below.
United Airlines Sports Equipment Policy What is the United Airlines baggage policy for sporting equipment? United Airlines’ baggage policy for sporting equipment allows you to carry your sports equipment:
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The sporting equipment you’re allowed to carry—subject to restrictions—includes:
To see the current packing regulations and fees, visit the sports equipment page. CPAP Devices United Airlines baggage policy allows you to carry FAA-compliant CPAP devices, respirators, and ventilators on board with proper documentation. If you’re carrying such a device, you will need to contact United’s accessibility desk at 1-800-228-2744 at least 48 hours before departure. As in-seat power may not be available on all aircraft, make sure you’re carrying fully-charged batteries— with at least 3 hours of extra time for delays and disruptions. How to Pay Baggage Fees on United Airlines How to pay baggage fees online on United You can prepay your baggage fee:
How to Prepay United Baggage Fees Online How do I prepay the baggage fee online? To prepay your baggage fees online, you will have to retrieve your flight and follow the prompts to pay your baggage fees as explained. An illustration of the My trips tab on United Airlines’ website for paying baggage fees online
Note. If you’re adding bags during the check-in window, retrieve your flight from the Check-in tab (instead of My trips).You can also pay to purchase your baggage via the mobile app. United Airlines Musical Instruments PolicyWhat is the United baggage policy for musical instruments? United Airlines’ baggage policy for musical instruments allows you to carry small and large musical instruments—subject to the following conditions:
Note. If you’re traveling on a Basic Economyfare, you’ll need to carry your musical instrument in place of the personal item you’re permitted to carry. If it cannot be stored in the cabin, you’ll need to check it for a USD 25 fee (or more if it’s overweight and/or oversized). What to do if Items are Missing from Your Checked BaggageAccording to the United lost baggage claim policy, you can claim the following items:
If you discover any missing items from your checked baggage:
Download the Claim Form
How to Report Damage to a Bag or Contents
Helpful Links
Banned and Restricted ItemsThe following items are banned on all United Airlines reservations:
Dangerous Items with Some Restrictions The following items have some restrictions. They must not exceed 100ml (3.4 ounces) and must be packed in a clear bag. If you’re placing the items in your checked bag, the container size must not exceed 16 ounces— or a total of 70 ounces per passenger.
Other items with restrictions include:
Liquids, Creams, Aerosols, and PowdersIf you’re traveling with liquids, creams, aerosols, and powders, remember the following:
For more information, visit this page. Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Baggage PolicyUnited Airlines baggage policy allows all passengers to carry 1 personal item onboard free of charge, provided it fits under your front seat. Personal items can include small backpacks, briefcases, and purses that are not more than 43cm x 25cm x 22cm (17in x 10in x 9in) in size. Other than Basic Economy passengers, all passengers can also bring 1 carry-on bag onboard free of charge. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin, and must not be larger than 56cm x 35cm x 22cm (22in x 14in x 9in). If you’re travelling on a Basic Economy fare and bring a carry-on bag, you’ll be charged the applicable checked baggage fee plus a service fee of USD 25. However, this
will not apply on trans-Atlantic flights, provided that they are operated by United Airlines or United Express. On such flights, your baggage allowance is the same as that for Standard Economy fares, so you’re allowed to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag like others. United Airlines carry-on size is:
56cm x 35cm x 22cm for the standard carry-on bag Per United Airlines baggage policy for Basic Economy fares, your carry-on baggage allowance is the same as that for standard Economy fares if you’re flying on a trans-Pacific flight to/from the U.S., or on a transatlantic flight (any flight to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe) to/from the U.S., Central America, and Mexico, as well as to/from Panama, El Salvador, and South America, as long as it is operated by United Airlines or United Express. On remaining routes, Basic Economy fares allow you to bring only 1 personal item as carry-on baggage, as long as it fits under your front seat. The personal item can be a purse, laptop bag, shoulder bag, or a similar item that does not exceed
22 x 25 x 43cm (9 x 10 x 17in). You’re also allowed to carry mobility and assistive devices free of charge. You won’t be allowed to bring a full-sized carry-on bag unless you happen to be a MileagePlus Premier member, a Star Alliance Gold member, or a qualifying MileagePlus primary credit card member. The United Airlines baggage fee (2022) for Basic Economy is:
The United Economy baggage policy for normal Economy Class fares allows you to carry the following items free of cost:
Overweight and oversized bags will incur extra charges, depending on your route. Some sports equipment can be carried free, while others will incur additional charges. United Airlines baggage policy for international travel, i.e., flights to/from the United States are typically USD 0 for the first bag and USD 100 for the second bag. The checked baggage fee for Basic Economy tickets is USD 60 for the first bag and USD 100 USD for the second bag on transatlantic flights. On some routes, you’re allowed 2 checked bags as a standard baggage allowance. To know the exact baggage fee, check out the free Baggage Calculator on United’s website. United Airlines’ baggage allowance for international flights is as follows:
Premier status members can carry 70lb/32kg per bag, and the number of bags (ranging from 1 – 3) will depend on their membership status, travel class, and route. The United domestic baggage policy for standard checked baggage for flights within the United States is USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third bag—if you pay online at least 24 hours before departure. However, if you pay at the airport, it will cost you USD 5 extra per bag. The baggage allowance for United domestic flights within the United States is USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third and additional bags if you pay online at least 24 hours before departure. Paying at the airport will cost you an additional USD 5 per bag. The domestic baggage allowance for flights within the United States, incl. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is:
United Airlines’ baggage policy for military personnel applies to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents (if they’re travelling on the same booking). Under this policy, the free baggage allowance for eligible members is 5 FREE checked bags (70lb/32kg, 254cm/100in) on official business travel and 3 FREE checked bags (70lb/32kg, 157cm/62in) on personal travel. Dependents travelling on personal work are not entitled to any extra baggage allowance. Their baggage allowance will depend on the ticket purchased by them. United Airlines hand baggage allowance for all passengers (except Basic Economy) is 1 personal item (small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, or purse) plus 1 carry-on bag, both of which are allowed free of charge. The size of your carry-on bag must not be more than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in), incl. wheels and handles, and it must fit in the overhead bin or under your front seat. The size of your personal item must not exceed 41cm x 28cm x 20cm (16in x 11in x 8in), incl. wheels and handles, and it must fit under your front seat or in the overhead bin. The following items do not count toward your hand baggage allowance: an umbrella, jacket, diaper bag, and assistive devices. United Airlines Business Class hand baggage allowance is:
United Airlines does not specify a weight limit for cabin baggage, as long as you don’t exceed the cabin baggage size limit, which is:
What is the United Airlines carry on baggage weight allowance for international flights? United Airlines does not have a weight allowance limit for carry-on baggage—but has a size limit, which is:
56cm x 35cm x 22cm for the standard carry-on bag (must fit in the overhead bin) Under United Airlines Basic Economy baggage policy, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare are allowed to bring only 1 personal item onboard, such as a purse, small backpack, or small briefcase. The checked baggage allowance is free on select routes but subject to a fee on other routes. For example, United Airlines’ baggage policy for Basic Economy fares entitles you to a free checked baggage allowance on select routes, such as those between:
On other routes, the United Airlines baggage policy for Basic Economy fares requires you to pay a fee of USD 30 – 60 for the first checked bag and USD 40 – 100 for the second checked bag. United Airlines First Class baggage policy entitles First Class passengers to a free baggage allowance of:
2 free checked bags weighing up to 70lb/32kg each and measuring up to 157cm/62in The baggage size allowed on United Airlines is as follows:
United Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on baggage. However, the size limits must be adhered to. United Airlines domestic baggage fees for the first/second/third-plus bags (paid online) are:
Paying at the airport will cost you USD 5 per bag
extra. The baggage fees for United Economy Class fares (Basic, Plus, and Full fares), are USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third and additional bags. United Airlines baggage fees for bags weighing over 50 pounds are as follows:
USD 200 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds United Airlines’ international Economy baggage allowance is as follows:
USA and India/Middle East/Europe 1 FREE bag x 50lb/23kg United Airlines’ standard baggage allowance is as follows:
Premier members are allowed to carry 70lb/32kg per bag. However, the number of bags permitted (ranging from 1 to 3) will depend on the membership status, travel class, and route. The baggage allowance for United 1K members is 3 complimentary checked bags of up to 70lb/32kg each in all travel classes, incl. Economy Class. If your baggage or its contents have been damaged, you should do the following.
You should also consider filing a damaged bag claim. United Airlines Business Class baggage allowance is 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each on all routes. However, MileagePlus members are allowed additional baggage, depending on their membership status, travel class, and route. United Airlines Business Class baggage allowance on international flights is the same as that on domestic flights, i.e., 2 bags of 70lb/32kg each. MileagePlus members are entitled to free extra baggage, subject to membership status, travel class, and route. The checked baggage allowance for Business Class on United Airlines is 2 bags of up 70lb/32kg each. If you’re a MileagePlus member, you’re entitled to bring additional baggage, depending on your membership status, route, and travel class. The domestic flights’ baggage allowance at United Airlines is:
Premier status members are allowed extra baggage benefits, depending on their travel class, membership status, and route. United Airlines Economy Plus baggage allowance for domestic flights within the United States is:
Remember, the maximum weight of the bag must not exceed 50lb/23kg and its combined linear dimensions must not exceed 158cm/62in. The cost of checking a bag on domestic United flights (prepaid online) is USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for 3 or more bags (per bag). However, checking a bag at the airport will cost USD 5 more than the prepaid price. If you’re travelling on a domestic route within the U.S. on an Economy Class ticket, you must purchase your baggage allowance. On higher fares such as Premium Plus, Business, and First, you’re allowed to carry 2 bags for free. The weight limit for Premium Plus fares is 50lb/23kg per bag, whereas for Business and First Class fares it is 70lb/32kg per bag. Additional bags must be purchased for a fee. The combined linear dimensions of a
checked bag must not exceed 158cm/62in. OndomesticEconomy Class flights within the United States, you must purchase your baggage allowance. However, you will get 2 free checked bags on Premium Plus,
Business, and First Class fares. The weight of your bag must not exceed 50lb/23kg per bag on Premium Plus fares, and 70lb/32kg per bag on Business and First Class fares. According to United Airlines’ baggage weight policy, the maximum baggage weight allowed on United Airlines flights (to embargo-free destinations) is 100lb/45kg per bag unless you’re carrying a musical instrument for which the maximum weight limit is 165lb/75kg. United Airlines baggage allowance from India to the U.S.A. is as follows:
Note. Premier status members are allowed the same weight allowance of 70lb/32kg per bag. However, the number of bags permitted (ranging from 1 to 3) will depend on their membership status, travel class, and route. United Airlines does not specify a carry-on baggage weight allowance on international or domestic flights. However, there are size limits in place which must not be exceeded.
Remember, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare are allowed only 1 personal item of the same dimensions as above. United Airlines’ international Economy baggage allowance will depend on your route. On some international routes, you must purchase your baggage allowance.
The international Economy baggage allowance on the following routes is free for the first bag, but additional bags must be purchased.
Note. All Premier status members are allowed the same weight allowance of 70lb/32kg per bag, and the number of bags permitted will depend on their membership status, travel class, and route. United Airlines First Class baggage policy entitles First Class passengers to a baggage allowance of 2 free checked bags of up to 70lb/32kg each on all routes. However, all Premier members (i.e., Premier Silver/Gold/Platinum/1k are entitled to carry 3 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each (with a few exceptions). The United First Class baggage allowance per passenger is 2 checked bags not exceeding 70lb/32kg per bag in weight and 157cm/62in in combined linear dimensions. The free carry-on baggage allowance for First Class passengers is 1 personal item measuring up to 43cm x 25cm x 22cm plus 1 carry-on bag measuring up to 56cm x 35cm x 22cm. United Airlines baggage allowance on international flights for Economy Class fares is:
The baggage allowance for all other routes must be purchased. The international baggage allowance for Premium Plus fares is 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each. For Business and First Class fares, the international baggage allowance is 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each Premier status members are allowed 1 – 3 bags weighing up to 70lb/32kg each, depending on membership status, travel class, and route. Is United Airlines strict about carryWhen it comes to carry on size, United are fairly strict. Plus, they will be checking more thoroughly than other airlines given that Basic Economy ticket holders are only permitted to take one personal item. And given that their aircraft is often tight for space, this is where you could quite easily be caught out.
Can a 24 inch luggage be a carryCan a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines.
Can I carryCan I have a backpack and a carry-on on United? Yes, you're allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag (9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm)) and 1 personal item (9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm)) on most flights.
What size bag can you bring on United Basic Economy?For all other Basic Economy tickets, you'll be allowed to bring on board one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less.
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