- United Airlines makes it easy with separate rules for carry-on and checked baggage. For starters, you get one free personal item at no cost. Travel light and hassle-free!
United Carry-on Baggage
- Size Limits:
- Carry-on bags should fit within 22 x 35 x 56cm or 9 x 14 x 22in, including handles and wheels.
- Passengers can also bring one personal item, measuring 22 x 25 x 43cm or 9 x 10 x 17in.
- Allowances:
- Unless you are in Basic Economy, you are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item.
- Basic Economy passengers can carry only a personal item on board United flights.
- You can also bring these other things on the plane for free:
- Food or things you buy at the airport
- Assistive devices like a cane, crutches, collapsible wheelchair, prescription medication devices, or a portable oxygen concentrator
- Child restraint system or safety seat that's FAA-approved
- Diaper bag
- Umbrella
- Pet carrier (but there might be charges)
- Jacket
- Reading material
- Breast pump
- Camera
Carry-on Baggage Allowance Tips
- Basic Economy travelers can only have 1 personal item, except on transatlantic flights.
- If Basic Economy passengers bring a full carry-on bag (except on transatlantic routes), they must check it at the gate and pay the checked baggage fee plus a USD 25 gate handling fee.
- But, if you're a Premier member or have a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, you're exempt—you can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item, even with a Basic Economy fare.
- Be careful about the size of your carry-on bag; if it's too big, you'll have to pay extra.
United Airlines Carry-on Baggage Fees
- Basic Economy Fee: Basic Economy passengers pay USD 25 for a full-sized carry-on bag.
- Other Ticket Types: No carry-on fee for other ticket types.
- Oversized Bags: If your carry-on is too big, it will be checked to your final destination, and you'll be charged the applicable checked baggage fee.
- Your allowance depends on your travel class and route.
- For Economy and Premium Economy fares, keep your bag under 50lb/23kg.
- If you're in Business or First-Class, your limit is 70lb/32kg.
- Ensure your bag's total size doesn't go beyond 158cm/62in.
- Weight Limits: The weight allowance for checked bags depends on your class of service or MileagePlus status.
- Priority Rule: If your class of service allowance differs from your MileagePlus status, the larger of the two will apply
- Economy (except Basic Economy):
- Max Weight/Bag: 50lb/23kg
- Max Size/Bag: 62 inches/158cm
- Premium Economy:
- Max Weight/Bag: 50lb/23kg
- Max Size/Bag: 62 inches/158cm
- Business:
- Max Weight/Bag: 70lb/32kg
- Max Size/Bag: 62 inches/158cm
- First Class:
- Max Weight/Bag: 70lb/32kg
- Max Size/Bag: 62 inches/158cm
- MileagePlus Status (Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Star Alliance Gold):
- Max Weight/Bag: 70lb/32kg
- Max Size/Bag: 62 inches/158cm
- Important to Note:
- Handles and wheels are part of your bag's size.
- Extra charges apply for oversized and overweight bags.
- If you have fragile items, get a ticket to carry them on the plane.
- Use the free baggage calculator if you're unsure about your baggage.
- United Airlines does not have a simple fee table. They use their free baggage calculator to check fees.
- For North American Economy Class flights, booking checked bags online 24+ hours before departure costs USD 30 for the first bag and USD 40 for the second.
- With a payment of USD 5 at the airport, it is USD 35 for the first bag and USD 45 for the second.
- When traveling between the USA and Mexico, the second bag fee is USD 55.
- Fees vary based on your route and travel class.
- The cost also depends on how you pay—online or at the airport (with a USD 5 difference).
The international baggage fees on United Airlines
- USA and Canada/Caribbean excl. Cuba/Central America:
- Economy (Basic, Plus, Full): Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 40, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Premium Economy: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Business: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- First: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- USA and South America:
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- (Colombia: USD 100; Ecuador: USD 40)
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- USA and India/Middle East/Europe:
- Economy (Basic Economy: USD 60), Bag #2 - USD 100, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Premium Economy: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Business: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- First: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- USA and Australia/New Zealand/East Asia:
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, (New Zealand: USD 100), Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- USA and Mexico:
- Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 55, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- USA and Cuba:
- Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 100, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 100, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Please Note: Baggage allowances for active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents:
- Official Business: 5 free checked bags (70lb/32kg, 254cm/100 inches).
- Personal Travel: 3 free checked bags (70lb/32kg, 157cm/62 inches).
- Dependents on the Same Booking: They get the same baggage allowance unless the military personnel is on official orders.
- Exception for Guatemala and El Salvador:
- Bag #2 costs USD 100.
- Bag #3+ costs USD 300 for Guatemala and USD 500 for El Salvador.
- Passengers in Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class can carry up to 2 bags for free.
- The weight limit for Premium Economy is 50lb/23kg per bag.
- The weight limit for Business and First-Class is 70lb/32kg per bag.
United Checked Baggage Fees by Travel Class
- USA and Canada/Caribbean excl. Cuba/Central America:
- Economy (Basic, Plus, Full): Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 40, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Premium Economy: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Business: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- First: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- USA and Mexico:
- Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 55, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 180
- USA and Cuba:
- Bag #1 - USD 30, Bag #2 - USD 100, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 500
- USA and Australia/New Zealand/East Asia:
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, (New Zealand: USD 100), Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- USA and South America:
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, (Colombia: USD 100; Ecuador: USD 40), Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 150
- USA and India/Middle East/Europe:
- Economy (Basic Economy: USD 60), Bag #2 - USD 100, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Premium Economy: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Business: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- First: Bag #1 - Free, Bag #2 - Free, Bag #3+ - USD 200
- Important to Note:
- Official Business: Active-duty military and dependents get 5 free checked bags (70lb/32kg, 254cm/100 inches).
- Personal Travel: For personal travel, it's 3 free checked bags (70lb/32kg, 157cm/62 inches).
- Dependents on the Same Booking: Dependents have the same allowance unless the military person is on official orders.
- Exception for Guatemala and El Salvador:
- Bag #2 costs USD 100.
- Bag #3+ costs USD 300 for Guatemala and USD 500 for El Salvador.
- Official Business: Active-duty military and dependents get 5 free checked bags (70lb/32kg, 254cm/100 inches).
- Personal Travel: For personal travel, it's 3 free checked bags (70lb/32kg, 157cm/62 inches).
- Dependents on the Same Booking: Dependents have the same allowance unless the military person is on official orders.
- Dependents on Personal Business: If dependents are on personal business, they will follow the standard baggage rules and fees based on their fare type.
- Fee Calculator: Use the free baggage fee calculator on the United Airlines website for your specific route.
- Oversize Baggage Fees: Bags measuring between 63 – 115 inches in linear dimensions will be charged USD 200 to 400 per bag, depending on the destination.
- Overweight Baggage Fees:
- For Economy Class passengers with bags weighing 51 – 70lb (23 – 32kg), fees range from USD 100 to 400 per bag, depending on the route.
Use the baggage calculator to get the exact excess baggage amount
- Bags weighing between 70 – 100lb (32 – 45kg) incur fees ranging from USD 200 to 600 per bag, depending on the route.
- Overweight & Oversize Baggage Fees (By Size & Weight):
- Within the U.S.A. and Canada:
- Oversized Bags (63 – 115in): USD 200
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 100
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 200
- U.S.A. to/from Cancun/Merida/Cozumel:
- Oversized Bags: USD 200 – 400 (depending on the airport)
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 100
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 200
- U.S.A. to/from Mexico (excl. Cancun/Merida/Cozumel):
- Oversized Bags: USD 200 – 400 (depending on the airport)
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 100
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 200
- U.S.A. to/from Cozumel/the Caribbean (excl. U.S.V.I., Puerto Rico, Cuba):
- Oversized Bags: USD 200 – 400 (depending on the airport)
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 200
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 400
- U.S.A to/from U.S.V.I., Puerto Rico:
- Oversized Bags: USD 200
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 100
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 200
- U.S. to/from Central America (excl. Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador):
- Oversized Bags: USD 200 – 300 (depending on the airport)
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 200
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 400
- U.S. to/from Cuba:
- Oversized Bags: USD 400
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 400
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 600
- U.S.A. to/from Guatemala:
- Oversized Bags: USD 250
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 250
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 450
- U.S. to/from Panama:
- Oversized Bags: USD 200 – 300 (depending on the airport)
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 100 (USD 200 from Washington, DC)
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 200 (USD 400 from Washington, DC)
- U.S.A. to/from El Salvador:
- Oversized Bags: USD 300
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 300
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 500
- U.S.A. to/from South America (excl. Brazil):
- Oversized Bags: USD 200 – 400 (depending on the airport)
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 200
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 400
- U.S.A. to/from Brazil:
- Oversized Bags: USD 200
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 100 (USD 200 from Washington, DC)
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 200 (USD 400 from Washington, DC)
- U.S.A. to/from India/Middle East/Africa/Europe:
- Oversized Bags: USD 200
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 200
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 400
- U.S.A. to/from Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia:
- Oversized Bags: USD 200
- Overweight Bags (51 – 70lb): USD 200
- Overweight Bags (71 – 100lb): USD 400
- Note:
- Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding 292cm/115 inches won't be accepted.
- Overweight Bags:
- Bags surpassing 100lbs/45kg won't be accepted, except:
- Musical instruments weighing up to 165 lbs/75kg.
- All assistive devices.
- Excess Baggage Defined: Anything beyond your allowed baggage is excess baggage.
- Fee Range: United Airlines charges USD 150 – 500 per bag for excess baggage, depending on your route.
- Note on Specific Destinations: Destinations like Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, and Auckland have limits on overweight, oversized, and extra checked bags.
- Check-in Advance: Always check in advance, as some items may require special arrangements, like checking in a box instead of a bag.
- Sporting Equipment: During embargoes, you may not be allowed to check in large sporting equipment such as surfboards and bicycles. Be sure to check in advance.
- United Airlines gives extra baggage perks to MileagePlus members based on their travel class and membership status.
United Airlines Additional Baggage Allowance for MileagePlus Members
- Premier Silver:
- United Business, United First, United Polaris: 3 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag
- Economy Class to/from the USA (Continental, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Central America, The Caribbean): 1 bag x 70lb/32kg per bag
- Premier Gold:
- Economy Class to/from the USA (Continental, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Central America, The Caribbean): 2 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag
- Economy Class to/from the USA (South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, The Middle East): 3 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag
- Premier Platinum:
- Economy Class to/from the USA (South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, The Middle East): 3 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag
- Premier 1K:
- Economy Class to/from the USA (South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, The Middle East): 3 bags x 70lb/32kg per bag
- Economy Class to/from all other destinations, including Micronesia and Asia: Standard baggage allowance PLUS 1 bag x 70lb/32kg
- Note:
- For MileagePlus Premier Members: Passengers on the same booking enjoy the same exemptions as the Premier member.
- For Star Alliance Gold Members:
- On domestic flights, the first checked bag (50lb/23kg) is free.
- On international flights, 2-3 checked bags (50lb/23kg each) are free.
- Free to Carry:
- As cabin baggage if it fits within your hand baggage.
- As checked baggage, if it fits, is suitably packed, and not restricted.
- For a Fee: If you have already used up your baggage allowance.
- For Bicycles: Packed bikes weighing 51–100, measuring under 158cm/62in, can be checked for a one-way fee of USD 150 (US, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico) or USD 200 (international).
- For Rebreather or Dive Tanks: Up to 3 rebreather tanks or 1 dive tank can be checked for a one-way fee of USD 150 (US, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico) or USD 200 (international).
- Not Accepted as Checked Baggage: Kayaks and Canoes.
- Allowed Sporting Equipment (Subject to Restrictions):
- Golf equipment
- Bicycles
- Tennis equipment
- Windsurfing equipment
- Camping equipment
- Bowling equipment
- Baseball equipment
- Wave ski
- Surfboards, wakeboards, and paddleboards
- Ski and snowboard equipment
- Boogie/skim/speed boards
- Skating equipment
- Scuba gear
- Pool cues
- Pole vaulting equipment
- Parachutes and parasails
- Paintball equipment
- Oars
- Life jackets
- Kiteboards
- Kayaks or canoes
- Javelins
- Hockey or lacrosse equipment
- Hang gliding equipment
- Gymnastic equipment
- Fishing equipment
- Firearms
- Fencing and kendo equipment
- Archery equipment
- For Current Regulations and Fees: Check the sports equipment page on the airline's website.
- United Airlines permits FAA-compliant CPAP devices, respirators, and ventilators on board with the right documentation.
- To bring such a device, contact United’s accessibility desk at 1-800-228-2744 at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Since not all aircraft have in-seat power, ensure you have fully charged batteries, allowing for at least 3 extra hours in case of delays.
- Prepaying Options:
- Online: At least 24 hours before your flight to save money.
- At the airport during check-in: Pay by credit card.
- At the curbside: Pay by credit card.
- How to Prepay Baggage Fees Online:
- Go to United.com.
- From the top pane, select "My trips."
- Enter your confirmation number and last name, then click on "Search."
- Select your flight, add the bags, and proceed to payment.
- Note: During check-in, if adding bags, recover your flight from the Check-in tab instead of My Trips.
- Mobile App Option: You can also purchase baggage through the United Airlines mobile app.
- Small Instruments: Instruments like violins can be carried onboard in the overhead bin or under your front seat as a personal item.
- Large Instruments: Those weighing up to 165lbs/75kg are allowed as checked baggage, but fees apply.
- Packing Requirements: All musical instruments must be properly packed in a hard case.
- Fees: Overweight and oversized instruments will incur extra charges according to baggage rules.
- Note: Basic Economy fare passengers need to replace their item allowance with a musical instrument. If it cannot fit in the cabin, a USD 25 fee (or more for overweight/oversized) is charged for checking.
- If you find items missing from your checked baggage, follow these steps:
- For Domestic Flights:
- Report missing items to the airport Baggage Service Office immediately after arrival.
- Alternatively, call the Baggage Service Center at +1-800-335-2247 within 24 hours after arrival.
- For International Flights (Outside the U.S. and Canada):
- Report missing items to the airport Baggage Service Office immediately after arrival.
- Call 1-281-821-3526.
- Submit a written report within 7 days after arrival.
- You can claim missing contents, missing baggage for up to 7 days (or 21 days if delayed), damaged checked baggage, and damage to checked baggage contents according to United's lost baggage claim policy.
- At the Airport:
- Go to the airport Baggage Service Office (near the baggage claim area).
- A United Airlines representative will:
- Examine the damage.
- Provide you with a file number.
- Ask you to complete the damaged baggage claim form if required.
- If You Have Left the Airport:
- For flights to/from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, report damaged bags in person to the airport Baggage Service Office within 24 hours to be eligible for repair or replacement.
- For all international flights, report damaged bags within 7 days, either in writing or in person, to the airport Baggage Service Office for eligibility for repair or replacement.
- Passengers cannot carry the following items on any United Airlines reservations:
- Camping equipment containing fuel
- Self-balancing or self-riding bags
- Defense sprays (mace, pepper, tear gas, etc.)
- Explosives (fireworks, flares, gunpowder, etc.)
- Ready-to-eat meals (MREs) with flameless heaters
- Smart bags with fixed batteries
- Shock absorbers
- Tasers
- The following certain items have some restrictions to ensure safety:
- The items must not exceed 100ml (3.4 ounces).
- You must pack them in a clear bag.
- If placing these items in your checked bag, each container size should not exceed 16 ounces, with a total limit of 70 ounces per passenger.
- The items are:
- Hairspray
- Deodorants
- Nail polish
- Perfumes
- Certain medicines
- Stun guns
- Smart bags
- Scuba tanks
- Self-propelled recreational vehicles, riding suitcases, and hoverboards
- Mobility devices
- Lighters, matches, and e-cigarettes
- Life jackets
- Household items
- Gasoline-powered tools and equipment
- Firearms
- Dry shippers and liquid nitrogen
- Dry ice
- Batteries
- Avalanche packs
- Container Size: If you are flying from U.S. airports, each container of toiletries with liquids, creams, or aerosols should not be more than 3.4 ounces.
- Hand Sanitizers: Hand sanitizers of up to 12 ounces are allowed in carry-on bags, but they'll go through a separate screening, so be ready for a little extra time.
- Transparent Bags: Toiletries should be in transparent, sealable quart-sized bags for easy inspection.
- Post-Security Purchases: Items like toiletries and beverages bought after passing security are generally allowed on board.
- Special Items: Certain items like baby foods, juice, milk, and medications over 3.4 ounces might be allowed but need to be declared to the TSA during checkpoint screening. Travel smart and make your journey hassle-free!
- Key points to remember while flying with United Airlines
- Before packing, review the baggage allowance for your specific ticket type and route. Different classes and destinations may have varying allowances.
- United Airlines provides a baggage calculator tool online. Use it to determine the exact fees and allowances based on your travel details.
- Save money by prepaying your baggage fees online at least 24 hours before your flight. This can be done through the United Airlines website or mobile app.
- If you are a MileagePlus member, check the additional baggage allowance based on your membership status, travel class, and route.
- Understand the fees for excess baggage. If you exceed the allowed weight or number of bags, be prepared to pay additional charges.
- If you are carrying special items or sports equipment, familiarize yourself with the policies and fees associated with these items. Some may require special handling.
- In case of damaged or missing items from your checked baggage, report it immediately to the Baggage Service Office. Follow the specific procedures based on your flight type (domestic or international).
- Follow these tips to get a smoother and more cost-effective experience with United Airlines' baggage policy.
- Q: Do you get two free checked bags with United Airlines?
- A: For domestic Economy Class flights within the U.S., you need to purchase your baggage allowance. However, on Premium Plus, Business, and First Class fares, you'll enjoy 2 free checked bags. Premium Plus bags should not exceed 50lb/23kg, while Business and First Class bags have a limit of 70lb/32kg.
- Premier status members get 1-3 complimentary bags, each weighing 70lb/32kg, based on membership, travel class, and route.
- Q: How much does it cost to check a bag on United Airlines?
- A: For domestic United flights (prepaid online), the first bag costs USD 30, the second is USD 40, and 3 or more bags cost USD 150 each. Checking at the airport is USD 5 more than prepaid.
- Q: What is the baggage allowance for business class on United Airlines?
- A: Business Class allows 2 bags, each up to 70lb/32kg. MileagePlus members can bring extra baggage based on membership, route, and class.
- Q: How much luggage is allowed on United Airlines International Economy?
- A: International Economy passengers can check up to two bags, each weighing less than 70 pounds (32 kilograms), with no oversized or extra bags allowed.
- Q: How much luggage can I check in internationally?
- A: Typically, most international flights allow 1-2 checked pieces, each weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and having dimensions around 62 inches (158 centimeters).
For any clarification or concern, feel free to contact us as per the mentioned contact information. Call us for Exclusive Fares
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