United Airlines has a very flexible baggage policy so that the travellers can carry all that they need without having to worry about the baggage. Undoubtedly, the overweight or oversized fees are a little higher but apart from that the United Airlines Baggage policy has sufficient baggage allowance.

united airlines bag check process

If you are someone who is planning to travel with the United Airlines in the near future, then it is important for you to be completely aware of the baggage policy. In this article, we will discuss everything about the United Airlines Baggage policy. This article will cover topics like United Airlines Baggage fees, United Airlines Baggage rules, United Airlines Baggage weight and other such topics which will completely enlighten you about the baggage policy so that you don’t face any problem related to baggage while travelling.

United Airlines Baggage policy

In case of regular economy class fares, the United Airline baggage policy includes the following:

Carry-on baggage

+1-877-406-50921 personal item: no fees
1 carry on item: no fees

Checked baggage or hold luggage: Fees will be applicable

Sports equipment: Fees will be applicable

Overweight and oversized bags: Fees will be applicable depending on the excess weight and size

United Airlines carry-on baggage policy

As per the United Airlines baggage policy, 1 carry-on bag and one personal item for every passenger is free, this means that there will be no charges applicable on these items. Here, you need to keep in mind the following things:

united airlines carry on baggage size

Carry on bag must not exceed the size and weight limitations, which are:

45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) / 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm). This includes handles and wheels as well.


united airlines personal bag size and weight

    The personal item must not exceed the size and weight limitations, which are:

    36 linear inches (16 x 11 x 8 in) / 89 centimeters (41 x 28 x 20 cm).

    Items like jacket, umbrella, duty-free items, diaper bag, assistive devices and other such items are not counted in your carry on allowance.


    United Airlines checked bag or hold luggage policy

    united airlines checked baggage size

    The United Airlines baggage policy for the checked bag or hold luggage is as follows:

    2 standard bags, for which fees are applicable for Economy Class fares. The maximum dimensions for these bags must be 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height) and the maximum weight must be 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.

    Fees for baggage on United Airlines

    If you are wondering that if there are any fees that is applicable for baggage on United Airlines, then we would like to inform you that yes, fees is applicable. The fees are not same for everyone. It varies depending on your destination, status with United Airlines’ (UA) frequent flyer program, status with an affiliated carrier, the type of fare you purchased, your status with the affiliated carrier or whether you possess United Airlines (UA) sponsored credit/charge card.

    In case of domestic flights, the fee structure for baggage is as follows:

    For the first bag, the charges payable are $35.

    For the second bag, the charges payable are $45.

    For the third and any more additional bags, the charges are $150 for every bag.

    You are allowed to carry up to 2 checked bags.

    If you want to save the cost, you can pay the charges online in advance, which means more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight. If you do this, you will be receiving a $5 off on the cost of each of the first two checked bags.

    This was the case of domestic flights. In case of international flights, the standard baggage fees are not applicable for the first bag and for the second bag, it is $100. In International Basic Economy, the checked bag fees are $60 for the first bag and $100 for the second one. This is again not the same for every route because some routes allow the passengers to carry two checked bags as standard. To know the exact United Airlines baggage fees, for the route you are travelling on, you can check the website of the United Airlines where you will find the “Baggage Calculator”. This “Baggage Calculator” will help you in determining the exact amount that you are liable to pay for the baggage.

    United Airlines fees for excess baggage

    If you have excess baggage with you, then for that, you will be required to pay some fees. This fee starts at $150 per bag for the third bag and any additional bags which you are carrying with yourself depending on the route. The best way to determine the excess baggage fees beforehand is to use the Baggage Calculator available at the website of the United Airlines so that you don’t have to suffer financially during your trip and are already aware of the charges which you will be required to pay for carrying excess baggage with yourself.

    Doing calculation beforehand will also help you in making a decision that whether you want to compromise on your baggage or you want to pay the fees.

    United Airlines fees for overweight & oversized baggage

    Let us now know that how much does the United Airlines charge for overweight or oversized baggage. First, let us know the charges for domestic flights.

    In case the bags which are overweight, which means their weight exceeds 50 pounds or 23 kilograms, the charges are as follows:

    For 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms, the charges are $100.00 USD to $200 USD per extra bag.

    For 71 to 100 pounds or 33 to 46 kilograms, the charges are $400.00 USD for every extra bag.

    If you have bags the weight of which exceeds 100 pounds or 46 kilograms, then the bags will not be accepted. So you need to make sure that the weight of the bags you carry does not exceed the above-mentioned weight, else you will face issues because these bags will not be accepted.
    In case of international flights, the charges range from $200-$400. The charges vary from route to route, and therefore we recommend using the Baggage Calculator which is available at the website of the airline. The Baggage Calculator will help you in calculating the exact charges for the excess baggage depending on the route you are travelling to.

    Now let’s talk about the fees that are charged by the airline for oversized bags. For the bags exceeding the dimensions of 63 to 115 linear inches or 160 to 292 centimetres, the airline charges $200 per bag. Bags the dimensions of which exceed 115 linear inches or 292 centimetres will not be accepted under any circumstances. So make sure you don’t carry any bags which exceed the above-mentioned dimensions.

    United Airlines baggage policy for sports equipments

    Fees are charged if you are carrying sports equipment with you. The fees vary depending on the type of equipment you are carrying with yourself. Sports equipment like fishing equipment, hockey, skis, golf bags and lacrosse equipment are considered as one item. Fees that are charged start at $30. For sports equipment which are bigger, the fees escalate to $150.

    To have more precise details, you can visit the baggage information page of the airline and read about everything in detail to have clarity.

    Is it allowed to carry CPAP Devices?

    It is allowed to carry and use devices like respirators, portable electronic personal ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines only on the condition that they are verified by a manufacturers’ label, or they meet the FAA requirements. It is also necessary to give a minimum of 48 hours advanced notification to the Accessibility Desk if the travellers are using any such equipment.

    Can you pay in advance for baggage?

    Most of the people have this question in mind that can they prepay for baggage? So the answer is yes, United Airlines allows its travellers to pay in advance for the baggage in two ways:

    The travellers can either choose to pay in advance for their baggage online through the website.

    The travellers can also choose to pay in advance for their baggage through the mobile application of the airline.

    How to avail free checked bags with United Airlines?

    Sometimes there are some exclusions and waivers available on your route. As per the United Airlines baggage policy, you can check the Baggage Calculator for any exclusions and waivers which might be available on your route.

    You can also avail free checked bags if you have a United co-branded credit card. There are various United co-branded credit card options available to you, if you want to waive the checked baggage fees while travelling through United Airlines flight. There are three cards which waive the fee for two checked bags. So you can visit the website and check the details to avail the advantages of these cards.

    With this, we come to the end of the article. We tried our best to explain everything with absolute clarity about the United Airlines baggage international and domestic policy. We hope that you are now clear about the United Airlines baggage rules. If you want to know more in detail about the United Airlines baggage fees or United Airlines baggage policy then you can visit the website, or if some of your doubts remain unclear then you can also call the customer support number. You will be directed to a customer support executive who will clear all your doubts and will explain to you everything very clearly. So, if you are travelling with the United in the near future, always remember to be very clear about all the policies so that you don’t come across any problem while travelling and have a safe and peaceful flight.

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