United Airlines Baggage Policy
Hello i am Elina smith. I just took a flight with United Airlines Baggage Policy was transparent, it was a little expensive. Depending on the type of ticket and location, the cost of checked bags varies, but United Airlines only allows one free carry-on bag. Although I wish the prices were less, the process of checking in my bag was easy and well managed. It's okay all around, but be ready to pay more for your luggage.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. However, this applies mainly to standard economy fares and higher. If you're flying with a Basic Economy ticket, you may face some restrictions, which will be covered later.
Carry-On Bag
A carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and cannot exceed the following dimensions:
22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
This size limit ensures that your bag will fit comfortably in the overhead storage bins. If your carry-on bag exceeds these dimensions, you'll be required to check it at the gate, which may incur additional fees.
Personal Item
In addition to your carry-on, you’re allowed to bring one personal item, which must fit under the seat in front of you. Common personal items include:
Purses
Briefcases
Laptop bags
Small backpacks
The maximum size for a personal item is:
17 inches x 10 inches x 9 inches (43 cm x 25 cm x 22 cm).
These restrictions are designed to ensure that your personal item won’t take up too much space and will fit comfortably under your seat.
Basic Economy Carry-On Rules
If you’re flying with a Basic Economy ticket on United Airlines, the carry-on policy changes slightly. Basic Economy passengers are only allowed one personal item unless they are flying internationally or have elite status with United’s MileagePlus program or a United credit cardholder. If you bring a full-sized carry-on to the gate with a Basic Economy ticket, you will be required to check the bag for a fee, which is generally $25 plus the standard checked bag fee.
Checked Baggage Policy
United Airlines' checked baggage policy depends on several factors, including your fare type, destination, and MileagePlus status. Understanding the pricing and weight limits will help you avoid unexpected costs.
Checked Bag Allowance
The standard checked baggage dimensions are:
62 inches (158 cm) linear dimension (length + width + height)
Maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy and Basic Economy tickets
Maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kg) for Business and First Class passengers
For each passenger, the number of free checked bags and the fees for additional checked bags depends on their ticket type, flight route, and MileagePlus status.
Domestic and International Checked Bag Fees
For most domestic flights within the U.S., the checked bag fees are as follows for Economy and Basic Economy passengers:
First checked bag: $35
Second checked bag: $45
For international flights, the fees may vary depending on the destination. Many international flights offer a free checked bag allowance, especially for long-haul destinations like Europe, Asia, and South America. However, this depends on your ticket type and class of service.
MileagePlus Members and Credit Cardholders
Passengers with MileagePlus Premier status or those who hold a United-branded credit card may receive free checked bags as part of their benefits. Depending on your MileagePlus tier, you may be entitled to up to three free checked bags. Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits:
Premier Silver: 1 free checked bag up to 70 lbs
Premier Gold: 2 free checked bags up to 70 lbs each
Premier Platinum and 1K: 3 free checked bags up to 70 lbs each
United-branded credit cardholders also enjoy one free checked bag on domestic and international flights, which can be a great way to save on baggage fees.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked luggage exceeds the weight or size limits, United Airlines charges additional fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to pack carefully and weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.
Overweight Bags
For bags weighing more than 50 lbs but less than 70 lbs, passengers will be charged an overweight fee:
Domestic flights: $100 per bag
International flights: $200 per bag
For bags weighing more than 70 lbs (but less than 100 lbs), the fees increase significantly:
Domestic flights: $200 per bag
International flights: $400 per bag
Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted as checked luggage and must be shipped via United Cargo.
Oversized Bags
If your checked bag exceeds the 62-inch linear dimension limit, you'll be charged an oversized baggage fee:
Oversized bags: $200 per bag on most flights
Oversized baggage fees are applied in addition to any applicable overweight fees, so a heavy and large bag could become quite expensive. Always check your bag’s dimensions before heading to the airport.
Special Items and Sports Equipment
United Airlines allows passengers to bring certain special items and sports equipment as part of their checked or carry-on baggage, but some items may require an additional handling fee.
Sports Equipment
United Airlines accepts a variety of sports equipment, including golf bags, skis, snowboards, and bicycles. Some sports equipment can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance, while others require an extra fee. For example:
Golf bags and skis/snowboards: These items are often counted as one checked bag and do not incur additional fees unless they exceed the standard size and weight limits.
Bicycles: Bikes must be packed in a special container, and a handling fee of $150 applies on most flights within the U.S.
It’s important to pack your sports equipment properly to avoid damage, as United Airlines is not responsible for improperly packed items.
Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments can be carried on board as your personal item, provided they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Larger instruments may need to be checked, but they must meet the standard checked baggage size and weight limits. For oversized or fragile instruments, purchasing an extra seat may be necessary.
Other Special Items
United Airlines also accommodates items like pet carriers, medical devices, strollers, and child seats. Pet carriers are subject to an in-cabin pet fee, and strollers and child seats can typically be checked for free.
Baggage Fees Waivers
Certain passengers may qualify for waivers that allow them to avoid baggage fees. These include:
Active U.S. military personnel: Military members and their dependents on active duty orders may check up to five bags for free.
MileagePlus Premier members: Depending on your MileagePlus status, you may be eligible for free checked bags.
United-branded credit cardholders: United credit cardholders can check one bag for free.
How to Pay for Baggage Fees
Passengers can pay for their checked baggage fees during the online check-in process or at the airport kiosk. Paying online can save time at the airport and allows you to know your total cost before you arrive. Additionally, paying for your bags early can sometimes prevent delays during check-in.
Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees
Pack light: Avoid checking bags whenever possible by packing smart and sticking to carry-on limits.
Check your ticket type: If you’re flying internationally, many flights include one or more free checked bags, so double-check your ticket details.
Use a United credit card: United-branded credit cardholders often receive one free checked bag on flights.
Join MileagePlus: If you fly frequently, earning elite status with United can save you money on baggage fees.
Weigh your bags: Use a luggage scale at home to make sure your bags don’t exceed weight limits and result in costly fees.
Conclusion
United Airlines’ baggage policy is similar to those of other major airlines, with clear guidelines for carry-on and checked luggage, as well as additional fees for overweight, oversized, and special items. Understanding the baggage rules can help you avoid unexpected costs and make your travel experience smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many bags can I bring for free on United Airlines?
For most flights, you are allowed one free carry-on bag and one personal item. Checked bags are subject to fees unless you have an eligible ticket, MileagePlus status, or a United credit card.
2. What is the size limit for carry-on luggage?
Your carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. It should fit in the overhead bin.
3. How much does it cost to check a bag?
For domestic flights, the first checked bag typically costs $35, and the second costs $45. Fees for international flights may vary, and some tickets may include free checked bags.
4. What happens if my bag is overweight or oversized?
United charges $100 to $200 for overweight bags (50–70 lbs) and $200 for oversized bags (over 62 inches). Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted and must be shipped via United Cargo.
5. Can I bring sports equipment on United Airlines?
Yes, United allows sports equipment like golf bags, skis, and bicycles. Some items may count as part of your checked baggage allowance, while others, like bikes, may incur extra fees.
6. Are there any special allowances for MileagePlus members?
Yes, MileagePlus Premier members can receive up to three free checked bags, depending on their status. Premier Silver members get one free bag, while Premier Platinum and 1K members get up to three free bags.
7. What is the baggage policy for Basic Economy passengers?
Basic Economy passengers are only allowed one personal item. If you bring a full-sized carry-on to the gate, you'll need to check it for a fee, typically $25 plus the standard checked bag fee. However, carry-ons are allowed for Basic Economy passengers on international flights.
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