United Airlines: Checked and Carry-on Bags Allowance and Policy

When planning to fly on United Airlines or already have a booking with them, it is crucial to understand the baggage allowance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Packing your bags according to the limit is essential if you don't want to pay unnecessary charges. United Airlines also allows you to add allowance to the provided limit if needed by a passenger in advance for a smooth experience. Check out the United Airlines baggage policy in the following context and determine how many bags to carry depending on your fare class.

United's baggage allowance has been classified into different categories based on luggage size. Get a brief of your luggage allowance from below:

Carry-on bags

Small bags that can be carried to the flight’s cabin are considered carry-on baggage. It should be kept securely under the passenger’s front seat or above the provided headbin on the flight. The United Airlines carry-on baggage allowance is as follows:

All passengers can take 1 personal item and 1 carry-on item in the cabin.
The size limit for United Airlines carry-on baggage size is 23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm.
A personal item of the 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm is permitted.

Checked bags

The big luggage transferred to the destination separately in the baggage cabin is considered checked baggage. Find the United Airlines checked baggage allowance below:

A maximum of 2 checked baggage is permitted for passengers flying with United Airlines.
The airline has determined the size of a piece of checked baggage to be 76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm.
A person is not entitled to carry a checked bag of more than 23 kg.

Basic Economy

For travelers who are flying in the basic economy class on the United flight, the allowance they get with their reservation is as follows:

One piece of personal item for free.
One carry-on item as per the applicable limit for no additional cost.
One complimentary checked baggage for the flyers traveling internationally with United.
Checked baggage by paying the additional fee.
Any sports equipment with a standard fee.

United Airlines Oversized

Any piece of baggage that exceeds the standard limit will be considered as Oversized baggage on United Airlines. One should pay the additional fee depending on the exceeded size to check-in their bag. However, United Airlines does not consider a bag more than 115 inches in size.

Overweight and Extra Baggage

Travelers considering flying on United with overweight or extra baggage must know that they should pay the standard charges before check-in. United will accept no bag of more than 75 kg even if you insist on paying an extra fee.

How much does United charge for baggage fees?

If you are considering carrying bags on the flight for more than the provided allowance, you must consider the United Airlines baggage fees. Here is an overview of the standard rate for bags:

First bag: $35 USD
Second bag: $45 USD
Third or additional bag: $150 USD for each bag

How do I avoid checked bag fees on United?

It is tough to fly to any destination without a checked bag. So, if you have enough things to carry on your trip but are not willing to pay the extra cost, there are some ways you can try to avoid paying the checked baggage fee at United.

Following are the general tips that can save your checked baggage fee:

Buy a premium ticket: The premium flight ticket at United Airlines allows passengers to carry checked baggage for free. The higher class travelers get extra benefits as they pay more, and checked baggage allowance comes as complimentary.

Earn MileagePlus Premier Status: If you are an Elite member at United and have achieved the MileagePlus Premier Status, you can carry checked baggage on the flight without paying the additional fee.

Buy a bag subscription: United Airlines offers bag subscriptions to their passengers for annual plans, under which eight passengers get a free allowance to carry up to 2 checked baggage.

Get a United Airlines Travel Credit Card: The United Airlines Travel Credit Card holders enjoy additional benefits on their bookings, such as exclusive discounts, complimentary services and baggage allowance.