Tips for Understanding United Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees

Traveling can be an exciting yet exhilarating experience for many thus many airlines have a fixed and yet detailed set of policies one can look forward to when booking their flight ticket. Navigating baggage policies can feel quite a chore, thus in this guide, we will discuss United Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees by providing you with clear and concise information revolving around the baggage and weight limits. Nobody enjoys all the unnecessary add-on fees, especially when they could just be avoided in the first place. If you familiarize yourself with United Airlines Baggage Policies you can essentially cut off all the miscellaneous surprises, these are essential when it comes to preventing additional costs.

We will discuss everything from carry-on restrictions to checked baggage allowances on the flight, so you do not have to think much about all the unnecessary additional charges but focus only on your trip.

Understanding United Airlines Baggage Policy

In this section, we will discuss the core components that makeup United’s Baggage policy. We will define the different types of baggage and outline the general rules that can be applied to both domestic as well as international travel destinations.

Definition of Baggage Types: Carry On, Checked & Personal Items

United Airlines has categorized different passenger baggage types into three primary ones, each has its own set of specific rules and restrictions when brought in flight.

• Carry-on Bag: If you are bringing along a bag in your aircraft cabin then it must be small enough to fit either in the overhead section of the storage place underneath the seat in front of you.
• Checked Bag: If you are carrying a larger bag which you can check in at the ticket counter or baggage, drop-off location, then they must travel in the aircraft’s cargo hold and would not be accessible during the flight booking.
• Personal Items: Bring along a small item with you such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or a small backpack to your flight. These are allowed in addition to your carry-on bag. It must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of yours.

General Rules & Restrictions: Key Rules for Domestic & International Flights

While you do have specific baggage allowances, the fees may vary depending on your ticket’s class, route, and MileagePlus status. There are some general rules and restrictions which do apply across all United Airlines flights:

• Size & Weight Limits: Both carry-on and checked bags should be in specific size and weight limitations which are imposed by the airline, exceeding these would result in additional fees.
• Prohibited Items: Certain carry-on & checked items are prohibited for airline flights, these include flammable materials, explosives, and certain types of batteries. A complete list of prohibited items is available on the official website.
• Basic Economy Restrictions: Passengers who are traveling on the Basic Economic fares are faced with the most restrictive baggage policies.
• International Variations: The baggage allowances and fees for international flights may be very different from those who have domestic flights, these depend upon specific destinations and international regulations.
• Security Screenings: All said baggage is subjected to security screenings by the TSA authorities.

United Airlines Baggage Fees

It is important to understand the diverse fee structure of the airline company to avoid all the unnecessary expenses that may come up with it. In this part, we will discuss the various fees which are associated with checked baggage on United Airlines while covering both commercial domestic and international flights as well as the Basic Economy fares.

An Overview of the Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

For travel within the United States, UA offers a fixed charge for most checked bags, these fees may vary depending upon the factors such as your fare class and ticket tier.

• First Checked Bag: Typically ranges from $35 to $40 with a slightly lower fee if you are prepaying online before arriving at the airport.
• Second Checked Bag: It usually costs between $45 to $50 depending upon the discount that is applied when prepaying online.
• Subsequent Bags: If you carry additional bags, they will be charged with increased fees, so make sure you pack accordingly and efficiently.

An Overview of the Baggage Fees for International Flights

The baggage fees for International transit with United Airlines can vary a lot, due to the destination, fare class, and all other international regulations, thus it is recommended that you reach out to the UA representatives at their customer helpdesk number. Do note that the International baggage fees can be quite higher than the domestic ones, thus we recommend that you pack accordingly.

Specific Fee Structure for Basic Economy Passengers

Passengers who are traveling on United’s basic economic fares are subjected to the most restrictive baggage policies by the airline, they should be aware of this and only book the ticket type if they are sure their baggage is limited. The restrictions are placed so that the airline can offer a lower base fare when compared to the other types.

Carry-on Restrictions: On most of the routes, Basic Economic ticket holders are only allowed to carry one personal item/bag that can fit underneath the seat in front of them. A full-sized carry-on bag might not be permitted unless it fits specific exceptions.

Gate Handling Fee: If you are carrying a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate as a Basic Economy passenger, you would be required to check the bag and be subjected to the gate handling fee at the airport at an additional $25 fee.

Free Baggage Allowance

While the fees are common, there are multiple ways you can qualify yourself for free checked baggage. Learn about the conditions that can make you eligible for a free baggage allowance with United Airlines.

Number of Bags Allowed for Free

The number of bags you can bring along with your United Airlines flight depends upon a combination of factors, making it very important and easier, especially on a specific allowance:

• It is crucial that you note that the free baggage allowance can vary significantly depending on the specific details of your flight.
• Always verify your exact allowance on your ticket confirmation, especially on the United Airlines website, or by contacting the United Airlines customer service help desk.

Conditions for Free Baggage

Several key factors are there to determine if you are eligible for free checked baggage on your United Airlines journey.

• Fare Class: The passengers who are traveling in First Class or Business Class are offered a generous checked baggage allowance which may include two or more free bags.
• MileagePlus Premier Status: If you are a member of United’s MileagePlus loyalty program or have reached the premier status of silver, gold, or platinum then you are offered complimentary checked baggage. The free bags increase with each status level.
• United Airlines Credit Cards: Certain United Airlines collaborating credit cards offer free checked bags to cardholders as benefits. This benefit can often extend to companions who are traveling along with your reservation.
• Destination Flights: Some of the international routes, particularly those that hold a certain destination in higher fare classes, are subjected to free checked baggage as a part of an allowance.

Carry on Size & Weight Limits for United Air Flights

United Airlines has a very specific size and weight restriction for all of their checked carry-on bags as they want a safer environment for their passengers and aircraft.

Maximum Dimensions: You can carry bags that are within the 22-inch x 14-inch x 9-inch dimension. These do include the handles, wheels, and pockets too.

Weight Limit: While United Airlines does not have any specific published weight limit for their carry-on bags, you must be able to lift the bag to the overhead bin. If you cannot, your bags might be checked.

Personal Item Guidelines for What Counts

In addition to your carry-on bags, United Airlines also allows passengers to bring one personal item on board as long as it fits within the dimensions stated by the airline.

Maximum Dimension

Your personal item for your flight must not exceed 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches

Examples of Personal Items

If you are wondering what the most common items people can carry as a personal item, then worry not. The said may include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, camera bags, and diaper bags. The key to carrying a smaller carry-on is to make sure it fits completely underneath the seat in front of you.

Is it possible to bring a carry-on and a backpack?

It is very common to ask as most passengers do the same. In most fare classes, you are generally allowed to bring both as long as they meet the size limits, however, for basic economy flights, you are only restricted to a personal carry-on that you can fit underneath your seat. A full carry-on is not permitted unless you meet all the specific requirements or exceptions.

Checked Baggage Policy

In this section, we will get into a brief discussion about the regulations that are applied by United Airlines for checked baggage. This includes the size and weight limits, fees associated with passengers who exceed the said limit, and special conditions such as sports equipment and such.

Maximum Size & Weight for Checked Baggage

United Airlines has a very specific size and weight restriction that is usually for checked baggage to make sure they are efficiently handled and loaded.

The total maximum combined length, width, and height of your checked bag must not exceed 62 inches. The maximum weight should be 50 pounds for economy and basic economy fare types, however, passengers who are holding a premier membership or those on first and business-class flights can carry bags up to 70 pounds in weight.

Fees for Overweight & Excess Baggage

If you have exceeded the size or weight limit of the checked baggage, then you will be charged additionally.

Type of Baggage Fees	Fees Applicable
Overweight Baggage Fees	The fees associated with it may depend upon the degree your bag exceeds, what weight limit, and your destination. Expect to pay a lot more than the bag fees, considering they are overweight.
Excess Baggage Fees	If you are carrying more baggage than you are allowed as per your reservation, you will be charged fees according to the additional bags you are carrying.
Oversized Baggage Fees	The fees that are charged for your bag’s oversized nature are applied according to the overweight fees.

Special Considerations for Sports Equipment

Traveling with sports equipment such as skis, golf clubs, bicycles or such requires special attention as these are often subjected to different rules and fees.

• Most sports equipment is counted as one of your checked bags and would be subject to the standard size and weight limits.
• Due to their size and weight, many types of sports equipment incur oversized or overweight baggage fees.
• United Airlines has specific policies for sports equipment on their official website for much more detailed information.
• Proper packaging is essential for sport equipment during their transit and United would provide specific requirements on how they should be packaged.

Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

If you are flying economy and want to avoid all the checked baggage fees then we recommend that you go through the tips listed below for a hassle-free trip:

• Pack Light: The most effective way to avoid fees is to simply pack less. Utilize space-saving techniques like rolling clothes instead of folding them and consider using packing cubes to compress items.
• Wear Bulky Items: Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane to save space and weight in your luggage.
• Maximize Your Carry-on Allowance: Take full advantage of your carry-on allowance to avoid checking a bag altogether. Choose a carry-on bag that meets the size limits and pack it efficiently.
• Ship Items Ahead: If you have a lot of belongings or bulky items, consider shipping them to your destination in advance using a shipping service.

Utilizing United Airlines Credit Cards and Elite Status

You must use and take advantage of United Airlines’ loyalty program and credit card partnership for a saving that is worth it.

• United Airlines Credit Cards offer free checked bags as a cardholder benefit, this includes traveling on the same reservation making it a valuable perk for families and groups.
• MileagePlus Elite status such as achieving premier status or frequent flyer program allows you to get complimentary checked bags.

Baggage Policy for Different Fare Classes

In this section, we will discuss the policies for different fare classes when represented in a table as shown below.

Feature	Basic Economy	Economy	Premium Economy	United Business / First
Carry-on	1 Personal Item Only (with exceptions*)	1 Carry-on + 1 Personal Item	1 Carry-on + 1 Personal Item	1 Carry-on + 1 Personal Item
Checked Bag (Domestic)	Fees for all checked bags	Fees for most checked bags	Often includes 1-2 free checked bags	Typically, 2-3 free checked bags
Checked Bag (Int’l)	Fees often apply, check specific route	May include free bags, check the specific route	Often includes 1-2 free checked bags, check the route	Typically, 2-3 free checked bags, check route
Overweight/Oversized	Standard fees apply	Standard fees apply	Standard fees apply	Standard fees apply, but higher weight limit (70lbs)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?

The number of free bags depends on your fare class, MileagePlus status, whether you have a qualifying United credit card and your destination. Always check your specific allowance or Contact at +1-888-408-4970.

What are the rules for checked bags on United?

Checked bags must adhere to size (62 linear inches total) and weight (50 lbs. for Economy, 70 lbs. for premium cabins and elite status) limits. Fees apply for overweight, oversized, and excess baggage.

How much does United Airlines charge for carry-on?

Carry-on bags are generally free, except for Basic Economy fares on most routes. If a Basic Economy passenger brings a carry-on to the gate without qualifying for an exception, they’ll pay the checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling fee.

How do I avoid checked bag fees on United?

If you want to lower or avoid checked baggage fees for United Airlines we recommend that you pack light, maximize your carry-on, consider a United credit card with baggage benefits, achieve MileagePlus Premier status, or ship items ahead.

How many bags does United allow for international flights?

This varies greatly depending on the destination and fare class. Always check the specific baggage allowance for your itinerary.

How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?

As mentioned, this depends on multiple factors. There’s no universal answer.

How can I upgrade my baggage allowance with United Airlines?

You can purchase a higher fare class, achieve MileagePlus Premier status, or get a United credit card that offers increased baggage benefits. You can also simply pay for additional checked bags. For more options, call +1-888-408-4970.

What are the types of United Airlines baggage fees?

Well, there are checked baggage, overweight baggage, oversized baggage, and excess baggage fees. Basic Economy passengers may also face a gate handling fee for carry-on bags. Clarifications can be obtained by calling the help desk.