The United Airlines baggage policy offers a basic allowance for both the checked bag and the carry-on. The airline charges a hefty price for overweight and oversized bags, just like other major carriers.
You should know that the Economy Class is segregated into – Basic Economy and Full Economy, where the carry-on baggage allowance varies with the ticket type. Here’s the comprehensive guide for the United Baggage Policy.
United Airlines Carry On Baggage
As per United Airlines carry on baggage policy, the airline allows 1 personal item and 1 standard carry on baggage for free.
- Carry-on bag in Standard Economy – Free
- Carry-on Bag in Basic Economy – No bags are included for flights within the United States. Carry on bags are included in the tickets for South America, transatlantic, and transpacific flights.
Note – Aunty Basic Economy traveler who brings a standard carry-on bag will be checked in and is subject to United Airlines baggage fees
Size consideration
The size of the personal time must be within 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm).
- For carry-on bags, the dimensions of the hand luggage must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm)
Carry on baggage allowance for lap infants
In addition to the standard baggage allowance, the airline allows 1 diaper bag, a breast pump, and a government-approved child seat.
Guidelines for carrying strollers
The airline allows 1 car seat and 1 stroller per child at no additional cost. Additionally –
- Any stroller that is non-collapsible, larger, or non-folding must be checked in. United baggage fees should not be applicable.
- Car seats are allowed in all classes of service as long as they are FAA-approved and have a certification sticker attached to them.
- Car seats are restricted by the size of the seat. You can check the seat map of your flight to see if your car seat will fit.
- If carrying a collapsible crib, it must be checked at the ticket counter.
Fragile and valuable items
The following is a list of items that you must carry in hand luggage while traveling with United Airlines –
- Antiques, artifacts, and heirloom
- Business equipment and samples
- Cameras and other photography equipment
- China, glass, ceramics and pottery
- Collectibles
- Computer hardware and software
- Electronics
- Flowers and plants
- Glasses, contacts, and other vision devices
- Jewelry
- Liquids, including perfume
- Money, gift cards, and gift certificates
- Perishable items
- Precious metals and stones
- Real fur
- Religious items
- Tools
- Silverware, knives, and swords
- Sleeping bags and backpacks
- Watches
United Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
As per United Airlines baggage policy, all checked bags must adhere to the weight limit of 50 pounds or 23 kg for all economy cabins. However, the weight limit for all premium cabins (Polaris Business and First Class) is 70 pounds or 32 kg.
United Airlines Checked Baggage Size
The maximum dimensions of a checked bag can be 62 inches or 157 cm (length + width + height), including handles and wheels.
Also Read: United Airlines Lost and Found.
United Airlines Baggage Weight Limit
The maximum weight of the checked bag varies with the ticket type and the MileagePlus status.
| Cabin | Maximum Weight per Bag |
|---|---|
| United Economy | 50 pounds (23 kilograms) |
| Premium Economy | 50 pounds (23 kilograms) |
| United Business | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
| United First | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
| United Polaris business class | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
However, for MileagePlus members, the United Airlines baggage weight limit varies with the tier status. For instance –
| Tier Status | Maximum Weight per Bag |
|---|---|
| Premium Silver | 50 pounds (23 kilograms) |
| Premium Gold | 50 pounds (23 kilograms) |
| Premium Platinum | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
| Premier 1K | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
| Star Alliance Gold | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) In Business Class 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in Economy |
United Airlines Baggage fees
To calculate the United Airlines baggage fees, you do not need to assess any table or list, rather, go to the airline’s website and use the United Airlines baggage calculator tool.
Using this calculator, we have figured out the United Airlines baggage fee for the following travel routes –
| Route | Economy (Basic, Plus & Full) (in USD) | Premium Plus/business/first (in USD) | Business (in USD) | First (in USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. to/from Europe/India/Middle East | First Bag – FREE (70 for Basic Economy) Second Bag – FREE, 3+ Bags – 200 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 200 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 200 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – 100 3+ Bags – 200 each |
| U.S. to/from South America | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE (55-65 for certain destinations) 3+ Bags – 150 | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 150 | First Bag: FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 150 | First Bag- FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 150 each |
| U.S. to/from East Asia, Australia & New Zealand | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE (100 for New Zealand) 3+ Bags – 200 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 200 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 200 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 200 each |
| Domestic U.S. & Canada/Central America/Caribbean (excluding Cuba) | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 150 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 150 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 150 each | First Bag – 30 Second Bag – 40 3 + Bags – 150 each |
| U.S. to/from Cuba | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 500 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 500 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 500 each | First Bag – 30 Second Bag – 100 3+ Bags – 500 each |
| U.S. to/from Mexico | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 180 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 180 each | First Bag – FREE Second Bag – FREE 3+ Bags – 180 each | First Bag – 30 Second Bag – 55 3+ Bags – 180 each |
United Basic Economy Baggage Policy
As per United Airlines baggage policy, the airline allows personal items for Basic Economy passengers which includes 1 shoulder bag, backpack or laptop that fits under the seat.
United Airlines Carry On Baggage
Carry-on bags are not included unless you’re flying to/from South America, Transatlantic, and Trans-Pacific routes. For all other routes –
- For all other routes, if carrying hand luggage, it would be considered as checked baggage and is subject to United Airlines baggage fees of 25 USD per article.
Checked bags
Only 1 checked bag is permitted if flying across the Pacific Route.
United Baggage Policy For Mileage Plus Members
MileagePlus members refer to this chart to check how many bags they are allowed to carry for free based on their membership tier status –
| Cabin and Route | Premier Silver | Premier Gold | Premier Platinum | Premier 1k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All premier cabin travel | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) |
| Economy Travel between the US and: South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. | 2 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) |
| Economy Travel between US and:Continental US, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, Caribbean, and Central America | 1 bag (70 lbs or 32 kg) | 2 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) |
However, certain restrictions for the MileagePlus members apply based on the destination –
| Destination | Number of bags without service charges | Maximum weight per bag |
|---|---|---|
| San Salvador (SAL) | 2 bags | 70 lbs.(32 kg) |
| Havana (HAV) | 2 bags | 70 lbs.(32 kg) |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ)Managua (MGA)San Pedro Sula (SAP)Tegucigalpa (TGU) | 2 bags | 70 lbs.(32 kg) |
| Guatemala City (GUA) | 2 bags | 70 lbs.(32 kg) |
United Airlines Baggage Policy for Military Personal
As per United baggage policy, active US military members can check up to 5 checked bags for free. This rule is applicable only if they’re traveling on official duty. However, if traveling for personal reasons, US military members are allowed to carry 3 checked bags for free.
Here is the overview –
| Type of trip | Class of service | Number of bags | Medium size | Maximum weight per bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal travel | All classes of service | 3 bags | 62 in. (158 cm) | 70 lbs. (32 kg) |
| Military dependent with travel orders | All classes of service | 2 bags | 62 in. (158 cm) | 70 lbs. (32 kg) |
| Military orders | All classes of service | 5 bags | 115 in. (292 cm) | 100 lbs. (45 kg) |
US Active Military Personnel include
- U.S. Army, U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Marines
- U.S. Space Force
- U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard,
- Cadets of the Air Force Academy, West Point, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Coast Guard Academy.
- Commissioned Officers Corps of the U.S. Public Health and NOAA.
Oversized, Overweight, and Excess Baggage with United Airlines
If your checked luggage is oversized or overweight, excess baggage fees may apply. However, the airline does not accept oversized or overweight bags for certain destinations. Check out the list of destinations on the official website of United Airlines.
Here are the following considerations for United baggage allowance for excess baggage –
- United Airlines does not accept any bags that measure more than 115 inches (292 centimeters).
- Overweight bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) are not accepted.
- The exception for oversized or overweight luggage applies to musical instruments and other assistive devices.
- The airline accepts musical instruments of no more than 165 pounds.
United Airlines Baggage Rules for Connecting Flights
You need to go to the United baggage claim desk if –
- You have a connection or a layover.
- If the layover includes an overnight stay.
- If the new connecting flight departs after 12 hours or more.
- If the flight is not with a Star Alliance codeshare flight.
- Passengers traveling on an international flight, and the connecting flight is within the destination country.
Understanding United Airlines baggage policy is essential for hassle-free and cost-effective travel. In general, the airline offers a baggage allowance for both checked and carry-on bags, but extra charges apply for overweight and oversized items. United Airlines allows one personal item and one standard carry-on bag for free, but restrictions apply for Basic Economy. To calculate baggage fees, passengers must use the online calculator tool as mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions (United Baggage FAQs)
What is the weight limit of baggage on United Airlines?
United Airlines limits the checked baggage weight to 23 kg for Economy Class, and 32 kg to the Business Class.
How much do United Airlines carry-on baggage fees?
The airline does not charge any fee for the carry-on as it is included in the ticket price. The only exception to the carry-on bag applies to the Basic Economy fare, where the carry-on bag is considered as checked luggage and is subject to a fee.
Explain the United Airlines checked baggage size.
The dimensions of the checked baggage must be within 62 inches or 157 cm (length + width + height), including the handles and wheels. The size remains the same for all classes of service, ticket type, and MileagePlus membership status.
What is the baggage weight limit for United international flights?
The baggage limit in terms of weight remains 23 kg or 50 lbs for Economy flights, and 32 kg or 70 lbs for Business, Polaris, and First Class.
United Airlines baggage tracking process?
United Airlines offers an online tracking feature on its official website. Passengers can use this tool to check the status of their checked luggage. To track your bags online, just enter the last name and the booking reference in the required field.
Related Pages
United Airlines Special Assistance
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
United Airlines Lost and Found
United Airlines check in
United Airlines Change Name On Ticket
United Airlines Cancellation Policy
United Airlines Pet Policy
United Flight Change Policy
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