United Airlines offers flights to destinations around the globe. So, keeping track of passengers’ itineraries is not an easy task while traveling. The same goes for the passenger’s baggage. United Airlines’ top objective is safely delivering the luggage from the point of origin to the final destination. To make this happen, airlines have rolled out an extensive United Airlines baggage policy. It also brings changes in the policy for passenger satisfaction. Read out the blog to get comprehensive knowledge about united airlines’ baggage service.
United Airlines Baggage Policy: Criteria for Carry-On Baggages
According to the United baggage policy, carry-on baggage is those that a traveler can carry along with them and is accessible throughout the journey free of cost. Passengers can carry one full-sized carry-on bag and a personal item. The personal item should easily fit under the seat. However, passengers apart from these bags can also carry
- Diaper bag.
- Breast pump.
- Medical devices.
- Items purchased at the airport.
- Child safety seat as per FAA guidelines.
United Airline Baggage Size for Carry-Ons
| Category | Dimensions |
| Personal Item | Should not exceed 9 X 10 X 17 inches. |
| Full-Sized Carry-On Bag | Should not exceed 9 X 14 X 22 inches. |
Restrictions for Carry-Ons
- Carry-on baggage should adhere to size limits as per United Airlines’ carry-on baggage size.
- Passengers traveling on a domestic basic economy ticket can carry only one personal item.
- If a passenger is traveling on trans-Atlantic flights, a holder of a MileagePlus credit card, or a member of MileagePlus Premier, they can carry both personal and full-size carry-on bags on a domestic basic economy ticket.
- A handling charge of $25 in addition to the checked-baggage fee will be applicable on ineligible carry-ons for basic economy ticket holders.
- Also, a few items are prohibited as carry-on baggage, like certain powder-based substances, firearms, batteries, E-cigarettes, lighters, etc.
United Airlines Baggage Policy: Rules for Checked Baggage
United Airlines is clear about the checked-baggage policy. The fare for the check-in baggage may vary according to the flight destinations, cabin class, and the number of baggage passengers carries. If the weight restriction and dimension criteria are not exceeded, United Airlines permits you to check a variety of suitcases and bags.
The common items that are acceptable in check-in baggage are
- Clothes.
- Electronic items (switched-off).
- Processed foods.
United Airlines Check-in Baggage Fees
| Routes | Business Class/First-Class/Premium Economy | Economy | Basic Economy |
| U.S. to/from Europe | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag =$0. 3+ Bags = $200 | 1st bag=$0; 2nd bag= $100. 3+ Bags = $200 | 1st bag = $60 2nd bag = $100. 3+ Bags = $200 |
| U.S. to/from South America | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag =$0. 3+ Bags = $150 | 1st bag= $0; 2nd bag= $65. 3+ Bags = $150 | 1st bag= $0; 2nd bag= $65. 3+ Bags = $150 |
| U.S. to/from Canada | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag =$0. 3+ Bags = $150 | 1st bag = $30 2nd bag = $50. 3+ Bags = $150 | 1st bag = $30 2nd bag = $50. 3+ Bags = $150 |
| U.S. to/from the Caribbean | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag =$0. 3+ Bags = $150 | 1st bag = $35 2nd bag = $45. 3+ Bags = $150 | 1st bag = $35 2nd bag = $45. 3+ Bags = $150 |
| U.S. to/from Mexico | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag =$0. 3+ Bags = $180 | 1st bag = $35 2nd bag = $60. 3+ Bags = $180 | 1st bag = $35 2nd bag = $60. 3+ Bags = $180 |
| U.S to/from Asia, Australia, or Newzealand | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag =$0. 3+ Bags = $200 | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag = $0. 3+ Bags = $200 | 1st bag = $0 2nd bag = $0. 3+ Bags = $200 |
United Airlines Check-In Baggage Weight Limit
| Cabin Class | Maximum Weight Limit |
| Basic Economy/ Economy/ Premium Economy | It should not exceed 50 pounds. |
| Business/First Class | It should not exceed 70 pounds. |
The maximum linear dimension of check-in baggage at United Airlines Policy is 158 cm.
United Airlines Baggage Policy For Mileage Plus Members
If a passenger is a member of the loyalty Mileage Plus program, they can benefit from the weight limits for pieces of baggage on United Airlines.
| Mileage Plus Status | Weight Limits |
| Star Alliance Gold for Economy Tickets | 50 lbs or 23 kg |
| Star Alliance Gold for Business Tickets | 70 lbs or 32 kg |
| Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum | 70 lbs or 32 kg |
United Baggage Policy for Military Personnel
United Airlines baggage service provides exemptions in baggage to serving military personnel and their dependents, too, only if both are traveling on the same bookings. Dependents will have to pay standard baggage charges if they are traveling on another reservation.
| Trip Reason | Cabin Class | Maximum Bag Size | Maximum Bag Weight | Number of Free Bags |
| Officially | All cabin classes | 115 inches | 70 Pounds | 5 Bags |
| Dependent on Travel Orders | All cabin classes | 62 inches | 100 pounds | 2 Bags |
United Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee
United Airlines is strict about baggage weight limits. If the weight of the baggage or baggage size or both exceeds the limits, additional charges are applied. Refer to the following table to get an idea of United Airlines’ overweight baggage fees.
| Route | 71-100 Pounds Baggage Weight | 51-70 Pounds Baggage Weight | Oversized Bags |
| U.S. to/from the Caribbean | $400 | $200 | $200 to $400 |
| U.S. to/from Cuba | $600 | $400 | $400 |
| U.S. to/from Mexico | $200 | $100 | $200 to $400 |
| U.S. to/from South America | $400 | $200 | $200 to $400 |
| U.S. to/from Australia., New Zealand and East Asia | $400 | $200 | $200 |
| U.S. to/from Europe/India/Africa/Middle East | $400 | $200 | $200 |
| Domestic U.S. & Canadian flights | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Route | Oversized Bags |
| U.S. to/from the Caribbean | $200 to $400 |
| U.S. to/from Cuba | $400 |
| U.S. to/from Mexico | $200 to $400 |
| U.S. to/from South America | $200 to $400 |
| U.S. to/from Australia., New Zealand and East Asia | $200 |
| U.S. to/from Europe/India/Africa/Middle East | $200 |
| Domestic U.S. & Canadian flights | $200 |
United Airlines Baggage Fee Calculator
United Airlines gives its passengers the opportunity to calculate the baggage fee through its official baggage cost calculator tool. In accordance with the route and fare class, the calculator will also provide a list of the fees for overweight and excessive baggage.
Passengers with MileagePlus membership can sign in their credentials to obtain the flight’s checked baggage service fees. Calculating the precise luggage fees for your flight is easy with this tool.
Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Baggage Policy
What is the maximum size of baggage allowed on United Airlines?
According to the United Airlines baggage policy, the maximum size of baggage passengers can bring along should not exceed 115 inches in linear dimension.
Do United Airlines incur extra charges for excess baggage?
Yes, passengers traveling on United aircraft have to pay an extra fare for excess pieces of baggage. The extra charges vary according to the routes and cabin class.
How to claim compensation for lost baggage on United Airlines?
In the event of any delayed, damaged, or missing baggage, passengers can claim compensation in accordance with United Airlines’ baggage policy. Passengers can get in touch with the baggage resolution department at airports or submit requests through the official United website.
How much does United charge to check a bag on domestic routes?
On United domestic flights within the United States, your first checked bag may cost up to $35. A second bag can cost up to $45, while a third bag or more can cost up to $150.
