Traveling brings joy to many, but baggage fees can be an unfortunate part of the experience. Some budget-conscious travelers have to abandon their plans due to the high charges associated with checked baggage. However, if you have planned your journey with United Airlines, you will not feel the heat of expensive baggage fees. 

With its baggage policy, the airline allows you to carry up to two checked bags at no additional cost. However, the size and weight of each checked baggage will be determined by your ticket holdings and flight routes. Let’s continue to discover more about the baggage policies and associated fees. 

What is the Baggage Policy for United Flights?

The airline learns everyone wishes to carry more while flying. For them, the airline has streamlined its baggage policy, helping millions to carry their belongings with more comfort, security, and savings. Take a look at the following to determine more about the baggage guidelines: 

Rules Inclined in the Carry-on Baggage Policy

  • Passengers are allowed to carry one personal item and one carry-on bag at no additional charge.
  • The size of the carry-on bag needs to be within 23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm, and personal items need to be under 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm. 
  • You will need to fit your carry-on bag in the overhead cabin and personal items under the seat.
  • The airline has set the maximum weight limit of cabin baggage at 15 kg. You must maintain this limit if you need to carry more; speak to the customer service team. 
  • On specific routes, passengers traveling with infants, patients, or senior citizens can carry medical devices and strollers in addition to carry-on bags after informing the airline. 

Rules Inclined in the Checked Baggage Policy 

  • Economy and Premium Economy passengers can carry up to 50 Pounds per bag. The linear dimension of each bag needs to be within 157cm.
  • The airline may charge baggage fees to Economy passengers. They do not qualify for free baggage allowance on most routes.
  • Premium Economy passengers can carry up to 2 checked bags for free, each weighing within 50 Pounds. However, depending on where they are flying, the airline may charge them for checked baggage. 
  • Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K holders are eligible to carry two checked bags depending on where they are flying and the ticket type they hold.
  • Business, First, and Polaris ticket holders can check in two bags, each weighing 70 Pounds, for free, depending on the destination and destination. 
  • Passengers holding premium fares with membership can carry one additional bag at no extra charge. 
  • Military personnel can carry up to three checked baggage for free, depending on the destination and fare class they own.

How much does United charge for checked baggage?

The airline does charge baggage fees on passenger accounts; you will need to pay charges based on fare class, membership level, and flight routes. Let’s discover the associated charges thoroughly: 

If you booked Basic Economy and Economy tickets without any membership, 

  • For the first bag, you will need to pay baggage fees of $35 for prepaid purchases and $40 to $45 for standard ones.
  • For the second bag, the airline will charge $50 to $55 for standard transactions and $45 for prepaid ones.

The charges will differ according to your membership status, flight routes, fare types, weight and size of the checked baggage. Connect to the airline for more accurate information on the baggage fees. 

For Overweight and Oversized Baggage

The total weight of each checked bag needs to be within 50 Pounds; if the weight or size exceeds the qualifying limit, you will need to pay Overweight and Oversized Baggage fees to United Airlines. 

The airline will charge up to $400 or more for each bag, depending on dimensions and weight 

Size

63 to 115 linear inchesUp to $200 plus taxes per bag

Weight

51 to 70 poundsUp to $200 plus taxes per bag
71 to 100 poundsUp to $400 plus taxes per bag

You can purchase additional baggage based on your requirements. The airline only accepts baggage purchase requests up to 60 to 90 minutes before departure. If you need to add more at the last minute, you should do so within this time frame.

See Also: United Airlines Lost and Found

Who Qualifies For Free Checked Baggage With United?

The airline allows you to carry up to two checked bags free of charge if you hold membership or premium tickets. Connect with the customer service team at 1-800-335-2247 for more detailed information on charges. 

  • The United Airlines International Baggage Policy enables you to carry up to two checked bags, each weighing under 70 Pounds, at no additional cost. 
  • To get a free baggage allowance, you must be a member of their membership program (including Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K) or hold premium tickets(First Class and Business Class Cabins) with them.

Conclusion

The airline makes certain changes in its baggage allowance. So, if you require any additional information on United Airlines' baggage policy, do not hesitate to contact the customer service team. The team will help you pack your bags conveniently.