United Airlines baggage fees and how to avoid paying them
Checked baggage fees and carry-on allowances vary depending on your United Airlines ticket. While many travelers must pay to check a bag, others qualify for one or more free checked bags.
Your baggage allowance depends on several factors, including your destination, fare type, elite status and whether you hold an eligible United cobranded credit card.
Here’s everything you need to know about United Airlines’ baggage fees and policies.
United carry-on guidelines
United Airlines allows all passengers to bring one personal item on board for free. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and measure no more than 9 inches by 17 inches by 10 inches. Examples include backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags and approved pet carriers.
Most passengers can also bring one full-size carry-on bag at no additional cost. Carry-on bags must measure no more than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, including handles and wheels.
However, passengers traveling on United basic economy tickets are generally limited to only a personal item. Those who bring a full-size carry-on bag to the gate must check it and pay the applicable checked baggage fee, plus a $25 gate handling charge.
There are several exceptions to this basic economy restriction, including:
- Flights to Canada, South America and across the Atlantic, as well as international flights across the Pacific
- MileagePlus Premier members and eligible companions traveling on the same reservation
- Primary cardholders of eligible United MileagePlus credit cards
- Star Alliance Gold members
Passengers whose carry-on bags exceed United’s size limits may also be required to check them and pay any applicable baggage fees.
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Related: How to change or cancel a United Airlines flight
United baggage policy
United Airlines’ checked baggage fees vary based on your destination, fare type, bag weight and size, elite status and whether you hold an eligible United credit card.
To determine how much you’ll pay for your specific itinerary, use the baggage fee calculator on United’s website.
United Airlines baggage fees within North America, Central America and the Caribbean
United Airlines’ checked bag fees for flights within North America, Central America and the Caribbean are pretty straightforward. And, in most cases, if you prepay for your bags at least 24 hours before departure, you’ll receive $5 off each of the first two checked bags.
| Checked bag | Prepaid at least 24 hours before departure | Paid within 24 hours of departure |
|---|---|---|
|
$45 |
$50 |
|
|
$55 |
$60 |
|
|
$200 |
$200 |
These fees apply to standard economy tickets without complimentary baggage benefits and may vary by route and ticket purchase date.
The standard checked baggage weight limit is 50 pounds per bag for economy passengers without elite status. MileagePlus Premier members and passengers traveling in business or first class generally have a 70-pound allowance per bag.
United Airlines baggage fees for long-haul international destinations
United Airlines’ checked baggage fees for long-haul international flights vary by destination and fare type. Here’s what economy passengers can generally expect:
- South America: Most standard economy tickets include one free checked bag, while a second bag generally costs $100. Basic economy passengers may pay around $90 for their first bag and $100 for their second.
- Europe: Standard economy passengers generally receive one free checked bag, with a $120 fee for a second bag. Basic economy passengers typically pay $90 for their first bag and $120 for their second.
- Asia: Standard economy passengers generally receive two free checked bags. Basic economy allowances vary by destination, with some routes including a free first checked bag and others charging a fee.
- Africa and Australia: Standard economy passengers generally receive one free checked bag, with a potential $100 fee for a second. Basic economy allowances vary by destination.
These fees are subject to change and may differ based on your route, ticket purchase date and MileagePlus status. Again, it’s helpful to check United’s baggage fee calculator for your specific itinerary.
Overweight and oversized baggage fees
United Airlines’ standard checked baggage weight limit is 50 pounds for economy and premium economy passengers, including those with Star Alliance Gold status or eligible United credit cards. MileagePlus Premier members and passengers traveling in business or first class can generally check bags weighing up to 70 pounds without incurring overweight fees.
For bags exceeding the applicable weight or size limits, additional fees may apply:
- Overweight bags: Fees generally range from $100 to $300 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds and $200 to $500 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds, depending on the route.
- Oversized bags: Fees generally start at $200 for bags measuring more than 62 linear inches (length plus width plus height), including handles and wheels.
United generally doesn’t accept checked bags weighing more than 100 pounds, though exceptions apply to certain special items. Overweight and oversized fees may apply in addition to standard checked baggage fees.
Excess baggage fees
United Airlines generally charges $200 for a third checked bag on domestic U.S. flights. Fees for additional bags vary by destination.
United accepts excess baggage on a space-available basis, and certain destinations and routes may have additional restrictions, including seasonal limits on the number of bags passengers can check.
Sporting equipment
Skis, snowboards, hang gliding equipment, parachutes and many more items can count as a checked bag on United Airlines (or sometimes as a carry-on, depending on the item) as long as they meet the requirements.
In most cases, there are no additional fees beyond any applicable checked-bag or overweight fees (except for on scuba tanks). Also, United will not accept kayaks or canoes.
You can check out the requirements and fees for checking sports equipment on United’s website.
Related: The ultimate guide to flying with sports equipment
How to avoid United Airlines baggage fees
Luckily, there are several ways to avoid paying United Airlines baggage fees if you plan to check baggage on your next flight.
Elite status allowances
All status levels in United’s MileagePlus program offer checked bag benefits for those flying within the U.S. and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. All bags can weigh up to 70 pounds.
- Premier Silver members receive a free first checked bag for themselves and up to nine traveling companions on the same reservation.
- Premier Gold members can check up to two bags for free for themselves and up to nine traveling companions on the same reservation.
- Premier Platinum, Premier 1K and Global Services members can generally check three bags for themselves and up to nine traveling companions on the same reservation, subject to destination-specific restrictions.
Additionally, Star Alliance Gold members receive at least one free first checked bag on all United-operated flights.
Related: What is United Airlines elite status worth?
Credit cards
United has several credit cards that waive checked bag fees.
First standard checked bag free:
First and second standard checked bags free:
The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: These 26 credit cards can get you free checked bags
Book a premium cabin
Passengers traveling in United Polaris business class (not on a basic business fare), United Business or United First generally receive two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each.
United Premium Plus passengers also receive two free checked bags, though the standard weight limit is 50 pounds per bag unless they qualify for a higher allowance through MileagePlus Premier status.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on United Airlines
Use card travel credits to cover fees
Several travel rewards cards offer annual statement credits that can help offset checked baggage fees.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used toward eligible travel purchases, including airline baggage fees.
Meanwhile, American Express Platinum Card® offers up to $200 in annual airline fee credits for eligible incidental charges, including checked baggage fees. Enrollment is required, and you must select United Airlines as your qualifying airline to receive statement credits for eligible baggage charges.
Related: Checking a bag with United? Use the ‘bag drop shortcut’ to save time
Bottom line
There are many moving parts to United Airlines’ baggage policy, but there are many ways for passengers to avoid checked baggage fees.
When in doubt, the baggage fee calculator on United’s website is your best friend. If you log in to the United website, you can even search for your specific itinerary and get the most up-to-date information on United baggage fees.
