What is the Baggage Policy for United Airlines

You must stick with the airline’s baggage policies to save yourself from extra stress and expenses while flying.  Although United baggage regulations are not that different from those of other carriers, they have their own specifics.

The dimensions and weight of both checked and carry-on luggage are governed by United Airlines baggage policy. It also includes what are the prohibited items to pack in your carry-on and checked baggage. Baggage rules for United Airlines allow travelers to plan for both domestic and overseas travel. This blog has everything you need to know before starting your packing for your next flight with United Airlines.

Different Types of Baggage Allowance for United Airlines

United Airlines has various baggage allowance policies that you should know about:

• Checked baggage
• Carry-on baggage
• Overweight and Excess baggage
• Large baggage

Your baggage limit can change based on things like your elite status, the United credit card you use, your travel route, and the type of ticket you purchased. Just to note, domestic and international flights have different baggage fees. So, before beginning your packing you should know all these rules to avoid last-minute hassle.

Carry-on Baggage Policy United Airlines

United Airlines permits one personal item and one carry-on bag. However, remember that personal things should fit under the seat, and carry-on bags should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage on United is 23″ x 35 ” x 56″ cm. You may only bring one personal item on a domestic basic economy flight; free carry-on is not available for this class of travel. However, even on Basic Economy, you are permitted to take free carry-on under certain conditions:

• Flights across the Atlantic, South America, or Canada if you are traveling to and from the United States via the Pacific.
• Elite members and their companions are entitled to complimentary carry-on luggage.
• You are eligible if you are using United credit cards to make payments or if you have a membership of Gold Star Alliance.

Carry-on policy for a passenger traveling with an infant

United Airlines has a special luggage regulation for passengers who are flying with a baby. In addition to the standard carry-on allowance, passengers are allowed to bring the following items for infants on board:

• One bag of diapers
• A breast milk pump
• A car seat or baby carrier that has received official approval
• Large or non-collapsible strollers and wagons must be checked for free at the ticket booth.
• In business class on United Polaris, car seats are not permitted.

Check-in Baggage Allowance United Airlines

• The luggage weight restrictions on United Airlines vary according to your MileagePlus level and class.
• There is a 23-kilogram restriction on each checked bag in economy class.
• You are allowed to check up to 32 kg of luggage if you are traveling in United Business, United First, or Polaris Business Class.
• Checking luggage up to 32 kg is also possible for those with higher MileagePlus levels, such as Premier Silver or Gold.
• If you are an active military personnel in the USA military service, then you can check up to 3 bags without paying any extra cost.
• Your bag shouldn’t be more than 62 linear inches in its size.

UA Baggage Allowance Fee for Domestic Checked Bags

United Airlines allows up to 2 bags for check-in but they also charge an extra fee for each bag. Here is the summary of UA baggage allowances for domestic checked bags:

• The first checked bag costs $40 and the second bag costs $50 for passengers flying in Basic Economy Class.  
• If passengers prepaid the baggage fee, they can save $5 on each bag. For them, the first bag will cost $35 and $45 for the second.  
• Guests traveling in Elite Premium Class can get free first and second-checked luggage.

UA Checked Baggage Allowance Fee and Policy for International Flights

Economy Class travelers are permitted one complimentary checked bag on flights to and from:

• Europe
• Africa
• South America
• Asia

You can check in your second bag for $100 and $200 for extra luggage.  

Business and First-class passengers are entitled to complimentary baggage check-in.

Flights to and from Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico

• Economy Class travelers must pay $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second.
• For the same route, first and second-checked luggage is free for travelers in Business Class and First Class.

United Airlines large baggage charge

If your checked bag’s total length, width, and height exceed 62 inches, you will need to pay an additional fee. United Airlines permits bags up to 115 inches in length. Bags larger than this will not be accepted by United Airlines. For bags between the size of 26 linear inches to 115 linear inches, passengers need to pay $200.

United Airlines Overweight & Excess Baggage Charge

Overweight luggage is also subject to restrictions on United Airlines.  

The maximum weight restriction for bags is fifty pounds if you are a Star Alliance Gold Elite, Economy, Premium Economy, or Non-Elite passenger and you purchase your ticket using a United credit card.  

• Each bag may cost up to $200 for suitcases weighing 24-32 Kg.
• For bags weighing between 33 to 46 kg, the maximum amount is $400 per bag.
• If your bag is over 46 kg, then it won’t be accepted by the airlines.

Excess baggage: For a third checked-in bag, the charge starts from $150. It can vary according to the situation.

Tips to Save Money on United Airlines Baggage Fee

• United Baggage Charge Calculator: Go to United’s website and use the easy-to-use baggage charge calculator to see how much it will cost to bring a bag on your flight. You may enter your destination, travel date, cabin class, credit card, and elite affiliation. You’ll find it useful when packing your suitcases. However, only domestic flights will be able to use this calculator.
• Use a Credit Card: Would you like to avoid paying for United’s checked baggage? It’s easy to use a United credit card to avoid paying the bag charge. The waiver applies to one travel companion and the primary cardholder on the same reservation.
• Prepay for extra allowance: If you know you have packed extra for your trip, then you can save some money by prepaying for the extra baggage.
• Upgrade your ticket: If you have packed more than your basic ticket allows, then you can opt for an upgrade. Tickets of the upper fare class give more freedom while packing and don’t charge money for 2 checked bags.
• Elite Status: If you are a member of United Airline’s MileagePlus, then you can check free of cost.

1. Premier Silver: Up to 70 pounds of free baggage.
2. Premier Gold: Check up to 70 pounds in two complimentary bags.
3. Global Services, Premier 1K, and Premier Platinum: Three free bags of up to 70 pounds each can be checked.
4. Gold Star Alliance members receive a complimentary checked bag.

Conclusion  

The cost of luggage on United Airlines varies according to the destination and pricing class. Following the directions is the most important thing to keep in mind! Use a credit card and the baggage calculator to save money.

FAQ about United Airlines Baggage Policy 

Does United Airlines charge for sporting goods

The costs vary depending on the kind of sporting equipment. The charge for sports equipment starts at $30 and may cost as much as $150.

Does United Airlines provide free checked baggage

United Airlines provides free checked baggage for Business and First class fare class across the destinations.