United Baggage Fees
United Airlines, one of the biggest airlines in the United States, has recently made a major shift in its baggage policies, particularly with the rise of Basic Economy fares. Understanding the ins and outs of United baggage fees is essential for any traveler to avoid unexpected charges. If flying either on domestic or international tickets, these baggage guidelines with tips about fees and what can avoid the fees are beneficial information you should know on how to navigate United.
u003cstrongu003eHow much is a u003cstrongu003eUnited Baggage Feesu003c/strongu003e?u003c/strongu003e
United baggage fees charges based upon origin as well as fare. A simplified breakdown of such cost charges is provided:u003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eFirst checked bag:u003c/strongu003e $40 (or $35 if prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure) for domestic flights.u003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eSecond checked bag:u003c/strongu003e $50 (or $45 if prepaid online).u003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eInternational flights:u003c/strongu003e Fees vary depending on the destination, but for most international routes, the first bag is free, and the second one often incurs an additional fee.u003cbru003eOverweight bags: Fees for bags that weigh more than 50 pounds start at $200.u003cbru003e
u003cstrongu003eDoes United offer free carry-on for basic economy?u003c/strongu003e
No, Basic Economy passengers are not permitted a United baggage fees carry-on on most domestic flights. However, there are exceptions for certain international routes:u003cbru003eBasic Economy passengers on trans-Pacific flights, flights to/from Canada, South America, or across the Atlantic can bring a carry-on United baggage fees charge.u003cbru003eFor domestic Basic Economy, only one personal item is free to bring on board, while a carry-on will be checked and a $25 gate handling charge applies if it is checked at the gate.
u003cstrongu003eAre you eligible for a free checked bag on United?u003c/strongu003e
Availability of a free checked United baggage fees depends upon the type of fare chosen, status, and credit card:u003cbru003eFor the economy class passengers, one free checked bag is not included, but can opt for one or two according to their route.u003cbru003eFor premium economy, business, or first class passengers, two checked bags are free of cost.u003cbru003eMileagePlus Premier also provides one or more checked bags for free depending on a passenger’s status levelu003cbru003eFree checked bags for specific credit cards (such as United Explorer Card) available for cardholders and guests.
u003cstrongu003eDoes the United Airlines economy include a checked bag?u003c/strongu003e
No, United Airlines economy fares (including Basic Economy) do not include a free checked bag. However, passengers can expect to pay:u003cbru003e$40 for the first checked bag (or $35 if prepaid).u003cbru003e$50 for the second checked bag (or $45 if prepaid).u003cbru003eFor international routes, the first checked bag is often free, but the second will incur an additional charge.
u003cstrongu003eHow do I avoid United checked bag fees?u003c/strongu003e
To avoid United Airlines checked United baggage fees you can do the following:u003cbru003eu003cstrongu003ePremium Economy, Business or First Class:u003c/strongu003e In these cabins, you’ll often receive one or more free checked bagsu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eMileagePlus Premier Status: u003c/strongu003eYou get higher-tier members to get your free checked bags as one of the perks.u003cbru003eYou will make a qualifying United credit card reservation if you have some United co-branded credit cards, including the United Explorer Card.u003cbru003eTravel light and pack everything in a personal item. Provided all your essentials fit in one of those personal items: 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches, you won’t incur a checked bag fee.u003cbru003e
u003cstrongu003eCan I bring a backpack and a carry-on on United?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, you can bring both a backpack and a carry-on bag on United Airlines, provided that they meet the size restrictions for both items:u003cbru003eYour carry-on must fit in the overhead bin and measure no more than 9 in x 14 in x 22 in.u003cbru003eYour backpack can be considered as a personal item provided that it can fit under the seat in front of you, and the maximum dimensions are 9 in x 10 in x 17 in.
u003cstrongu003eWhat happens if my carry-on is 1 inch too big?u003c/strongu003e
If your carry-on is just one inch too big, United may check it at the gate and charge you more. Here is an example:u003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eGate check fees:u003c/strongu003e United charges up to $25 for gate-checked carry-on bags.u003cbru003eAlways double-check the size of your carry-on bag to avoid surprises at the gate: 9 in x 14 in x 22 inu003cbru003e
u003cstrongu003eDoes a purse count as a carry-on?u003c/strongu003e
A purse is considered a personal item, not a carry-on bag, as long as it fits within the size limits (9 in x 10 in x 17 in). Common personal items include:u003cbru003ePursesu003cbru003eSmall backpacksu003cbru003eLaptop bagsu003cbru003eAs long as it fits under the seat in front of you, it won’t count toward your carry-on allowance.u003cbru003e
u003cstrongu003eCan a 24 inch bag be a carry-on?u003c/strongu003e
No, a 24-inch bag is too large to be allowed as a carry-on with United Airlines. The largest size that is acceptable for a carry-on is 9 in x 14 in x 22 in. A 24-inch bag is much too long and must be checked. You may even have to pay extra checked baggage fees.
u003cstrongu003eHow strict is United Airlines when it comes to the size of carry-ons?u003c/strongu003e
United Airlines generally enforces size limits for carry-on bags, especially when traveling Basic Economy. If your carry-on does not meet the 9 in x 14 in x 22 in size requirement:u003cbru003e In most cases, Basic Economy passengers are checked at the gate.u003cbru003eOther passengers are also asked to check their carry-on if it doesn’t fit during peak travel periods.u003cbru003eSo be sure to check your size restrictions before heading to the gate to avoid complications.u003cbru003e
For more information on United baggage fees and policies or to book your next flight, feel free to contact Fly Travel Board at +1 (844) 539-5787 for expert guidance and assistance.