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.
How much is a United Baggage Fees?
United baggage fees charges based upon origin as well as fare. A simplified breakdown of such cost charges is provided:
First checked bag: $40 (or $35 if prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure) for domestic flights.
Second checked bag: $50 (or $45 if prepaid online).
International flights: 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.
Overweight bags: Fees for bags that weigh more than 50 pounds start at $200.
First checked bag: $40 (or $35 if prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure) for domestic flights.
Second checked bag: $50 (or $45 if prepaid online).
International flights: 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.
Overweight bags: Fees for bags that weigh more than 50 pounds start at $200.
Does United offer free carry-on for basic economy?
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:
Basic 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.
For 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.
Basic 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.
For 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.
Are you eligible for a free checked bag on United?
Availability of a free checked United baggage fees depends upon the type of fare chosen, status, and credit card:
For the economy class passengers, one free checked bag is not included, but can opt for one or two according to their route.
For premium economy, business, or first class passengers, two checked bags are free of cost.
MileagePlus Premier also provides one or more checked bags for free depending on a passenger’s status level
Free checked bags for specific credit cards (such as United Explorer Card) available for cardholders and guests.
For the economy class passengers, one free checked bag is not included, but can opt for one or two according to their route.
For premium economy, business, or first class passengers, two checked bags are free of cost.
MileagePlus Premier also provides one or more checked bags for free depending on a passenger’s status level
Free checked bags for specific credit cards (such as United Explorer Card) available for cardholders and guests.
Does the United Airlines economy include a checked bag?
No, United Airlines economy fares (including Basic Economy) do not include a free checked bag. However, passengers can expect to pay:
$40 for the first checked bag (or $35 if prepaid).
$50 for the second checked bag (or $45 if prepaid).
For international routes, the first checked bag is often free, but the second will incur an additional charge.
$40 for the first checked bag (or $35 if prepaid).
$50 for the second checked bag (or $45 if prepaid).
For international routes, the first checked bag is often free, but the second will incur an additional charge.
How do I avoid United checked bag fees?
To avoid United Airlines checked United baggage fees you can do the following:
Premium Economy, Business or First Class: In these cabins, you’ll often receive one or more free checked bags
MileagePlus Premier Status: You get higher-tier members to get your free checked bags as one of the perks.
You will make a qualifying United credit card reservation if you have some United co-branded credit cards, including the United Explorer Card.
Travel 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.
Premium Economy, Business or First Class: In these cabins, you’ll often receive one or more free checked bags
MileagePlus Premier Status: You get higher-tier members to get your free checked bags as one of the perks.
You will make a qualifying United credit card reservation if you have some United co-branded credit cards, including the United Explorer Card.
Travel 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.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on United?
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:
Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin and measure no more than 9 in x 14 in x 22 in.
Your 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.
Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin and measure no more than 9 in x 14 in x 22 in.
Your 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.
What happens if my carry-on is 1 inch too big?
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:
Gate check fees: United charges up to $25 for gate-checked carry-on bags.
Always double-check the size of your carry-on bag to avoid surprises at the gate: 9 in x 14 in x 22 in
Gate check fees: United charges up to $25 for gate-checked carry-on bags.
Always double-check the size of your carry-on bag to avoid surprises at the gate: 9 in x 14 in x 22 in
Does a purse count as a carry-on?
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:
Purses
Small backpacks
Laptop bags
As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, it won’t count toward your carry-on allowance.
Purses
Small backpacks
Laptop bags
As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, it won’t count toward your carry-on allowance.
Can a 24 inch bag be a carry-on?
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.
How strict is United Airlines when it comes to the size of carry-ons?
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:
In most cases, Basic Economy passengers are checked at the gate.
Other passengers are also asked to check their carry-on if it doesn’t fit during peak travel periods.
So be sure to check your size restrictions before heading to the gate to avoid complications.
In most cases, Basic Economy passengers are checked at the gate.
Other passengers are also asked to check their carry-on if it doesn’t fit during peak travel periods.
So be sure to check your size restrictions before heading to the gate to avoid complications.
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.