Packing for a United Airlines flight can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle:

How much can you bring without paying extra?

Are certain bags included in your ticket, or will they cost more?

And what if you are traveling with sports equipment or oversized items?

The United Airlines baggage policy may seem confusing at first, but with a bit of strategy, you can avoid surprise fees and make the most of your baggage allowance – whether you are flying domestically or internationally.

From allowances for carry-ons and personal items to benefits for MileagePlus members and United credit cardholders, understanding the ins and outs of the United Airlines baggage policy can make a big difference in your travel experience, saving you money and stress.

The Basics Of The United Airlines Baggage Policy

The United Airlines baggage policy varies depending on your ticket type, destination, and even your loyalty status or credit card.

To avoid any surprises at the airport, it’s helpful to understand the basics: what you can bring onboard, what counts as a carry-on versus a personal item, and the fees you might face for checked bags.

Carry-On Allowance And Personal Items

United Airlines provides specific guidelines for carry-on bags and personal items, so knowing these rules helps you pack effectively and avoid extra fees at the gate.

Each passenger may bring:

• One Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions are 9 x 14 x 22 inches (including handles and wheels); and
• One Personal Item: Smaller than the carry-on, such as a laptop bag, purse, or small backpack, with a maximum size of 9 x 10 x 17 inches.

Note: Passengers traveling on a Basic Economy ticket are only permitted to take one small personal item onboard.

Checked United Baggage Allowance

The United checked baggage policy varies by fare type, destination, and elite status.

Here are the general allowances for domestic flights in Economy Class and Premium Economy:

• First Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg): Starts at $40 each way (at the airport)
• Second Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg): Starts at $50 each way (at the airport)

TPA Pro Tip: United allows you to prepay for your checked bags online, which can save you a little money and help you avoid delays at the airport. This reduces your cost by $5 per bag on average for domestic flights

For flights to certain international destinations (such as Europe, Latin America, and select Asia-Pacific countries), the first checked bag may be included with your ticket.

Here is an example of a flight from New York City to London in Economy Class:

• First Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg): Free
• Second Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg): Starts at $100 each way
• Third Or Additional Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg): Starts at $150 each way

Note: If you are an active-duty member of the United States military or an accompanying dependent, service charges for first and second-checked bags do not apply when the flight is operated by United or United Express.

Overweight And Oversized United Baggage Fees

For bags that exceed the United standard weight or size limits, additional fees apply, so it is essential to know these charges to avoid costly surprises at check-in:

• Oversized Bags (over 62 linear inches): Starting at $200 per bag, each way
• Overweight Bags (51-70 lbs / 24-32 kg): Starting at $100 per bag, each way
• Overweight Bags (71-100 lbs / 33-45 kg): Starting at $200 per bag, each way
• Bags Exceeding Oversize / Overweight Limits: Not accepted on United flights

These charges add up quickly, so weigh your bags beforehand and avoid packing unnecessary items if you are close to the limit.

TPA Pro Tip: Consider paying for an extra bag, it may end up being cheaper than an oversized and/or overweight fee.

Special Items And Sports Equipment

United Airlines accommodates a variety of special items, but fees and allowances differ based on what you are bringing:

• Strollers And Car Seats: Checked for free.
• Musical Instruments: Can be carried on or checked, depending on size, but must fit the carry-on dimensions if you plan to bring them onboard.
• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, golf clubs, and skis are allowed, though oversized and overweight fees may apply depending on the dimensions and weight.
• Wheelchair Assistance And Mobility Items: It is free to check your wheelchair or mobility device in addition to your checked bags. This includes manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches. They can be folding, non-folding, or collapsible.

For more specialized items like surfboards or scuba gear, review the United guidelines as fees vary widely.

Certain routes, such as to/from California, may have reduced fees for sports equipment like surfboards.

United Airlines Baggage Policy By Ticket Class

United baggage allowance varies significantly by ticket class, with Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class passengers each receiving different checked bag benefits.

Understanding what is included with your fare can help you choose the right ticket and avoid unnecessary United baggage fees.

Economy Class & Premium Economy

Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers can bring:

• Domestic Flights: No checked bags are included; fees start at $40 (at the airport).
• International Flights: One or two checked bags are often included in the fare, depending on the destination.

Business Class & First Class

Business Class and First Class passengers can bring:

• Two checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) each for free.
  • These allowances apply across both domestic and international routes.

Flying in Business Class or First Class can significantly reduce baggage fees, so it is worth exploring award upgrades or points options to minimize costs if you are bringing heavy luggage or multiple bags.

Exceptions And Discounts: Status & Credit Card Benefits

If you are a United MileagePlus member, have elite status, or hold a United co-branded credit card, you may qualify for valuable baggage fee waivers and discounts.

These perks can make a big difference, especially if you frequently check bags or travel with companions.

MileagePlus Premier Members

United MileagePlus Premier members enjoy valuable baggage perks that can save you money on checked bags, with benefits increasing as you move up in status:

• Premier Silver: One free checked bag up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
• Premier Gold And Higher: Two free checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Star Alliance Gold Members

Star Alliance Gold members (even those without MileagePlus Premier status) can enjoy one free checked bag on domestic flights and two free checked bags on international flights up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) per bag.

United Credit Cardholders

Select United Airlines co-branded credit cards offer a free checked bag benefit:

• United℠ Explorer Card & United℠ Business Card: One free checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation, as long as the tickets were purchased with the card.
• United Quest℠ Card: Up to two free checked bags per person for the cardholder and one companion.
• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Up to two free checked bags per person for the cardholder and one companion.

Note: Benefits apply only if you book the ticket with your United card and include your MileagePlus number at booking

How To Avoid United Baggage Fees

United Airlines offers several ways to reduce or avoid baggage fees, from strategic packing tips to taking advantage of credit card perks and loyalty status benefits.

With a little planning, you can minimize or even eliminate these fees, making your trip more affordable and hassle-free.

• Use A Co-Branded United Credit Card: This alone can save $70 per domestic round trip ticket for one checked bag.
• Earn MileagePlus Premier Status: Frequent flyers who reach Premier Silver or higher will enjoy at least one free checked bag per flight.
• Check International Ticket Baggage Allowances: International flights will often include at least one checked bag, so verify before you pay extra.
• Travel Light: Avoid fees by bringing only a carry-on if you have Basic Economy or sticking to one checked bag. Remember that Basic Economy travelers can still bring a personal item.
• Prepay For Baggage: Prepaying online for checked bags can save a few dollars and streamline your airport experience.
• Pack Strategically: If you are flying with others, redistribute weight across suitcases and carry-on bags to avoid overweight fees on a single bag.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the United Airlines baggage policy does not have to be a headache.

By understanding the basics of their carry-on rules, knowing what is included with your ticket class, and taking advantage of status or credit card perks, you can save a significant amount on United baggage fees.

Whether you are a MileagePlus Premier member, hold a United credit card, or simply pack strategically to avoid overweight fees, there are plenty of ways to avoid extra costs and make your travel experience smoother.

Plan ahead, check your allowances, and leverage these tips to keep your journey with United as seamless and cost-effective as possible.

And if you still have questions – about the United Airlines baggage policy or the baggage policy of any other airline – you are welcome to join our Free Community.

Hundreds of points & miles experts are awaiting you, ready to connect with, ask questions, and even access unique flight deals that are going under the radar.

Kevin Zanes