Before you board your next United Airlines flight, knowing about their baggage policies is important. This will help you avoid unexpected United Airlines baggage fees and guarantee a fantastic trip ahead. United Airlines has specific rules regarding both carry-on and checked baggage. You can bring a certain number of carry-on bags onboard without extra charge, but size and weight restrictions exist. They will charge a fee per bag if you need to check luggage.
It’s important to note that the airline also charges for overweight or oversized bags. If your luggage exceeds the allowed limits, you must pay a fee to check it. To avoid baggage fees, follow some tips mentioned here. By understanding the rules and planning accordingly, you can provide yourself with a hassle-free and enjoyable trip with United Airlines. Read this blog post to get an idea of the policy and fees.
Understanding United Airlines Baggage Rules
When flying with United Airlines, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their baggage policies to avoid unexpected fees or discomfort. This section will provide you with all the crucial details you need to know about United’s baggage policy.
Carry-On Rules and Restrictions
Ensure your carry-on baggage complies with United Airlines’ size restrictions to avoid delays or inconveniences at the airport. Your carry-on bag must be able to fit into the overhead compartment. To confirm obedience, it should not exceed the following sizes:
- 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches
- When measuring your bag, remember to include the handles and wheels.
Personal Items
In addition to your carry-on bag, you can bring a personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you. This includes items like purses, backpacks, and laptop bags. Personal items should not exceed the following measurements:
- 9 in x 10 in x 17 in
Additional Items
You can also bring the following items onboard free of charge, in addition to your carry-on bag and personal items:
- Jackets or coats
- Umbrellas
- Reading materials
- Food or beverages purchased at the airport
- Mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, canes, crutches)
- Car seats, child safety harnesses, or strollers
- Diaper bags and breast pumps (even if not traveling with a child)
- Cameras
Some Specific Items
When traveling with United Airlines, certain items require special handling or restrictions that include:
- Smart Bags—If your smart bag has batteries, you must remove them before you board the plane.
- Liquids, Gels, and Sprays- You can bring liquids, gels, and sprays in your carry-on bag, but they must follow the 3-1-1 rule.
- Powders- You can bring up to 12 ounces of powder in your carry-on bag for domestic flights within the U.S.
- Musical Instruments- You can bring a small instrument on your flight in a hard case. If it fits in the overhead bin, it can get considered a carry-on or a personal item if it fits under the seat.
- Medication, Vapes, and Essentials- Always keep essential items like medication, vapes, e-cigarettes, keys, and other necessities in your items to avoid possible issues if your checked bag is gate-checked.
- Medical Syringes– You can bring medical syringes on your flight. If you need to use them during the flight, ask a flight attendant for assistance with disposal.
- Fragile, Bulky, or Unusual Items—You may need to purchase a separate ticket for items that are too fragile, bulky, or require special handling.
Checked Baggage Policy
When traveling with United Airlines, it’s essential to know the size and weight restrictions for checked bags.
Size Limits
Your checked bag must not exceed the following dimensions:
- 30 inches x 20 inches x 12 inches (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm).
- The total linear dimensions cannot exceed 62 inches.
Baggage Fees
If you want to know about the checked United Airlines baggage fees. It usually is based on many factors, such as your destination, ticket type, and the number of bags you check. To get an accurate estimate of your baggage fees, use the United Airlines baggage fee calculator. All you have to do is enter your travel details to see the applicable charges.
Your Weight Allowance Checklist
Your checked baggage’s weight limit depends on your cabin class and your MileagePlus status. United Airlines uses a tiered system to determine your maximum weight allowance per bag. The higher limit will apply if your cabin class and MileagePlus status have different weight limits. For example, if you travel in the United Economy but have Premier Gold status, your checked bag weight limit will be 70 pounds. Check out the tables below:
| Weight Limits by Cabin Class | |
| Cabin Class | Maximum Weight per Bag |
| United Economy | 50 pounds |
| Premium Economy | 50 pounds |
| United Business | 70 pounds |
| United First | 70 pounds |
| United Polaris business class | 70 pounds |
| Weight Limits by MileagePlus Status | |
| MileagePlus Status | Maximum Weight per Bag |
| Premier Silver | 70 pounds |
| Premier Gold | 70 pounds |
| Premier Platinum | 70 pounds |
| Premier 1K | 70 pounds |
| Star Alliance Gold (in Business) | 70 pounds |
Know the Rules: Specific Item Procedures
When traveling with this airline, some items require special handling or restrictions. Have a look at the rules for some every day special items:
Electronic Devices
Before getting on the plane, ensure all your phones, computers, and other gadgets are turned off or set to airplane mode. If your gadgets have batteries, they should be inside the gadget or packed specially.
Fragile and Valuable Items
If you have something fragile or valuable, you should buy a separate ticket for it. Make sure you pack it very carefully so it won’t break when you move it around. If it’s worth a lot of money, tell the airline about it’s worth so they can cover it if something happens.
Dangerous Goods
If your bag contains batteries, you must remove them and put them in a separate bag. Some things, like explosives and flammables, are not allowed in your bags at all. You should check with the TSA to make sure you’re following all the rules about dangerous things.
Sporting Goods
If you’re flying with sports gear like skis, golf clubs, or surfboards on United Airlines, you must follow special rules and might also have to pay extra money to check them.
Traveler Pro Tips: Keeping Your Bags Safe
While lost luggage isn’t an everyday happening, taking a few reasonable steps can reduce the risk:
- Remove Old Tags– Before heading to the airport, ensure all old bag tags get removed from your luggage.
- Arrive Early– If you’re checking a bag, plan to arrive at the airport early to avoid rushed check-in processes.
- Keep Receipts– Keep your bag tag receipt, and consider taking a photo of your bag and receipt together for your records.
- Contact Information– Place your phone number or email address on a luggage tag or inside your bag’s front pocket. This guarantees that they can contact you if the bag tag is lost.
- Bag Tracking– Use United’s bag tracker or a tracking device like an AirTag to monitor your luggage’s location.
- Carry-On Essentials—Place important items such as medication, valuables, keys, and your wallet in your carry-on bag to avoid problems if your checked bag is delayed.
- Liquids– Pack all liquids in a resealable bag. Liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces should be placed in your checked bag.
Save Big on Travel: Avoid Baggage Fees
Unexpected baggage fees can quickly put a downer on your trip. To guarantee a smooth trip, knowing and avoiding these extra costs is necessary. Here are some tips to help you pack smartly and save money on baggage fees:
Choose the Right Fare
If you want to save money, you can choose a Basic Economy ticket. But be careful, because you can only bring a few bags on board. If you want more bags, you can select an Economy ticket, which costs a little more. Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class tickets are the best options for people needing a lot of luggage. These tickets usually let you bring lots of bags.
Pack Smart
Before you pack, use a scale to ensure your bags are light enough. Packing cubes can also help you pack things neatly. If you have big things like jackets or boots, wear them on the plane to save space in your luggage.
Know Your Airline’s Policies
Find out what the rules are for your airline’s carry-on bags. Know how much it costs to check bags, especially if you’re checking more than one. Be aware of the extra fees you might have to pay if your bags are too heavy or too big.
Consider Alternatives
For larger or heavier items that won’t comfortably fit in your checked luggage, consider shipping them earlier to your destination. This can save you the hassle of carrying bulky items on your trip and may even be more money-saving than checking oversized bags.
Take Advantage of Perks
If you’re a frequent flyer program member, you might get extra benefits like more luggage or free checked bags. Some credit cards also offer free checked bags or other travel perks.
Your Questions Answered
United Airlines allows one checked bag per passenger in the main cabin.
Yes, there are restrictions on the checked bag size and weight.
The fees depend on many factors. The baggage fees calculator can help you calculate them.
You can travel with carry-on luggage or book a fare, including checked bags.