United Airlines Baggage Fees & Weight Guidelines
Understanding Baggage Fees
Flying United Airlines? Good thinking to get a grip on those pesky baggage fees before your trip. No surprises equal happy traveling, after all.
Domestic Baggage Fees
For any plane hopping around these United States, United’s gonna charge for those checked bags, and it ain’t always the same. Different strokes for different folks, or in this case, different bags for different seats. Here’s a cheat sheet:
| Baggage Type | First Bag | Second Bag | More Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | $35 | $45 | $150 each |
| Premium | $0 | $45 | $150 each |
| Business/First Class | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
- Economy Class: If you’re rolling economy, get ready to fork over $35 for that first checked bag. Toss in another bag? That’ll be $45. Got a third? Now they’re gougin’—$150 per bag.
- Premium Economy: These folks catch a break—one bag’s on the house! But add another, and it’s $45 a pop. Extra bags still hit ya with $150.
- Business and First Class: High rollers cruise with two bags included. Any more? Better have $150 ready for each.
For more nuggets on flight sootcases, swing by the American Airlines baggage allowance or Delta Air Lines baggage allowance to compare.
International Baggage Fees
Now if you’re hopping over borders, United’s fees may ease up a bit, yet they’re tethered to class and locale. Here’s a quick rundown for some of the more traveled global jaunts:
| Zone | First Bag | Second Bag | More Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada & Mexico | $30 | $50 | $150 each |
| Europe | $0 – $60 | $100 | $200 each |
| Asia & Australia | $0 – $60 | $100 | $200 each |
- Canada & Mexico: Headed north or south? That’s $30 for your maiden bag, $50 for the encore. Suitcases beyond that are $150 a piece.
- Europe: Crossing the pond varies—some classes won’t pay a dime for bag one, others might see up to $60. Bag two? About $100. More? That’s $200 a pop.
- Asia & Australia: Ain’t much diff’rent flying the other way. First bag might be free, but cost could clock in around $60. Second one’s about $100, and past that, $200.
Got more globe-trottin’ on your mind? Check what the likes of British Airways, Emirates, or Qatar Airways demand before packing.
Keep it easy and updated, cruise through NerdWallet or United’s own site before your wheels-up to sidestep any curveballs.
Baggage Policies for Different Classes
Flying with United Airlines means you gotta know your baggage rules based on your ticket class. We’ve got the lowdown on what to expect, so you don’t get caught off-guard at the airport.
Economy Class Baggage
Economy travelers, pay attention! Domestic or international, there are specifics you should be aware of regarding your bags.
Domestic Baggage Fees:
For those flying across the country, here’s the deal:
- First checked bag: $40
- Second checked bag: $50
Keep in mind, each fee is for a one-way trip. It’s always a smart move to double-check with the airline or give ’em a call for the latest scoop.
International Baggage Fees:
Hopping across the pond? Baggage perks can differ:
- Usually, you get to check one or two bags for free, but it depends on your destination (NerdWallet).
For the nitty-gritty details, check out United Airlines’ international baggage policies specific to where you’re heading.
Premium Economy, Business, and First Class Baggage
Folks flying in style with premium tickets have it a bit easier in the baggage department.
Domestic Baggage Fees:
- Checked bags: Go ahead and pack those two bags ’cause they’re on the house (NerdWallet).
International Baggage Fees:
- Premium ticket holders often get two free checked bags for those longer flights.
For all the deets, and to confirm you’re in the clear, visit United Airlines’ baggage page for different travel classes.
| Class | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | 1st bag: $40 | 1-2 bags free (varies) |
| 2nd bag: $50 | ||
| Premium Economy | 2 bags free | 2 bags free |
| Business Class | 2 bags free | 2 bags free |
| First Class | 2 bags free | 2 bags free |
Don’t wanna take our word for it? Check out how other airlines stack up with our guides on American Airlines baggage allowance, Delta Air Lines baggage allowance, and Southwest Airlines baggage allowance.
Sorting out your baggage needs beforehand makes sure you dodge any surprise charges and keeps your trip with United smooth-sailing.
Carry-On Baggage Policies
Getting a grip on United Airlines’ carry-on baggage rules can save you time and stress. Let’s talk about what goes down with basic economy and some handy ways you can dodge those luggage limitations.
Basic Economy Restrictions
Bought a basic economy ticket with United? Heads up! They clamp down hard on carry-ons for these fares. When flying domestic, you’re only allowed a personal item that slides nicely under your seat. Think small backpack, purse, or your trusty laptop bag.
| Ticket Type | Carry-On Allowance | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | No bag (Domestic) | 1 |
| Trans-Pacific, Trans-Atlantic, Canada, South America | Bag okay | 1 |
Info from the experts at NerdWallet
Exceptions to Carry-On Policies
Thankfully, United tosses a few lifelines for extra baggage beyond basic economy’s limits:
- Trans-Pacific Flights: If you’re crossing the Pacific, you’re in luck with both a carry-on and a personal item allowed.
- Flights to/from Canada and South America: For these routes, carry-ons are a go.
- Trans-Atlantic Flights: Hopping across the Atlantic? Feel free to bring your carry-on bag along for the ride.
- Elite Members: If you’ve got United MileagePlus Premier or Star Alliance Gold status, carry-on bans fly right past you.
- Companions of Elite Members: Tagging along with an elite member? You get to enjoy the relaxed rules, too.
- United Credit Card Holders: Use a qualifying United card when booking, and you can snag that carry-on allowance. Curious about more perks? Check our travel credit card benefits guide.
These exceptions give you breathing room, even with a basic economy ticket. Want to know more about other airlines’ rules? Click through to our pages on Delta’s baggage allowance and Emirates baggage allowance.
Excess Baggage Fees
Weight Restrictions
Flying United Airlines? Don’t let surprise fees weigh you down-literally. The magic number here is 50 pounds for any standard checked bag. If you’re rocking Premier Elite status or lounging in those premium cabins, you’re in luck—your allowance goes up to 70 pounds, fee-free. Heads up, you high-flyer!
| Class | Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 50 |
| Premier Elite & Premium Cabins | 70 |
Additional Charges for Overweight Bags
Pack it in and pack it right, or pay up! If your luggage tips the scales past the limit, expect some hefty charges. Let’s break it down:
- Pushing between 51 and 70 pounds? You could fork over up to $200 a bag.
- Clock in between 71 and 99 pounds, and you’re looking at a potential fee of up to $400 per piece.
| Weight (lbs) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 51 – 70 | Up to $200 |
| 71 – 99 | Up to $400 |
To sidestep these charges, try packing light or see if your credit card can help with fee waivers. Get packing smarter with our tips to avoid baggage fees.
If you’re shopping around for other airlines’ baggage deets, check out our insights on American Airlines baggage allowance, Delta Air Lines baggage rules, and British Airways suitcase strategies.
Special Allowances
Military Personnel Benefits
If you’re part of the U.S. military and flying with United Airlines, you’ve got some perks comin’ your way. You and your dependents can check extra bags without cringing at the thought of extra charges:
- Official Business Travel: Got up to five bags to check? No worries.
- Personal Travel: Need room for three bags? You’re covered.
Plus, they’re not picky about the weight – well, within reason. Have a peak at NerdWallet for all the nitty-gritty.
| Travel Type | Number of Bags | Bag Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Business | 5 | Flexes a bit |
| Personal | 3 | Flexes a bit |
This is a pretty sweet deal for service members and their families, making travel a whole lot easier. Curious how other airlines stack up? Check out American Airlines baggage allowance or Delta Air Lines baggage allowance for a side-by-side.
Elite Members and Premium Cabin Passengers
If you’re part of United’s Premier Elite club or flying high in Business or First Class, you’re in luck with some extra baggage perks:
- Premier Elites: Toss one bag in, up to 70 pounds, at no cost.
- Premium Cabin Passengers: Sliding into Business or First Class? Same deal – 70 pounds, no charge.
These extra bag freebies can make long hauls or international trips a breeze, letting you pack a bit more without sweating over fees.
| Passenger Category | Number of Bags | Bag Weight Limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Elites | 1 | 70 |
| Business/First Class | 1 | 70 |
Interested in what other airlines offer? Have a gander at Emirates baggage allowance or Qatar Airways baggage allowance.
Knowing these perks can save you cash and stress when you’re globe-trotting. For more savvy tips on luggage and other travel smarts, visit our baggage fee hacks section. You’ll find packing tricks and how to snag deals through credit cards.
Tips to Dodge Baggage Fees
Dealing with baggage fees can feel like dancing through a maze—especially since every airline’s got its own game going. Here’s a mix of tricks that have worked wonders to keep your wallet untouched when flying with United Airlines.
Packing Smarts
Packing doesn’t have to be a drag. Check out these savvy methods to keep those pesky fees at bay:
- Travel Light: Stick to the basics. Opt for travel-sized toiletries and pick clothes that mix and match like old friends.
- Layer Up: Put on big stuff like jackets and boots. It’s like turning yourself into extra luggage but stylish.
- Space Wizards: Roll clothes instead of folding—a little secret to squeezing more into your bag. Packing cubes are your besties, compressing and organizing your stuff.
- Check Your Weigh-In: Always put your bag on a scale before you hit the airport. United usually wants checked bags under 50 lbs for economy and 70 lbs if you’re flying fancy. Here’s more if you’re into details on weight limits and fees for over-packed bags.
Follow these hacks and you might just slip everything into your carry-on and personal item, strolling past that check-in desk like a boss—bye-bye, baggage fees! More gems of wisdom can be found at our longer guide on turning curly hair straight.
Credit Cards: Your Fee-Free Wingman
A trusty credit card with the right perks can keep those fees out of your flight. Here’s how:
- United Explorer Card: Flash this guy and your first bag flies free. This could mean saving up to $140 round-trip for a crew of four.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: It gives a yearly travel credit that eats up part of those baggage fees.
- Airline Buddy Cards: Cards linked to United, like the United MileagePlus Club Card, dish out benefits like free bags and boarding faster than everyone else. Definitely peek at your card’s fine print and scoop up all the benefits.
Riding your credit card perks could mean waving goodbye to those baggage fees. For more tips on squeezing the best out of credit card perks and nixing extra charges, dive into our partner articles on how american airlines pack their bags, what delta air lines carry as essentials, and more on southwest airlines bag policy.
By packing like a pro and tapping into credit card benefits, you’re bound to coast through baggage fees on your next United Airlines journey.
