***NOTE: A recent synopsis follows, however, please check united.com for the most current baggage policies and pricing.***
What is United Airlines' (UA) baggage policy?
The United Airlines (UA) baggage policy for regular Economy Class fares include the following:
- Carry-on baggage.
- 1 personal item - Fee free
- 1 carry-on item - Fee free
- Checked baggage / Hold luggage - Applicable fees apply
- Overweight and Oversize bags - Applicable fees per bag depending on weight and size categories
- Sports equipment - Applicable fees apply
What is United Airlines' (UA) carry-on baggage policy?
United Airlines (UA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.
Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:
- 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
- Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Personal item should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:
- 36 linear inches (16 x 11 x 8 in) or 89 centimeters (41 x 28 x 20 cm)
- Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you
- A jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, duty free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) do not count towards your carry-on allowance.
NOTE: Bulkhead seats do not have under seat storage, therefore, all carry-on baggage must be stowed in the overhead bin during take-off and landing.
What is United Airlines' (UA) checked baggage / hold luggage policy?
United Airlines' (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage policy details follow:
- 2 bags standard (fees apply for Economy Class fares)
- Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms
Are there fees for baggage on United Airlines (UA)?
Yes, fees might apply. They are determined by the type of fare you purchased, your destination, if you are an active U S military personnel and/or dependent, if you have status with United Airlines' (UA) frequent flyer program, status with an affiliated carrier, or if you have a United Airlines (UA) sponsored credit/charge card.
United Airlines' (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees for U S domestic flights:
- First bag: $35.00 USD
- Second bag: $45.00 USD
- Third and any additional: $150.00 USD per bag
NOTE: You may add up to 2 checked bags, prepay in advance online (more than 24 hours before departure) and receive $5 off the cost of each of the first 2 checked bags [Effective for travel from 6 March 2020].
International flights:
- United Airlines' (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees for to/from U S international flights generally are nothing for the first and $100.00 USD for the second. International Basic Economy checked baggage / hold luggage fees are $60 USD for the first bag and $100 USD for the second. Some routes allow two checked bags as standard. United Airlines’ (UA) “Baggage Calculator” on United.com will determine the exact amount per route.
What is United Airlines' (UA) fee for excess baggage?
United Airlines (UA) will charge a range starting at $150 USD for the third bag and additional bags depending on the route. We strongly recommend visiting United Airlines’ (UA) “Baggage Calculator” on United.com since it will help you determine the exact amount per route.
Note: There are permanent and time period excess baggage embargoes to and from specific destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and South America. Please check “Baggage Embargoes” on United.com.
What is United Airlines' (UA) fee for overweight baggage?
United Airlines (UA) will charge the following for U S domestic flights for bags that are greater than the standard 50 pounds or 23 kilograms:
- 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms: $100.00 USD to $200 USD extra per bag
- 71 to 100 pounds or 33 to 46 kilograms: $400.00 USD extra per bag
- Bags exceeding 100 pounds or 46 kilograms will not be accepted as checked baggage / hold luggage.
- Fees for flights to/from the U S range from $200.00 to $400.00 USD. United Airlines’ (UA) “Baggage Calculator” on united.com will determine the exact amount per route.
What is United Airlines' (UA) fee for oversize baggage?
United Airlines (UA) will charge $200.00 USD extra for bags that are from 63 to 115 linear inches or from 160 to 292 centimeters. Bags greater than 115 linear inches or 292 centimeters will not be accepted as checked baggage / hold luggage.
Are there fees for sports equipment on United Airlines (UA)?
Fees depend on type of sports equipment. Skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, hockey, and lacrosse equipment are generally considered one item. Fees are charged starting at $30 USD. Fees for larger sporting equipment start at $150 USD. Check the sports equipment section of the baggage information page on united.com for exact details.
CPAP Devices:
Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be carried and used on board United flights if it can be verified by a manufacturers’ label or otherwise that the units meet applicable FAA requirements. A forty-eight (48) hour minimum advance notification to the Accessibility Desk (1-800-228-2744) is required for customers using a ventilator, respirator or CPAP machine on board.
