Updated United Baggage Policy: A Comprehensive Overview
In a hurry? Call United Airlines Customer Service at 1-800 United (+1-800-335-2247) or +1-833-573-2200 for assistance with any questions or issues regarding the United baggage policy.
Getting ready for your United Airlines flight? Need to know how much baggage you can bring for free or how much the extras will cost? Look no further; the United Airlines Baggage Policy has all the answers!
Whether you’re flying within the U.S. or abroad, having the right baggage knowledge can help you save time and money at the check-in counter. Understanding the United Airlines baggage allowance policy will make your travel smoother, from what you can bring to special benefits and additional perks for MileagePlus. Do you also want to avoid baggage fees? Keep reading to find out how you can travel smarter with United!
An Overview—What is the United Airlines Baggage Policy?
The United Airlines Baggage Policy is a set of rules and guidelines that determine how much you can bring on your ticket type, the United Baggage Fees for extra baggage, size and weight allowances, and more.
Key aspects—
- Varies depending on the ticket type, destination, and even your loyalty status or credit card.
- You can check your ticket to confirm your allowance before you travel.
- Charges apply for excess baggage or extra items.
- There could be different limits for domestic and international flights.
- If you are a MileagePlus member, you can enjoy extra baggage perks.
- Like excess baggage, additional fees will also be imposed on bags exceeding weight and size limits.
- There are some prohibited items, such as hazardous materials, that you can’t bring on the flight.
- If you have lost or found your baggage damaged, United provides a process for complaining about lost or damaged luggage, including compensation guidelines.
United Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowances:
Are you wondering, “What are the carry-on size limits and allowance on United Airlines?” If so, here’s what you must know—
For its customers, United Airlines provides specific guidelines for carry-on and personal items, ensuring they can pack hassle-free before approaching the airport. Knowing these guidelines can help you pack smartly and efficiently by avoiding the extra charges that you may need to pay at the airport or leaving your extra item there.
Carry-on Item:
- One carry-on item for free of cost.
- The maximum size you are allowed to bring on United Airlines is 22 in x 14 in x 9 in.
- It must be stored in the overhead compartment.
- Does not have a maximum weight limit.
Personal Item:
- You can bring one personal item, such as a purse, backpack, briefcase, or laptop bag.
- It must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Should not exceed 17 in x 10 in x 9 in (43 cm x 25 cm x 22 cm).
- Does not have a maximum weight limit.
Note: If you have purchased a Basic Economy ticket, you are only permitted to take one small personal item onboard.
What is the United Airlines Checked Baggage Policy?
The checked baggage allowance for United flights varies depending on fare type, destination, and elite status. Look at the points below to understand allowances for different ticket types–
Ticket Types:
- United Polaris
- United First
- United Business
- United Premium Plus
- United Economy Plus
- United Economy
Checked Baggage Key Aspects—
- United Airlines allows two checked bags per passenger.
- The maximum size is 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm) or 62 total in, including handles and wheels.
- If you are a Premier Silver Member, you can check one bag for free.
- For international flights to Latin America, Europe, and select Asia-Pacific countries, the first checked bag may be included with your ticket.
- United Airlines allows you to prepay for your checked bags online.
- Online baggage checking helps you save $5 per bag for most domestic flights.
- If you are a U.S. military (active-duty) and dependents, you get free first and second checked bags.
- Premier Gold and higher (Loyalty Program), Premium economy, business, and first-class passengers can also check up to two bags for free.
- Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members can bring three pieces of baggage for free.
Checked Bag Weight Limits:
The maximum weight for checked bags depends on the class of service and the type of trip you have chosen with United Airlines.
By Fare Class:
- Economy® and Premium Economy: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
- United Business®: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- United First®: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- United Polaris® business class: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- US Military Personal: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Military passengers with orders: Up to 100 lbs (45 kg)
By MileagePlus status:
- Premier Silver: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Premier Gold: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Premier Platinum: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Premier 1K®: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Star Alliance™ Gold: Up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and 50 lbs (23 kg) for Basic Economy
How much does United charge for overweight and oversized bags?
Additional fees will be imposed on bags that weigh more than the United Airlines Baggage Policy standard weight or size restrictions. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of these costs to prevent sudden surprises at the airport when checking in:
| Baggage Type | Fees |
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 |
International Flights (e.g., NYC to London – Economy):
| Checked Bag | Fees |
| First Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg) | Free |
Second Checked Bag (<50 lbs / 23 kg) |
Starting at $100 each way |
Third or Additional Checked Bags (<50 lbs / 23 kg) |
Starting at $150 each way |
Domestic Flights (Economy and Premium Economy)
| Checked Bag | Fees |
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) |
What special items are allowed on United Airlines, and are there any fees?
If you have a question about what special items you can bring on your flight with United Airlines, here’s what is allowed—
- Strollers and car seats for infants. It can be checked for free.
- Musical instruments as carried or checked depending on the size.
- Sports items such as bicycles, golf clubs, and skis are allowed.
- Oversize and overweight fees will be imposed as per the United Airlines Baggage Policy for checked baggage.
- You can bring a wheelchair or mobility device along with your checked bags for free. This includes manual and electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches.
To know about more specialized items like surfboards or scuba gear, it’s best to directly call the United Airlines Baggage department at +1-800-335-2247 or +1-833-573-2200. Additionally, you can review the United Airlines guidelines on its official website.
Which items are restricted or prohibited?
Certain items, including hazardous materials, sporting gear, and recreational devices, are prohibited in checked as well as carry-on bags on United Airlines flights. This may include
- Aerosol items like spray paint, household cleaners, and pesticides
- Bleach
- Drain cleaners
- Epoxy
- Fuel
- Gel fuel
- Glue
- Insecticides
- Matches (strike-anywhere kind)
- Paint (certain kinds)
- Sporting equipment that could be used as a weapon
- Avalanche packs containing 1.4s or CO2
Which devices can you use or are prohibited during your flight?
During your flight, there are certain personal items are allowed to be used, while others are prohibited for safety or operational reasons. Here’s a breakdown:
Devices You Can Use:
- Handheld gaming consoles
- Laptops (allowed above 10,000 feet)
- DVD players
- Music players
- Calculators
- Shaver’s (in bathrooms only)
- Cameras
- Seat charging ports (available above 10,000 feet)
Devices You Can’t Use:
- Air purifying respirators
- Personal humidifiers
- E-cigarettes and vapes
- TVs
- Blow dryers, bottle warmers, and items that heat up
- Remote-control toys
- Radio receivers and transmitters
Note: The rules may change, so always make sure to re-check with the United Airlines Baggage Policy for specific in-flight personal items usage rules to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
What if your baggage is lost/delayed/damaged?
Have you lost your baggage on your flight with United Airlines? Finds it damaged or facing delays? If so, fret not! In such circumstances, immediately file a complaint and make sure to do so within the given period or just after the issue arises. To complain to United Airlines about lost or damaged baggage, you can call the Baggage Service Office or file a claim online.
Complain about baggage concerns by phone:
- Call the Baggage Service Office at +1-800-335-2247 or +1-833-573-2200
- If you’re outside the U.S. or Canada, call +1-281-821-3526
Complain about baggage concerns online:
- File a claim online by visiting the official website.
- Fill out United’s lost item form.
- Use United’s bag tracing feature to track your bags.
At the Airport:
If you’re still at the airport, it’s advisable to immediately head towards the United Airlines Baggage Customer Service counter for quick and effective resolution.
Conclusion:
Overall, keeping yourself familiar with the United Airlines Baggage Policy is essential for a smooth travel experience and to pack smartly. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, it can make all the difference when you are unaware of baggage allowances. Moreover, it can help you avoid potential fees and ease your check-in process.
Final thoughts:
- United Airlines Baggage Allowances vary by ticket type, destination, and MileagePlus status.
- The first checked bag may be included on international flights to certain destinations.
- Online baggage prepay offers savings on most domestic flights.
- Special items like strollers and musical instruments are allowed with specific conditions.
- Military personnel and their dependents enjoy free checked baggage.
- Excess, oversized, and overweight bags incur additional charges.
I hope that after reading through the information above, you have a clear understanding of United Airlines’ Baggage Policy. For more assistance or details, please call the United Airlines Baggage Department at +1-800-335-2247 or +1-833-573-2200.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you need to re-check your bags if you have a connecting flight?
If you are traveling on a connecting flight, you should re-check your bags between stops before continuing to your next destination. Be sure to check with the airline or airport staff to confirm if you need to collect and re-check your bags during your stopover.
Does United allow a backpack and carry-on?
Indeed! You can bring a backpack as a carry-on or as a personal item on most flights with United Airlines.
What is the phone number to contact the United Airlines Baggage Department?
To contact the United Airlines Baggage Department, call +1-800-335-2247 or +1-833-573-2200 (accessible across the U.S.) for assistance. You can also visit the United Airlines website for additional information on United Airlines Baggage policy and other services.