United Airlines Baggage Policy for Basic Economy, First & Business Class
Planning to fly with United Airlines? Then it is compulsory for you to be aware of the United Airlines Baggage Policy. The first thing that you must know is that United Airlines does not offer complimentary checked baggage to Economy Class. You have to pay for them. The price of checked baggage at United Airlines varies greatly depending on your destination, type of ticket, and frequent flyer status. There are other rules also such as the size of personal items, restricted items, weight, and more that you have to follow to prevent yourself from additional charges.
United Airlines Baggage Policy for Carry-On Items
The following carry-on baggage allowance is available on most domestic and international destinations. Travelers can bring the following items as per the United Airlines Baggage Policy:
Personal item – one per passenger for free.
Carry-on bag – one per passenger for free.
- Basic Economy passengers can bring only one personal item for free on domestic routes. They don’t get a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance unless they are traveling to South America, transatlantic, or across the Pacific.
- United Airlines permits passengers to pack liquids, gels, and sprays in their carry-on luggage. However, the liquid container needs to be within a transparent and sealable bag. The volume of the liquid item should not be more than 100 mL.
- Travelers can also bring musical instruments within the weight and size guidelines inside the cabin. The airlines will count it under the carry-on allowance.
In addition to personal and carry-on items, travelers can also bring the following items without any additional charges.
- Jacket or coat
- Umbrella
- Books
- Food or other items bought at the airport
- Mobility devices, including wheelchairs, canes, and crutches
- A car seat, child safety harness, or stroller
- A diaper bag and breast pump (even if you’re not traveling with your child)
- Camera
Size of Carry-on Items
- According to the carry-on baggage policy of United Airlines, the size of the carry-on bag must not exceed 23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm (including wheel and handles).
- On the other hand, the size of the personal item should not be more than 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm.
- The personal item can be a backpack, shoulder bag, or laptop bag. It should fit under the seat in front of the traveler.
- The carry-on bag must fit inside the overhead compartment.
United Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
The checked baggage allowance on United Airlines depends on the fare, cabin class, and MileagePlus status.
- United Airlines charges a fee for checking baggage in Economy Class.
- On the other hand, Premium Economy and Business Class passengers get a complimentary allowance of two bags on domestic as well as international flights.
- On some international routes, United Airlines offers two standard checked baggage allowances.
- Basic Economy passengers have to pay a fee for the first and second bags.
- According to United Airlines Baggage Policy, passengers get one complimentary baggage for international flights to/from the USA.
- An infant with a ticket can check in bags under their name. Travelers can bring one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per infant without any additional charge.
Size and Weight Criteria for Checked Baggage
The maximum size of the checked baggage can be 376 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm or 62 total inches. It includes handles and wheels.
The standard weight allowance according to cabin class should be:
- United Economy/Premium Economy – 23 kg per bag
- Business/First/Polaris – 32 kg per bag
Checked Baggage Allowance for MileagePlus Members
- The maximum weight of each bag for Silver/Gold/Platinum/1K should not be more than 32 kg. It applies to all cabin classes.
- On the other hand, Star Alliance Gold members can bring a bag weighing 32 kg in Business Class and 23 kg in Economy Class.
- Premier Gold members are entitled to two free checked baggage for people traveling between the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on all United Economy tickets weighing up to 32 kg apiece.
- Whereas, Premier Gold members are entitled to three complimentary bag checks, each weighing 32 kg, for travel to and from specific overseas markets.
United Airlines Baggage Fees
- Premium Economy and Business Class passengers get two free standard baggage allowances. So, if they bring an additional bag only then they have to pay excess baggage charges.
- Basic Economy and Standard Economy travelers will have to pay the baggage fee depending on the route. Here is the breakdown of the baggage fees.
Basic Economy
| Destination | First Bag | Second Bag |
| US, Caribbean, Central America, Panama, El Salvador, and Mexico | $35 | $45 |
| Canada | $40 | $50 |
| South America | $45 | $65 |
| Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile | $70 | $100 |
| Europe | $75 | $100 |
| India | $75 | $200 |
| South Africa, Asia, and Australia | Free | $100 |
| Middle East and Africa | Free | Free |
Standard Economy
| Destination | First Bag | Second Bag |
| US, Caribbean, and Central America | $30 | $40 |
| Panama and El Salvador | Free | $40 |
| Mexico | $30 | $55 |
| Canada | $30 | $50 |
| South America | Free | $65 |
| Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Tahiti, and Australia | Free | $100 |
| India | Free | $200 |
| Asia | Free | $100 |
| Middle East and Africa | Free | Free |
Travelers will have to pay an additional $5 baggage fee if they pay for their baggage within 24 hours of departure.
Excess Baggage Fees
If the passenger is bringing third and additional bags, they have to pay the following fees for each bag.
| Destination | Basic Economy | Economy/Premium Economy/Business/First |
| US, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America | $150 | $150 |
| Panama | $150 | $150 |
| El Salvador | $200 | $200 |
| Canada | $200 | $150 |
| Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and South America Tahiti, and Australia | $150 | $150 |
| Europe, the Middle East, and Africa | $200 | $200 |
| Asia and Australia | $200 | $200 |
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If the weight of the bag exceeds 32kg, then the airline will count it as overweight baggage. The maximum weight of the bag acceptable on United Airlines is 45 kg. United has exceptions for musical and assistive devices. As per United Airlines Baggage Policy, it can accept musical instruments weighing up to 75 kg.
On the other hand, any baggage exceeding 62 inches in total dimension will be considered oversized baggage. The maximum size of the baggage acceptable by United Airlines is 115cm.
Oversized Baggage fees, 63 to 115 inches: $200 per bag.
Overweight Baggage fees for domestic flights:
- 24 kg to 32 kg: $100 per bag
- 33 kg to 45 kg: $200 per bag
Overweight Baggage fees for international flights:
- 24 kg to 32 kg: $200 per bag
- 33 kg to 45 kg: $400 per bag
How to Prepay for Your Checked Baggage on United?
You can pay for your checked baggage before departure. It allows you to save time, energy, and money. You will get a $5 discount on checked baggage when you purchase 24 hours before departure. When the departure is in less than 24 hours, you cannot take any discount.
As per the United Airlines Check-In Policy, passengers can pay for baggage with miles at the time of check-in. Here are the steps you can take to add baggage to your itinerary.
- Go to the official website.
- Now choose the My Trips option and enter the confirmation number.
- After that, select the “Prepay Bag” icon from your Trip summary.
- Enter the information and review it.
- Lastly, pay with either cards or miles.
At the airport, you have to print bag tags, place them on your bag, and drop them at the baggage counter.
United Airlines Baggage Policy for Special Items
United Airlines has specific guidelines for certain special items that travelers should know for smoother travel.
Wheelchairs
According to United Airlines Baggage Policy, travelers can bring two wheelchairs, scooters, or mobility devices, including sports wheelchairs and personal medical equipment for free in addition to their standard baggage allowance. The weight of the wheelchair should be less than 250 pounds.
Sports Equipment
Passengers can bring the following sports equipment to United Airlines.
- Archery
- Baseball
- Biking
- Boating and Surfing
- Bowling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Firearms
- Fishing
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Javelins
- Scuba
- Pole Vaulting
- Skating
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Tennis
You cannot check the following sports equipment:
- Bikes
- Hang gliders
- Surfboards
- Wakeboards
- Windsurfing boards
Travelers have to pay the checked baggage fees or otherwise noted under the policy. Oversized and overweight baggage fees will also apply. Certain sports equipment may be restricted to certain destinations therefore travelers must visit the official website of United Airlines for more information.
Musical Instruments
Passengers can bring musical instruments inside the cabin if it is as per the size and weight policy of the carry-on bags of United Airlines. They can check in up to 75 kg of heavy musical instruments. However, it will be subject to additional fees.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage
If the baggage is delayed or damaged by United Airlines, the travelers must inform the Baggage Service Office. Passengers can also dial +1-800-335-2247 from the U.S. and Canada or +1-281-821-3526 for regions except the U.S. and Canada.
According to United Airlines Baggage Policy:
- Passengers must inform the airlines about damaged baggage within seven days.
- On the other hand, travelers must inform United Airlines about delayed baggage after 21 days of arrival.
- If the passenger fails to notify United, the airline will not provide compensation.
- The airline will approve the compensation after the receipt of proof.
- Moreover, if the airline fails to find the delayed baggage in the next three days, United will mark it as lost baggage and provide compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many cabin bags does United Airlines allow for free?
Ans. United Airlines Baggage Policy permits passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free inside the cabin.
Q. Does United allow a backpack and carry-on?
Ans. Yes, United Airlines allows a backpack and a carry-on. Travelers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. The backpack will be counted towards personal items by the airline.
Q. What is the United Airlines personal item policy?
Ans. According to United Airlines, the size of the personal item should not be more than 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). It should fit easily beneath the seat in front of the passenger.
Q. What is the United Airlines baggage policy for carry-on items?
Ans. The carry-on bag should not be more than 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm) including wheels and handles. Also, it must fit inside the overhead bin. Each passenger can bring on carry-on bag for free on United Airlines.
Q. What is the carry-on baggage policy for United Basic Economy?
Ans. Basic Economy passengers can bring only one personal item for free on domestic routes as per the United Airlines Baggage Policy. They don’t get a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance unless they are traveling to South America, transatlantic, or across the Pacific.
Q. What is the baggage allowance on United Airlines?
Ans. United Airlines offers two free complimentary checked baggage allowances for Premium Economy and higher cabin classes. Basic and Standard Economy passengers have to purchase the allowance.
Q. Does United Basic Economy include checked baggage?
Ans. United Airlines Basic Economy ticket does not include checked baggage. Travelers have to pay to add baggage to their itinerary. However, United flights to South Africa, Asia, and Australia travelers get one free checked baggage in Basic Economy. On the other hand, for flights to the Middle East and Africa, travelers get two standard baggage allowances for free.
Q. How strict is United with carry-on size?
Ans. United Airlines is strict with the dimensions of the carry-on items. The maximum size of the carry-on bags acceptable inside the cabin is 9 in x 14 in x 22 in. It includes wheels and handles. So, if the size of baggage exceeds, travelers have to check their baggage.
Q. What if my bag is above 50 lbs on United?
Ans. If you are traveling in Economy and Premium Economy, the maximum standard baggage weight on United is 50 lbs. If the weight exceeds 50 lbs, travelers will have to pay the overweight fees.
Q. What should be the size of the checked baggage on United?
Ans. The maximum size of the standard checked baggage on United Airlines is 62 inches (total linear dimensions: length+width+height). So, if the size of the bag exceeds 62 inches, United Airlines will count it as an oversized item.
Q. What is the acceptable weight limit of checked baggage on United?
Ans. The standard weight allowance of checked baggage on United Airlines varies according to the cabin class.
United Economy/Premium Economy – 23 kg per bag
Business/First/Polaris – 32 kg per bag
Q. What items are not allowed on United Airlines?
Ans. According to United Airlines Baggage Policy, travelers cannot bring the following items in checked and carry-on bags. Explosives like fireworks, gunpowder, flares, flare guns, tasers, shock absorbers, Bleach, epoxy, fuel, insecticides, etc.
Q. How much is the United Airlines checked baggage fee to Canada?
Ans. On flights to Canada, Basic Economy passengers have to pay $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag. Standard Economy passengers have to pay $30 and $50 for the second bag. The following fees apply when travelers purchase the allowance 24 hours before departure.
Q. How much does United Airlines charge for third baggage?
Ans. The excess baggage charges vary from one destination to another. For each third and consecutive bag, travelers may have to pay between $150 to $200 depending on the route.
Q. Does United allow bags over 70 lbs?
Ans. Yes, United Airlines allows bags over 70lbs. When the bag weight exceeds 70 lbs, travelers will have to pay an overweight baggage fee. United Airlines does not accept the bag weighing more than 100 lbs or 45 kg.
Q. What are the overweight baggage fees on United Airlines?
Ans. United Airlines charges a fee for overweight items. The fee is different for domestic and international routes. Overweight Baggage fees for domestic flights are $100 per bag (24 kg to 32 kg) and $200 per bag (33 kg to 45 kg). On the other hand, overweight Baggage fees for international flights are $200 per bag (24 kg to 32 kg) and $400 per bag (33 kg to 45 kg).
Q. How much do Basic Economy passengers on domestic flights have to pay for checked baggage?
Ans. Basic Economy passengers traveling within the US have to pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag. The same fee applies to the Caribbean, Central America, Panama, El Salvador, and Mexico.