Like any other airline, United Airlines baggage policy is simple! You bring the bag, and if it's oversized or overweight, the airline charges an excess baggage fee. Similarly, if you wish to add checked luggage, you have to pay the fee. The process is simple! Passengers can add luggage online or contact the airline directly at the airport and pay the fee at the counter.
Want to know more about the United Airlines baggage policy? This detailed guide describes the ideal size for both carry-on and checked baggage. Find out the excess baggage fee, and learn the rules for carrying special baggage. Keep reading to learn more about the policy!
United Airlines Baggage Policy: Checked, Carry-on, and Personal Item Bags
Let’s understand the United Airlines baggage policy for checked, carry-on, and personal item bags:
Carry-on Bag
- The maximum size of carry on baggage United is 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).
- A carry-on bag, or cabin bag, goes into the cabin.
- Use this bag for carrying essential items, like toiletries, a toothbrush, documents, medicines, etc.
- Always comply with the liquid rule (100ml or 3.4 oz limit) when carrying liquids in carry-on bags.
Checked Baggage
- The maximum size allowed for checked luggage is 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm), or 62 linear inches.
- United Airlines transports checked luggage in the cargo hold.
Personal Item Bag
- Personal item bags include handbags, laptop bags, camera bags, backpacks, briefcases, cross-body bags, etc.
- The bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Carry essential, valuable, and fragile items like cash, jewelry, ID proof, electronic devices, and other items in a personal item bag.
United Airlines' baggage policy clearly states that spare lithium batteries, power banks, electric toothbrushes, e-cigarettes, etc. should go in your carry-on bag. On the other hand, sharp objects such as a razor should go in checked baggage.
What is the Weight Limit for Carry on Baggage United Airlines?
The weight limit for carry on baggage United Airlines has decided on the basis of the fare type.
- Basic Economy passengers may bring 1 carry-on bag on domestic and short-haul international flights.
- Passengers booked on a Basic Economy flight to South America, Pacific, and Transatlantic destinations may bring 1 carry-on baggage and 1 personal item bag.
- United Economy and Economy Plus passengers are also allowed 1 carry-on and 1 personal item bag.
- This limit also applies to Premium Plus, Business Class, First Class, and Polaris passengers.
- For the size of carry on baggage United Airlines has set a limit of 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).
- Carry-on bag is free on flights leaving from or headed to South America, across the Atlantic, or for international destinations beyond the Pacific.
- Passengers are also allowed 1 personal item bag free of charge on selected fares.
- The maximum dimensions for a personal item bag are 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).
- The personal item bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
What is the United Airlines Checked in Baggage Limit?
- United Airlines baggage policy follows the per-piece concept for checked baggage.
- Passengers may carry only the permitted pieces of checked luggage.
- 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm), or 62 linear inches, is the maximum size limit.
- 2 bags of 23 kg each are the maximum luggage limit.
- You cannot use a big bag to consolidate 2 small bags for free.
- Economy and Premium Economy passengers may check up to 50 lbs. of luggage.
- 70 lbs is the maximum permitted luggage limit for United Business, United Polaris Business, and United First Class passengers.
- The limit remains the same for Premier Class passengers, be it Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Premier 1K.
- Star Alliance Gold members can carry 70 lbs of checked luggage in Business and 50 lbs in Economy class flights.
- The exact luggage allowance depends on the route.
- Excess baggage fees are calculated on a per-bag, per-flight basis.
- Use the online baggage calculator to find the exact fee for an excess or additional baggage.
What About the United Oversize Baggage Cost?
The United oversize baggage cost and scenarios are as follows:
- If a bag an oversized or an overweight, the airline charges a separate fee.
- The excess baggage fee may range between $100 and $200.
- For international flights, the cost can reach up to $400.
- If a single piece of luggage is both overweight and oversized, the airline will impose a combined calculated fee.
- If any bag exceeds the free allowance limit, it will be chargeable.
- The total fee for an oversize bag depends on the route and the bag’s sequence.
- In case a bag is 115 linear inches and 100 lbs, the airline may consider it checked luggage.
What are the United Airlines Baggage Rules for Special Baggage?
The following are the United Airlines baggage rules for special baggage:
Active US Military Personnel
- United Airlines allows up to 5 complimentary checked bags for active U.S. military personnel and their dependents traveling on orders.
- 100 lbs and 115 linear inches is the maximum allowed weight and size.
- Military personnel traveling for personal reasons can check up to 3 complimentary pieces of luggage, up to 70 lbs each.
Sports Equipment
- Special luggage is used to carry sports equipment, such as golf clubs, skis, fishing rods, badminton rackets, tennis rackets, etc.
- If the equipment is under 50 lbs or 62 linear inches, United Airlines will charge a standard checked baggage fee.
- For one bag of equipment, such as skis, snowboards, surfboards, etc., the oversized luggage fee is waived.
- United will still charge an overweight fee for one bag of equipment.
Musical Instruments
- Passengers can carry small instruments in their cabin bags if they fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
- Large instruments must be checked.
- The instrument must weigh no more than 165 lbs and be no more than 150 linear inches.
- A standard overweight fee may apply.
- To place a big musical instrument, passengers can book a separate seat.
- The fare will be equivalent to an adult fare, including taxes and fees.
Infants and Children
- Passengers traveling with infants or children may bring essential items for their children.
- Diaper bags, safety harnesses, strollers, breast pumps, etc., are allowed on board for free.
- The bag carrying children’s items is not included in the carry-on or personal items bag category.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're packing for your flight, always review the United Airlines baggage policy. Carefully understand what the airline specifies regarding carrying luggage. Find out which bags you can bring on board and the maximum dimensions and weight for each bag type.
There is no United hand baggage weight limit. But United Airlines has strict checked-baggage rules. The airline charges an excess baggage fee for carrying an oversized or overweight checked bags. The airline also has specific rules for special scenarios and for traveling with infants or children.
Read also: United Airlines Flight Change Policy