What Does United Airlines Charge For Bags?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Are you planning on taking a trip with United Airlines and wondering how much they charge for checked bags? Well, you’re in the right place! United Airlines is one of the top airlines in the world, and with their extensive route network, it’s no surprise that they have specific baggage policies in place.

United Airlines offers a variety of baggage options that cater to different travelers’ needs. From carry-on to checked bags, United Airlines has a range of fees that vary depending on your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status. So, let’s dive in and explore United Airlines’ baggage fees in more detail!

What Does United Airlines Charge for Bags?

What Does United Airlines Charge for Bags?

Traveling by air has its own set of challenges, one of which is the baggage allowance. United Airlines is one of the top-rated airlines in the country, but how much does it charge for bags? In this article, we will explore the fees associated with United Airlines’ baggage policy.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage is the most convenient way to travel, as it allows you to keep your belongings with you throughout the flight. United Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. It must fit under the seat in front of you, and its dimensions should not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches.

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Benefits of Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage has many benefits, such as:

  • Convenience: You can keep your belongings with you throughout the flight.
  • Cost-effective: You don’t have to pay extra for checked baggage.
  • Time-saving: You don’t have to wait for your baggage at the baggage claim area.

Carry-On Baggage Vs. Checked Baggage

Carry-on baggage is more convenient than checked baggage, but it has its limitations. Here’s a comparison between the two:

Carry-On Baggage Checked Baggage
Cost Free Charged
Size Limitations 22 x 14 x 9 inches 62 inches (length + width + height)
Weight Limitations None 50 pounds
Convenience You can keep your belongings with you throughout the flight. You have to wait for your baggage at the baggage claim area.

Checked Baggage

If you have more luggage than what the carry-on baggage allows, you can check your bags. United Airlines charges for checked baggage, and the fees vary depending on the route and the destination. The checked baggage must not exceed the dimensions of 62 inches (length + width + height) and the weight of 50 pounds.

Benefits of Checked Baggage

Checked baggage has many benefits, such as:

  • No size limitations: You can carry more luggage than the carry-on baggage allows.
  • Free hands: You don’t have to carry your luggage around the airport.
  • Less hassle: You don’t have to worry about fitting your luggage in the overhead bin.

Checked Baggage Vs. Carry-On Baggage

Checked baggage is more suitable for travelers who have more luggage than what the carry-on baggage allows. Here’s a comparison between the two:

Checked Baggage Carry-On Baggage
Cost Charged Free
Size Limitations 62 inches (length + width + height) 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Weight Limitations 50 pounds None
Convenience You don’t have to carry your luggage around the airport. You can keep your belongings with you throughout the flight.

Excess Baggage

If you have more luggage than what the checked baggage allows, you have to pay for the excess baggage. The fees for excess baggage vary depending on the route and the destination. The fees can be quite high, so it’s best to pack wisely and avoid excess baggage.

Benefits of Avoiding Excess Baggage

Avoiding excess baggage has many benefits, such as:

  • Cost-effective: You don’t have to pay for excess baggage.
  • Less hassle: You don’t have to worry about carrying or checking in excess baggage.
  • Time-saving: You don’t have to wait for your excess baggage at the baggage claim area.

Excess Baggage Vs. Normal Baggage

Excess baggage is more expensive than normal baggage, and it’s best to avoid it. Here’s a comparison between the two:

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Excess Baggage Normal Baggage
Cost Charged Free or Charged (depending on the route and destination)
Size Limitations The same as the checked baggage The same as the checked baggage
Weight Limitations More than 50 pounds 50 pounds
Convenience You have to pay extra for excess baggage. You don’t have to pay extra for normal baggage.

Conclusion

United Airlines has a straightforward baggage policy that allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. If you have more luggage than what the carry-on baggage allows, you can check your bags. The fees for checked baggage vary depending on the route and the destination. If you have more luggage than what the checked baggage allows, you have to pay for excess baggage, which can be quite expensive. It’s best to pack wisely and avoid excess baggage to save money and hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers regarding United Airlines’ baggage fees.

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board for free. Checked bags are subject to a fee, with the price varying depending on the route and destination. United Airlines’ baggage policy also includes additional fees for oversized and overweight bags.

Passengers can check the United Airlines website or contact customer service for more information on baggage fees and restrictions.

How much does it cost to check a bag on United Airlines?

The cost of checking a bag on United Airlines varies depending on the route and destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the first checked bag is $35, while the second checked bag is $45. For international flights, fees can range from $0 to $200 per bag, depending on the destination and class of service.

Passengers can save money on baggage fees by purchasing United Airlines’ checked bag bundles, which offer a discounted rate for checking multiple bags.

What is the size limit for luggage on United Airlines?

The size limit for carry-on luggage on United Airlines is 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels. Personal items, such as purses and laptop bags, must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Checked bags must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) and 50 pounds (23 kg) in weight.

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Passengers with oversized or overweight bags may be subject to additional fees.

Do United Airlines frequent flyers get free baggage?

United Airlines offers free checked bags to its Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members. The number of free bags allowed varies depending on the member’s status and the route of the flight. United Airlines credit card holders may also be eligible for free checked bags, depending on the type of card they hold.

Passengers can check their MileagePlus account or contact customer service to see if they qualify for free checked bags.

What is the fee for an overweight bag on United Airlines?

The fee for an overweight bag on United Airlines varies depending on the route and destination. For domestic flights within the United States, bags that weigh between 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg) are subject to a fee of $100. For international flights, fees can range from $0 to $400 per overweight bag, depending on the destination and class of service.

Passengers can avoid overweight bag fees by packing lighter or purchasing United Airlines’ checked bag bundles, which offer a discounted rate for checking multiple bags.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, United Airlines charges for bags depending on the type of fare you purchase. Passengers who purchase basic economy fares are only allowed to bring one personal item on board and must pay extra for a carry-on or checked bag. However, passengers who purchase standard economy, premium economy, business class, or first class fares are entitled to bring a carry-on and checked bag at no additional cost.

It’s important to note that United Airlines also offers a variety of options for purchasing baggage fees, including paying for bags online before your flight or at the airport on the day of travel. Additionally, United Airlines frequently offers promotions and discounts on baggage fees, so it’s always a good idea to check their website for the latest deals.

Overall, understanding United Airlines’ baggage policies and fees can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smooth travel experience. By knowing what to expect and planning ahead, you can pack and travel with confidence on your next United Airlines flight.

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