Do You Have To Pay For Luggage On United Airlines?

Writing by Posted On: July 24, 2023
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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Are you planning a trip with United Airlines and wondering whether you’ll have to pay for checked luggage? You’re not alone. With airlines constantly changing their baggage policies, it can be difficult to keep up. In this article, we’ll break down United Airlines’ current baggage fees and help you avoid any surprises at the airport.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, understanding baggage fees is important. No one wants to be caught off guard by unexpected charges at the airport. So, let’s dive into the specifics of United Airlines’ baggage policies and answer the question: do you have to pay for luggage on United Airlines?

United Airlines typically charges for checked luggage on domestic and international flights. Fees vary depending on the route, ticket class, and frequent flyer status. Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. It’s important to check United Airlines’ baggage policy before booking your flight to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Do You Have to Pay for Luggage on United Airlines?

Do You Have to Pay for Luggage on United Airlines?

If you’re planning to travel with United Airlines, you may be wondering if you have to pay for luggage. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as United Airlines has different baggage policies depending on the type of ticket you purchase, your destination, and your frequent flyer status. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about United Airlines’ baggage policies so you can be prepared for your next trip.

Baggage Allowance for United Airlines Flights

United Airlines’ baggage policy allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board for free. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for the personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm), while the maximum dimensions for the carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).

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If you need to check bags, you’ll need to pay a fee. The fee for the first checked bag on United Airlines flights is $30 for domestic flights and flights to/from Canada, and $60 for international flights to most destinations. The fee for the second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights and flights to/from Canada, and $100 for international flights to most destinations.

Baggage Allowance for United Airlines’ Basic Economy Tickets

If you purchased a Basic Economy ticket on United Airlines, you are only allowed to bring one personal item on board. You will not be able to bring a carry-on bag unless you are a MileagePlus Premier member, a primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or traveling on a transatlantic flight.

If you need to check bags with a Basic Economy ticket, you’ll need to pay a fee. The fee for the first checked bag is $30 for domestic flights and flights to/from Canada, and $60 for international flights to most destinations. The fee for the second checked bag is $40 for domestic flights and flights to/from Canada, and $100 for international flights to most destinations.

Baggage Allowance for United Airlines’ Economy Tickets

If you purchased an Economy ticket on United Airlines, you are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board for free, just like with other ticket types. If you need to check bags, you’ll need to pay the same fees as with other ticket types.

Baggage Allowance for United Airlines’ Premium Cabin Tickets

If you purchased a premium cabin ticket on United Airlines, such as Business or First Class, you are allowed to bring two personal items and two carry-on bags on board for free. If you need to check bags, you’ll also be able to check them for free, depending on your destination and frequent flyer status.

Excess Baggage Fees for United Airlines Flights

If you need to bring more bags than the allowed amount, or if your bags exceed the weight or size limits, you’ll need to pay an excess baggage fee. The excess baggage fee varies depending on your destination and the number of bags you need to check.

For domestic and international flights (excluding flights to/from Canada), the excess baggage fee for the third through tenth bags is $150 each. For flights to/from Canada, the excess baggage fee for the third through fifth bags is $100 each, and for the sixth through tenth bags, it’s $200 each.

Benefits of United Airlines’ Baggage Policies

One of the benefits of United Airlines’ baggage policies is that you can bring a personal item and a carry-on bag on board for free, even with Economy tickets. This can help you save money on baggage fees and ensure that your essential items are with you at all times.

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If you have a premium cabin ticket, you’ll be able to bring more bags on board for free, making it easier to bring everything you need for your trip. And if you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, you may be able to check bags for free or receive other benefits depending on your status.

United Airlines’ Baggage Policies vs. Other Airlines

Compared to other airlines, United Airlines’ baggage policies are fairly standard. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag on board for free, with fees for checked bags. However, some airlines may allow more bags or have lower fees for excess baggage.

It’s always a good idea to compare baggage policies when booking your flight to ensure that you’re getting the best deal and that you can bring everything you need for your trip.

Conclusion

In summary, United Airlines’ baggage policies allow passengers to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag on board for free, with fees for checked bags. The fees for checked bags vary depending on your destination and ticket type. If you need to bring more bags, you’ll need to pay an excess baggage fee. If you have a premium cabin ticket or frequent flyer status, you may be able to check bags for free or receive other benefits. When booking your flight, be sure to compare baggage policies to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about United Airlines baggage policy:

What is United Airlines baggage policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Checked bags are subject to fees based on the destination and fare type. The weight and size restrictions for checked bags are also different depending on the destination.

Passengers can check up to 2 bags for domestic flights and up to 5 bags for international flights. The fee for the first checked bag on domestic flights is $35, while the second checked bag is $45. On international flights, the first checked bag fee ranges from $0 to $150 depending on the route and fare type.

What is the size limit for carry-on bags on United Airlines?

The size limit for carry-on bags on United Airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm), including handles and wheels. Any bag that exceeds these dimensions must be checked in at the gate or the check-in counter, and additional fees may apply.

Passengers are also allowed to bring one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, that must fit under the seat in front of them. The personal item should not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm).

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

The cost of checked bags on United Airlines varies depending on the destination and fare type. For domestic flights, the fee for the first checked bag is $35, while the second checked bag is $45. For international flights, the first checked bag fee ranges from $0 to $150 depending on the route and fare type.

Passengers can check up to 2 bags for domestic flights and up to 5 bags for international flights. Additional fees may apply for bags that exceed the weight and size restrictions.

Can I bring a pet on United Airlines?

Yes, United Airlines allows passengers to bring pets in the cabin or as checked baggage, depending on the size and weight of the animal. Passengers must comply with the airline’s pet policy and pay the applicable fees.

Smaller pets can travel in the cabin as long as they are in an approved carrier that can fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Larger pets must be checked in as baggage, and additional fees apply.

What is United Airlines’ policy on sports equipment?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring sports equipment as checked baggage, but additional fees may apply. The fees and restrictions vary depending on the type of equipment and the destination.

For example, passengers can bring golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and bicycles as checked baggage, but they must be properly packed and meet the weight and size restrictions. Passengers should check with the airline for specific policies and fees regarding sports equipment.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, United Airlines does charge for checked baggage on most of its flights. However, the fees vary depending on the route, destination, and type of fare you purchase. It’s important to carefully review the airline’s baggage policy before booking your ticket to avoid any surprises at the airport.

But don’t worry, there are ways to avoid paying for baggage fees on United Airlines. One option is to pack light and only bring a carry-on bag, which is free for all passengers. Another option is to become a United MileagePlus member, which offers free checked baggage as a benefit.

Overall, while United Airlines does charge for checked baggage, there are ways to minimize or even eliminate these fees. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can save money and have a stress-free travel experience with United Airlines.

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