How Much for United Airlines Checked Bags? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you wondering how much you’ll need to shell out for United Airlines checked bags? At HOW.EDU.VN, we provide a clear breakdown of United Airlines’ baggage fees, allowances, and strategies to minimize costs, including information on standard baggage fees, excess baggage charges, and ways to potentially avoid these costs through frequent flyer status or credit card benefits. Get all the information you need for a stress-free travel experience. Learn about baggage allowance and the cheapest way to fly with checked baggage with United.

1. Understanding United Airlines’ Checked Baggage Fees

Navigating airline baggage fees can be a daunting task. United Airlines, like many carriers, charges fees for checked baggage, and these fees can vary based on several factors. Understanding these factors is key to planning your trip and avoiding unexpected costs.

1.1. Factors Influencing Baggage Fees

Several elements determine the price you’ll pay to check your bags on United Airlines:

Route: Fees can differ significantly based on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Class of Service: Passengers in higher classes like business or first class often receive complimentary checked baggage.
Frequent Flyer Status: United MileagePlus Premier members and Star Alliance Gold members may be entitled to free checked bags.
Credit Card Benefits: Certain United co-branded credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk.
Number of Bags: The fee structure typically increases for each additional bag you check.
Purchase Location: Prepaying for your baggage online is often cheaper than paying at the airport.

1.2. Standard Checked Baggage Fees

For flights within the U.S., Canada, Central America (excluding El Salvador and Panama), and the Caribbean (excluding Cuba), the following fees generally apply:

First Bag: $35 ($40 for Canada)
Second Bag: $45 ($50 for Canada)
Third or More Bags: $150 ($200 for Canada)

However, these are just general guidelines. To determine the exact fees for your specific itinerary, it’s best to use United’s official baggage fee calculator.

1.3. International Baggage Fees

Fees for international flights vary widely depending on the destination. Some routes may include a free checked bag, while others can be quite expensive. For example:

U.S. to/from Australia and New Zealand: First bag is free, second bag is $100, and additional bags are $200 each.
U.S. to/from Cuba: First bag is $30, and the second bag is $100.
U.S. to/from East Asia (excluding China): First bag is free (but $75 in Basic Economy), second bag is free (but $100 in Basic Economy), and additional bags are $200 each.
U.S. to/from China: First bag is free (but $75 in Basic Economy), second bag is $100, and additional bags are $200 each.
U.S. to/from El Salvador: First bag is free (but $35 in Basic Economy), second bag is $45, and additional bags are $200 each.
U.S. to/from Europe: First bag is free (but $75 in Basic Economy), second bag is $100, and additional bags are $200 each.

1.4 Checking baggage size

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so always verify the most up-to-date information on United’s website or through their baggage fee calculator.

2. Excess Baggage Fees: Overweight and Oversized Luggage

In addition to standard checked baggage fees, United Airlines charges extra for luggage that exceeds weight or size limits. These fees can significantly increase your travel expenses, so it’s crucial to be aware of the restrictions.

2.1. Weight Restrictions and Fees

For most economy and premium economy fares, the maximum weight allowed for a checked bag is 50 pounds (23 kilograms). For business, first, and Polaris classes, the limit is 70 pounds (32 kilograms). If your bag exceeds these limits, you’ll be subject to overweight baggage fees.

Here are some typical overweight baggage fees:

Domestic U.S. and Canada: $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds, and $200 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.
U.S. to/from the Caribbean (excluding Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Cuba): $200 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds, and $400 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.
U.S. to/from Central America (excluding Mexico and El Salvador): $200 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds, and $400 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.
U.S. to/from Cuba (except Havana): $200 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds, and $400 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.
U.S. to/from East Asia: $200 for bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds, and $400 for bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds.

These fees can vary depending on your specific route, so it’s always a good idea to check the baggage fee calculator.

2.2. Size Restrictions and Fees

United Airlines also has size restrictions for checked baggage. The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for a standard checked bag are 62 inches (158 centimeters). If your bag exceeds this limit, you’ll be charged an oversized baggage fee.

Oversized baggage fees typically start at $200 for domestic and many international routes. However, for some routes, such as U.S. to/from El Salvador, the fee can be as high as $300.

2.3. Tips for Avoiding Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

Weigh Your Bags at Home: Use a luggage scale to ensure your bags are within the weight limits before you head to the airport.
Measure Your Bags: Check the dimensions of your bags to ensure they meet United’s size restrictions.
Repack Your Luggage: If your bag is overweight, consider removing some items and placing them in a carry-on bag or shipping them to your destination.
Wear Heavy Items: Wear heavier clothing items, such as coats and boots, to reduce the weight of your luggage.
Ship Your Belongings: If you have a lot of heavy or oversized items, it may be more cost-effective to ship them to your destination via a service like FedEx or UPS.

3. Strategies to Avoid Checked Baggage Fees

While checked baggage fees can be a nuisance, there are several strategies you can use to avoid them altogether.

3.1. Utilize Credit Card Benefits

One of the easiest ways to avoid checked baggage fees is to carry a United co-branded credit card. Several United credit cards offer a free checked bag for you and a companion on your itinerary. Some of the cards that offer this benefit include:

Credit Card	Checked Bag Benefit Details
United Club℠ Business Card	2 free checked bags for you and 1 companion on your itinerary
The New United Club℠ Card	1 free checked bag for you and 1 companion on your itinerary
The New United Quest℠ Card	1 free checked bag for you and 1 companion on your itinerary
The New United℠ Business Card	1 free checked bag for you and 1 companion on your itinerary
United℠ Explorer Business Card	1 free checked bag for you and 1 companion on your itinerary
The New United℠ Explorer Card	1 free checked bag for you and 1 companion on your itinerary

3.2. Leverage Frequent Flyer Status

If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, you may be eligible for complimentary checked bags based on your MileagePlus Premier status. The number of free bags and the weight allowance vary depending on your status level and the route you’re flying.

Here are the Premier Member Status free weight allowances for the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S Virgin Islands:

Cabin and Route	Premier Silver	Premier Gold	Premier Platinum	Premier 1K
Economy Travel Between the U.S. and Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America	1 bag weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	2 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)
Economy Travel Between the U.S. and South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, or Africa	2 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)
All Premium Cabin Travel	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)	3 bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms)

Travel companions of MileagePlus Premier members have the same exemptions as the Premier member whose status provides the benefit, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation.

3.3. Active U.S. Military Personnel

Active U.S. military personnel receive generous baggage allowances on United Airlines flights:

Personal Travel: 3 checked bags FREE (70 pounds, 62 linear inches)
Military Dependent with Travel Orders: 2 checked bags FREE (70 pounds, 62 linear inches)
Military Orders: 5 checked bags FREE (100 pounds, 115 linear inches)

Dependents of active U.S. military personnel have the same exemptions as the military service member whose status provides the benefit, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation.

3.4. Star Alliance Gold Members

Star Alliance Gold Members also receive free checked bags:

Domestic Flights:
- Economy Cabin: First checked bag free (50 pounds)
- Premium Economy Cabin: 3 free Checked bags (50 pounds)
- Business or First Cabin: 3 free Checked bags (70 pounds)
International Flights:
- Economy Cabin: 2 free checked bags (50 pounds)
- Premium Economy: 3 free checked bags (50 pounds)
- Business or First Cabin: 3 free Checked bags (70 pounds)

3.4. Pack Strategically

Another way to avoid checked baggage fees is to simply pack less. Consider using a carry-on bag instead of checking your luggage. With careful planning and strategic packing, you can often fit everything you need into a carry-on.

Here are some tips for packing light:

Create a Packing List: Make a list of everything you need to bring, and stick to it.
Choose Versatile Clothing: Select clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space.
Use Travel-Sized Toiletries: Purchase travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight.
Wear Your Heaviest Items: Wear your heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane to reduce the weight of your luggage.
Utilize Compression Bags: Use compression bags to compress your clothing and save space.

3.5. Can I prepay for baggage?

United Airlines does allow passengers to prepay for luggage online or via the mobile app.

4. Navigating United Airlines’ Carry-On Policy

Understanding United Airlines’ carry-on policy is crucial for avoiding checked baggage fees and ensuring a smooth travel experience.

4.1. Carry-On Allowance

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one standard carry-on bag for free.

Personal Item: The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed dimensions of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 centimeters).
Carry-On Bag: The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and should not exceed dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters).

4.2. Basic Economy Restrictions

Passengers traveling on Basic Economy fares have stricter carry-on restrictions. Generally, Basic Economy passengers are only allowed to bring a personal item that fits under the seat. If a Basic Economy passenger brings a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate, they will be required to check it and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Basic Economy passengers on flights to South America, transatlantic flights, and trans-Pacific flights are allowed to bring a standard carry-on bag in addition to a personal item. Additionally, Premier members, qualifying MileagePlus credit card holders, and Star Alliance Gold members are exempt from the Basic Economy carry-on restrictions.

4.3. Lap Infant Carry-On Policy

When traveling with a lap infant (a child under the age of 2 who does not have their own seat), you are allowed to bring a diaper bag in addition to your own carry-on allowance. The diaper bag does not count as your personal item or carry-on bag.

4.4. Stroller-Check Policy

United Airlines allows passengers to check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child they’re traveling with, either at the ticket counter or at the gate, for free. If your stroller is large or noncollapsible, or the wagon is non-folding, it has to be checked at the ticket counter.

Car seats are not allowed in United Polaris business class on most Boeing 767, 777, or 787 aircraft. Items such as a pack-and-play or collapsible crib must be checked at the ticket counter and are charged as baggage.

5. Special Baggage: Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments

If you’re traveling with sporting equipment or musical instruments, United Airlines has specific policies and fees that you need to be aware of.

5.1. Sporting Equipment

United Airlines accepts a variety of sporting equipment as checked baggage, including:

Bicycles
Golf clubs
Skis and snowboards
Surfboards
Fishing equipment

However, these items are subject to specific size and weight restrictions, and additional fees may apply. For example, bicycles are typically subject to an oversized baggage fee, while surfboards may be subject to an additional handling fee.

It’s always a good idea to check United’s website for the most up-to-date information on specific sporting equipment policies and fees.

5.2. Musical Instruments

United Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage, depending on the size of the instrument.

Small Instruments: Small instruments, such as violins or guitars, can often be brought as carry-on baggage, as long as they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
Large Instruments: Larger instruments, such as cellos or bass guitars, may need to be checked as baggage. However, you can purchase an extra seat to accommodate a large instrument in the cabin, provided it meets certain size and safety requirements.

Musical instruments are subject to the same weight and size restrictions as other checked baggage, and additional fees may apply if they exceed these limits.

6. United Airlines Baggage Fee Calculator

To avoid any surprises at the airport, it’s always a good idea to use United Airlines’ official baggage fee calculator to determine the exact fees for your specific itinerary. The calculator takes into account your route, class of service, frequent flyer status, and the number of bags you plan to check.

6.1. How to Use the Baggage Fee Calculator

To use the baggage fee calculator, simply visit United’s website and enter the following information:

Your origin and destination airports
Your travel dates
Your class of service
Your MileagePlus status (if applicable)
The number of bags you plan to check

The calculator will then provide you with a detailed breakdown of the baggage fees for your trip.

6.2. Benefits of Using the Calculator

Accurate Information: The baggage fee calculator provides the most up-to-date and accurate information on baggage fees for your specific itinerary.
Avoid Surprises: By using the calculator, you can avoid any unexpected fees at the airport.
Plan Your Budget: Knowing the exact baggage fees in advance allows you to plan your budget accordingly.
Explore Options: The calculator may also provide you with options for reducing your baggage fees, such as purchasing a credit card or packing lighter.

7. Comparing United Airlines Baggage Fees to Other Airlines

When planning your trip, it’s essential to compare United Airlines’ baggage fees to those of other airlines. Baggage fees can vary significantly between carriers, and choosing the right airline can save you a substantial amount of money.

7.1. Domestic Baggage Fees Comparison

Here’s a comparison of domestic baggage fees for some of the major U.S. airlines:

Airline	First Checked Bag	Second Checked Bag
United Airlines	$35 – $40	$45 – $50
American Airlines	$30	$40
Delta Air Lines	$30	$40
Southwest Airlines	FREE	FREE
JetBlue Airways	$30	$40

As you can see, Southwest Airlines is the only major U.S. carrier that offers free checked bags for all passengers. If you’re looking to save money on baggage fees, Southwest may be a good option.

7.2. International Baggage Fees Comparison

International baggage fees can be more complex, as they vary depending on the destination and class of service. However, here are some general guidelines:

United Airlines: International baggage fees vary widely depending on the destination, but they generally range from $0 to $100 for the first bag and $40 to $200 for the second bag.
American Airlines: International baggage fees are similar to United’s, with the first bag often being free for certain destinations and classes of service.
Delta Air Lines: Delta’s international baggage fees are also comparable to United’s and American’s.

7.3. Factors to Consider When Comparing Baggage Fees

When comparing baggage fees between airlines, it’s important to consider the following factors:

Route: Baggage fees can vary depending on the specific route you’re flying.
Class of Service: Higher classes of service often include free checked bags.
Frequent Flyer Status: Elite frequent flyers may be entitled to free checked bags.
Credit Card Benefits: Certain airline credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk.
Overall Cost: Don’t just focus on baggage fees. Consider the overall cost of the flight, including the base fare and any other fees.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About United Airlines Checked Bags

Here are some frequently asked questions about United Airlines checked bags:

How much does it cost to check a bag on United Airlines? The cost varies depending on the route, class of service, and frequent flyer status. Domestically, the first bag is typically $35-$40 and the second is $45-$50.
What is the weight limit for checked bags on United Airlines? For most economy and premium economy fares, the weight limit is 50 pounds (23 kilograms). For business, first, and Polaris classes, the limit is 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
What is the size limit for checked bags on United Airlines? The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for a standard checked bag are 62 inches (158 centimeters).
Can I prepay for baggage on United Airlines? Yes, you can prepay for baggage online or via the mobile app. It’s often cheaper to prepay than to pay at the airport.
Do United credit card holders get free checked bags? Yes, several United co-branded credit cards offer a free checked bag for you and a companion on your itinerary.
Do MileagePlus Premier members get free checked bags? Yes, MileagePlus Premier members may be entitled to free checked bags based on their status level and the route they’re flying.
What happens if my bag is overweight or oversized? You’ll be charged additional fees for overweight or oversized baggage.
Can I check sporting equipment or musical instruments on United Airlines? Yes, but these items are subject to specific size and weight restrictions, and additional fees may apply.
What is United Airlines’ carry-on policy? Passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one standard carry-on bag for free. Basic Economy passengers have stricter restrictions.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on United Airlines’ baggage fees? The best place to find the most up-to-date information is on United Airlines’ website or through their official baggage fee calculator.

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