How Much Is Checked Baggage On United Airlines? United Airlines’ checked baggage fees vary based on factors such as your route, class of service, and frequent flyer status, but HOW.EDU.VN is here to provide a comprehensive breakdown to help you navigate these costs effectively. Knowing the fees can help you budget for your trip or consider alternative options to avoid them. Let’s explore United Airlines baggage allowance, excess baggage fees and options to waive them, providing you with a clear understanding of how to manage your luggage expenses.
1. Understanding United Airlines’ Baggage Policies
United Airlines has specific baggage policies that travelers need to be aware of to avoid unexpected fees. These policies cover carry-on allowances, checked baggage allowances, and additional fees for overweight or oversized bags.
1.1. Carry-On Allowance
United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one standard carry-on bag for free on most fares.
- Personal Item: Must not exceed dimensions of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 centimeters).
- Carry-On: Must not exceed dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters).
Passengers with Basic Economy tickets should note that a full-sized carry-on bag is not included, unless traveling on transatlantic or trans-Pacific flights. Bringing a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate with a Basic Economy ticket will result in the bag being checked, and the passenger will be required to pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge, unless they are a Premier member, a qualifying MileagePlus credit card primary cardmember, or a Star Alliance Gold member.
1.2. Checked Baggage Allowance
The standard checked baggage allowance on United Airlines depends on the route and class of service. All checked bags must adhere to specific weight and size restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: For economy and premium economy fares, the maximum weight is 50 pounds (23 kilograms). For business, first, and Polaris classes, the maximum weight is 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
- Size Restrictions: The maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for all checked bags are 62 inches (158 centimeters).
1.3 Stroller and Car Seat Policy
United Airlines permits passengers to check one car seat and one stroller per child without any charges. These items can be checked either at the ticket counter or at the gate, providing flexibility for parents traveling with young children.
- For large or noncollapsible strollers, or non-folding wagons, checking at the ticket counter is necessary.
- It’s important to note that car seats are not permitted in United Polaris business class on most Boeing 767, 777, or 787 aircraft.
- Items like pack-and-plays or collapsible cribs must be checked at the ticket counter and are subject to baggage fees.
2. Standard Checked Baggage Fees
United Airlines’ checked baggage fees vary based on several factors, including your destination, class of service, and MileagePlus status.
2.1. Domestic U.S. and Canada
For travel within the U.S. and Canada, the following fees apply:
- First Bag: $35 ($40 for Canada)
- Second Bag: $45 ($50 for Canada)
- Third or More Bags: $150 ($200 for Canada)
2.2. International Routes
Baggage fees for international routes differ significantly based on the destination. Here are some examples:
- U.S. to/from Australia and New Zealand: First bag free, second bag $100, third or more bags $200.
- U.S. to/from Cuba: First bag $30, second bag $100.
- U.S. to/from East Asia (excluding China): First bag free, second bag free ($100 in Basic Economy), third or more bags $200.
- U.S. to/from Europe: First bag free ($75 in Basic Economy), second bag $100, third or more bags $200.
- U.S. to/from India: First bag free ($75 in Basic Economy), second bag $200, third or more bags $300.
2.3. Class of Service
Your class of service also affects your baggage allowance and fees. Premium Economy, Business, First, and Polaris classes often include one or more free checked bags. For example:
- Premium Economy: Typically includes one or two free checked bags.
- Business, First, and Polaris: Generally include two or three free checked bags.
2.4. Using United’s Baggage Fee Calculator
To get the most accurate estimate of your baggage fees, United Airlines recommends using its official baggage fee calculator tool. This tool takes into account your specific route, class of service, and any applicable discounts or waivers.
3. Additional and Excess Baggage Fees
In addition to standard checked baggage fees, United Airlines charges extra for bags that are overweight or oversized.
3.1. Overweight Baggage Fees
Overweight baggage fees apply to bags that exceed the standard weight limit for your class of service.
- 51 to 70 Pounds: $100 to $300 depending on the route.
- 71 to 100 Pounds: $200 to $500 depending on the route.
3.2. Oversized Baggage Fees
Oversized baggage fees apply to bags that exceed the maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 centimeters).
- 63 to 115 Linear Inches: $200 to $300 depending on the route.
It’s crucial to check the specific fees for your route using United’s baggage fee calculator, as these fees can vary significantly.
3.3. Fees for Special Luggage
Special luggage such as sports equipment and musical instruments are subject to specific fees and policies. These items often have their own weight and size restrictions, so it’s important to check United’s policy on their website or through their customer service.
4. Ways to Avoid Checked Baggage Fees
There are several strategies to avoid paying checked baggage fees on United Airlines, including leveraging frequent flyer status, using co-branded credit cards, and shipping your luggage.
4.1. United MileagePlus Premier Status
United MileagePlus Premier members receive complimentary checked baggage based on their status level.
- Premier Silver: One free checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Two free checked bags for travel to South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, or Africa.
- Premier Gold: Two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Three free checked bags for travel to other international destinations.
- Premier Platinum and Premier 1K: Three free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for all routes.
Travel companions of MileagePlus Premier members on the same reservation also receive the same baggage exemptions.
4.2. Star Alliance Gold Status
Star Alliance Gold members also receive free checked baggage on United Airlines flights.
- 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)
4.3. United Co-Branded Credit Cards
Several United co-branded credit cards offer free checked baggage benefits.
- United Club℠ Business Card: Two free checked bags for you and one companion on your itinerary.
- United Club℠ Card:
- United Quest℠ Card: One free checked bag for you and one companion on your itinerary.
- United℠ Business Card: One free checked bag for you and one companion on your itinerary.
- United℠ Explorer Card: One free checked bag for you and one companion on your itinerary.
These cards can provide significant savings if you frequently check bags on United flights.
4.4. Active U.S. Military Personnel
Active U.S. military personnel receive generous baggage allowances.
- Personal Travel: Three free checked bags (70 pounds, 62 linear inches).
- Military Dependent with Travel Orders: Two free checked bags (70 pounds, 62 linear inches).
- Military Orders: Five free checked bags (100 pounds, 115 linear inches).
Dependents of active U.S. military personnel traveling on the same reservation also receive the same exemptions.
4.5. Prepaying for Baggage Online
United Airlines offers a discount for passengers who prepay for their baggage online or via the mobile app. Prepaying is $5 cheaper per bag compared to paying at the airport.
4.6. Shipping Your Luggage
Another option to avoid checked baggage fees is to ship your luggage to your destination using a service like FedEx, UPS, or a specialized luggage shipping company. While this may cost more upfront, it can be more convenient and may save you money compared to excess baggage fees.
5. Practical Tips for Managing Baggage on United Airlines
Here are some practical tips to help you manage your baggage effectively when flying with United Airlines.
5.1. Weigh Your Bags Before You Go
Use a luggage scale to weigh your bags before heading to the airport. This will help you avoid overweight baggage fees and give you a chance to redistribute items if necessary.
5.2. Measure Your Bags
Ensure your bags meet the size restrictions for both carry-on and checked baggage. Use a measuring tape to verify the dimensions and avoid any surprises at the airport.
5.3. Pack Strategically
Pack only what you need and consider using packing cubes to compress your clothing and maximize space. This can help you avoid the need for extra bags.
5.4. Wear Bulky Items
Wear your bulkiest clothing items, such as coats and sweaters, to save space in your luggage. You can always remove them once you’re on the plane.
5.5. Take Advantage of Free Carry-On Allowance
Maximize your free carry-on allowance by bringing a personal item and a standard carry-on bag. Pack essentials and valuable items in your carry-on to avoid potential issues with checked baggage.
5.6. Be Aware of Basic Economy Restrictions
If you’re flying on a Basic Economy ticket, be aware of the carry-on restrictions and potential fees for bringing a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate. Consider upgrading to a standard economy ticket or shipping your luggage if you need to bring more items.
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7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines Baggage Fees
7.1. How much does United charge for a checked bag?
United Airlines charges varying fees for checked bags depending on the route and class of service. For domestic routes, the first checked bag is typically $35, while international routes can range from free to $75 or more. Using United’s baggage fee calculator will give you the most accurate estimate.
7.2. Can I prepay for baggage on United?
Yes, United Airlines allows passengers to prepay for baggage online or via the mobile app. Prepaying is $5 cheaper per bag compared to paying at the airport.
7.3. What is the weight limit for checked baggage on United?
The weight limit for checked baggage on United Airlines is 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for economy and premium economy fares, and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business, first, and Polaris classes.
7.4. What happens if my checked bag is overweight on United?
If your checked bag is overweight on United Airlines, you will be charged an overweight baggage fee, which ranges from $100 to $500 depending on the route and the amount of excess weight.
7.5. What is the size limit for checked baggage on United?
The size limit for checked baggage on United Airlines is 62 linear inches (158 centimeters), which is the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag.
7.6. What happens if my checked bag is oversized on United?
If your checked bag is oversized on United Airlines, you will be charged an oversized baggage fee, which ranges from $200 to $300 depending on the route.
7.7. Do United MileagePlus members get free checked bags?
Yes, United MileagePlus Premier members receive complimentary checked baggage based on their status level. The number of free bags and the weight allowance vary depending on the Premier status and the route.
7.8. Do United credit card holders get free checked bags?
Yes, several United co-branded credit cards offer free checked baggage benefits. Cardholders typically receive one free checked bag for themselves and a companion on the same itinerary.
7.9. Do active U.S. military personnel get free checked bags on United?
Yes, active U.S. military personnel receive generous baggage allowances, including multiple free checked bags, depending on whether they are traveling for personal or military purposes.
7.10. How can I avoid checked baggage fees on United?
You can avoid checked baggage fees on United Airlines by leveraging frequent flyer status, using a co-branded credit card, shipping your luggage, packing strategically, or taking advantage of the free carry-on allowance.
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