Flying with United Airlines? Before you pack your bags, get a handle on United’s baggage policies. This comprehensive guide breaks down United Airlines baggage fees, size and weight limits, and tips for saving on your next trip.
Why should you read this article? Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, understanding United’s baggage rules will help you avoid unexpected fees and travel stress-free. We’ll cover everything from carry-on allowances to checked bag fees and how to prepay for your bags to save money.
Article Outline:
- United Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy: What Can You Bring on Board for Free?
- United Airlines Checked Baggage Fees: What’s the Cost to Check a Bag?
- United Airlines Baggage Fee Calculator: Find Out How Much You’ll Pay
- Prepaying for Your Checked Bags on United Airlines: Does it Save Money?
- United Airlines Basic Economy Baggage: What Are the Restrictions?
- United Airlines Baggage Fees for MileagePlus Members: Are There Any Perks?
- United Airlines Baggage Fees for Premier Members: Do They Get Free Checked Bags?
- United Airlines Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees: What’s the Penalty?
- United Airlines Baggage Policies for International Flights: What’s Different?
- Tips for Avoiding United Airlines Baggage Fees
Now, let’s dive into the details of each topic:
1. United Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy: What Can You Bring on Board for Free?
When flying with United Airlines, each passenger is typically allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. This applies to most fares, including Basic Economy.
- Carry-On Bag: Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and adhere to the following size restrictions:
- Maximum dimensions: 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels.
- Personal Item: Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and can be a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or similar item.
- Maximum dimensions: 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
Remember, these are the standard allowances. Specific flights or fare types might have different rules. Always check your ticket confirmation or the United Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.
2. United Airlines Checked Baggage Fees: What’s the Cost to Check a Bag?
United Airlines checked bag fees vary depending on your fare type, destination, and MileagePlus status.
- Domestic Flights: For most domestic flights within the U.S., the first checked bag typically costs $35, and the second checked bag costs $45. However, these fees can change, so always confirm the current rates before you fly.
- International Flights: Checked bag fees for international flights can be higher and vary depending on your destination. You can find the specific fees for your itinerary on the United Airlines website or through their baggage fee calculator.
Remember, Basic Economy fares typically do not include free checked bags, so you’ll need to pay the applicable fees if you’re checking luggage.
3. United Airlines Baggage Fee Calculator: Find Out How Much You’ll Pay
United Airlines offers a handy baggage fee calculator on their website to help you estimate the cost of checking your bags. Simply enter your flight details and the number of bags you plan to check, and the calculator will provide you with an estimated fee.
It’s a good idea to use the calculator before you fly to avoid any surprises at the airport. Remember that the calculator provides estimates, and the actual fees may vary slightly.
4. Prepaying for Your Checked Bags on United Airlines: Does it Save Money?
In some cases, prepaying for your checked bags on United Airlines can save you money. You can prepay for your bags online or through the United app up to 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.
Prepaying typically offers a slight discount compared to paying at the airport. However, it’s essential to weigh the potential savings against the risk of having to change your travel plans. If you need to change your flight or cancel your trip, you may not be able to get a refund for your prepaid baggage fees.
5. United Airlines Basic Economy Baggage: What Are the Restrictions?
Basic Economy is United Airlines’ most affordable fare option, but it comes with some restrictions, including baggage limitations.
- Carry-On Baggage: Basic Economy passengers are still allowed one free carry-on bag and one personal item, as long as they meet the size and weight requirements.
- Checked Baggage: Basic Economy fares typically do not include free checked bags. You’ll need to pay the applicable fees if you plan to check any luggage. Additionally, Basic Economy passengers are usually the last to board, which may limit overhead bin space for carry-on bags.
If you’re considering a Basic Economy fare, carefully weigh the potential savings against the baggage restrictions and other limitations. If you plan to check bags or prefer early boarding, it might be worth upgrading to a higher fare class.
6. United Airlines Baggage Fees for MileagePlus Members: Are There Any Perks?
United Airlines MileagePlus members may enjoy some baggage fee benefits depending on their membership level.
- General Members: General MileagePlus members typically don’t receive any discounts on baggage fees.
- Premier Members: MileagePlus Premier members may receive free checked bags depending on their status level and travel destination. For example, Premier 1K members generally get three free checked bags on most flights.
It’s worth checking the specific benefits associated with your MileagePlus status level to see if you qualify for any baggage fee waivers or discounts.
7. United Airlines Baggage Fees for Premier Members: Do They Get Free Checked Bags?
Yes, United Airlines Premier members often receive free checked bags as one of their benefits. The number of free checked bags varies depending on the Premier status level and the specific flight.
- Premier Silver: Premier Silver members typically get one free checked bag on most flights.
- Premier Gold: Premier Gold members usually get two free checked bags on most flights.
- Premier Platinum and 1K: Premier Platinum and 1K members generally get three free checked bags on most flights.
These benefits can save Premier members a significant amount of money on baggage fees, especially for frequent travelers.
8. United Airlines Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees: What’s the Penalty?
If your checked bags exceed United Airlines’ size or weight limits, you’ll have to pay additional fees.
- Overweight Bags: Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds (23 and 32 kg) will incur an overweight baggage fee, which varies depending on your destination. Bags weighing over 70 pounds (32 kg) are generally not accepted.
- Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding the maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) of 62 inches (158 cm) will incur an oversized baggage fee.
It’s crucial to weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport to avoid these additional fees. If you’re unsure about the size or weight limits, check the United Airlines website or contact their customer service for clarification.
9. United Airlines Baggage Policies for International Flights: What’s Different?
United Airlines baggage policies for international flights can differ from domestic policies in a few ways.
- Checked Baggage Fees: Checked bag fees for international flights can be higher than domestic fees and vary depending on your destination and fare type.
- Carry-On Baggage: Carry-on baggage allowances may also differ for international flights, especially on flights operated by partner airlines.
- Weight and Size Limits: Weight and size limits for checked and carry-on bags may also vary for international flights.
It’s crucial to check the specific baggage policies for your international flight before you pack to avoid any surprises or additional fees at the airport.
10. Tips for Avoiding United Airlines Baggage Fees
Here are some tips to help you avoid or minimize United Airlines baggage fees:
- Pack Light: The less you pack, the less likely you’ll need to check bags and incur fees. Try to pack only the essentials and consider doing laundry during your trip if necessary.
- Use a Carry-On Bag: If possible, pack everything you need into your carry-on bag and personal item to avoid checked bag fees altogether.
- Prepay for Checked Bags: If you know you’ll need to check bags, consider prepaying online or through the United app to save a few dollars.
- Become a MileagePlus Premier Member: If you fly United frequently, consider pursuing MileagePlus Premier status to enjoy benefits like free checked bags.
- Use a United Airlines Credit Card: Some United Airlines credit cards offer benefits like free checked bags, which can save you money in the long run.
- Weigh and Measure Your Bags: Before heading to the airport, weigh and measure your bags to ensure they comply with United’s size and weight limits and avoid overweight or oversized baggage fees.
By following these tips and understanding United Airlines’ baggage policies, you can save money and travel with peace of
