United Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees

United Airlines baggage policy allows all passengers to carry 1 personal item onboard free of charge, provided it fits under your front seat. Personal items can include small backpacks, briefcases, and purses that are not more than 43cm x 25cm x 22cm (17in x 10in x 9in) in size.

Other than Basic Economy passengers, all passengers can also bring 1 carry-on bag onboard free of charge. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin, and must not be larger than 56cm x 35cm x 22cm (22in x 14in x 9in). 

If you’re travelling on a Basic Economy fare and bring a carry-on bag, you’ll be charged the applicable checked baggage fee plus a service fee of USD 25. However, this will not apply on trans-Atlantic flights, provided that they are operated by United Airlines or United Express. On such flights, your baggage allowance is the same as that for Standard Economy fares, so you’re allowed to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag like others. 

If you’re a MileagePlus member, a Star Alliance Gold member, or a primary cardmember of a credit card that qualifies for MileagePlus credit, you’re allowed to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag even if you’re holding a Basic Economy ticket. 

United Airlines carry-on size is:
• 43cm x 25cm x 22cm for the personal carry-on item 
• 56cm x 35cm x 22cm for the standard carry-on bag

Per United Airlines baggage policy for Basic Economy fares, your carry-on baggage allowance is the same as that for standard Economy fares if you’re flying on a trans-Pacific flight to/from the U.S., or on a transatlantic flight (any flight to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe) to/from the U.S., Central America, and Mexico, as well as to/from Panama, El Salvador, and South America, as long as it is operated by United Airlines or United Express.

On remaining routes, Basic Economy fares allow you to bring only 1 personal item as carry-on baggage, as long as it fits under your front seat. The personal item can be a purse, laptop bag, shoulder bag, or a similar item that does not exceed 22 x 25 x 43cm (9 x 10 x 17in). You’re also allowed to carry mobility and assistive devices free of charge. You won’t be allowed to bring a full-sized carry-on bag unless you happen to be a MileagePlus Premier member, a Star Alliance Gold member, or a qualifying MileagePlus primary credit card member. 

If you’re flying on a Basic Economy fare with a full-sized carry-on bag, you will have to check it in and pay the applicable checked baggage fee plus USD 25 as gate handling charges by credit card (only). For more information, refer to the section titled United Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy.

The United Airlines baggage fee (2022) for Basic Economy is:
• On flights between the United States and Canada/the Caribbean excluding Cuba and Central America* are USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third and additional bags.
(*For Guatemala and El Salvador, the second bag will cost you USD 100, and the third and additional bags will cost you USD 300 for Guatemala and USD 500 for El Salvador).
• On flights between the United States and South America, the first two bags can be brought free (exceptions: the second bag will cost USD 100 for Colombia and USD 40 for Ecuador), and the third and additional bags will incur a USD 150 charge.
• On flights between the United States and India/Europe/Middle East, the first/second/third-plus bags will cost you USD 60/100/200 respectively.
• On flights between the United States and Australia/New Zealand/East Asia, the first two bags are free (but the second bag will cost USD 100 for New Zealand), and the third-plus bag will cost you USD 200/bag.
• On flights between the United States and Mexico, the first/second/third-plus bags will cost you USD 30/55/180 respectively. 
• On flights between the United States and Cuba, the first/second/third-plus bags will cost you USD 30/100/500 respectively.

The United Economy baggage policy for normal Economy Class fares allows you to carry the following items free of cost: 
• 1 FREE carry-on bag (except Basic Economy) 
• 1 FREE personal item
• Checked baggage (subject to an applicable fee) 

Overweight and oversized bags will incur extra charges, depending on your route. Some sports equipment can be carried free, while others will incur additional charges.

United Airlines baggage policy for international travel, i.e., flights to/from the United States are typically USD 0 for the first bag and USD 100 for the second bag. The checked baggage fee for Basic Economy tickets is USD 60 for the first bag and USD 100 USD for the second bag on transatlantic flights. On some routes, you’re allowed 2 checked bags as a standard baggage allowance. To know the exact baggage fee, check out the free Baggage Calculator on United’s website. 

United Airlines baggage allowance for international flights is as follows: 
• Economy Class
◦ 1 free bag (50lb/23kg) on routes between the U.S. and India/Europe/Middle East (but USD 60 for Basic Economy).
◦ 2 free bags (50lb/23kg each) on routes between the U.S. and South America
(but USD 100 for Colombia and USD 40 for Ecuador).
◦ 2 free bags (50lb/23kg each) on routes between the U.S. and East Asia/Australia/New Zealand (but USD 100 for the second bag for New Zealand).
◦ On all other routes, the baggage allowance must be purchased.
• Premium Plus 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each 
• Business Class 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each
• First Class 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each

Premier status members can carry 70lb/32kg per bag, and the number of bags (ranging from 1 – 3) will depend on their membership status, travel class, and route.

The United domestic baggage policy for standard checked baggage for flights within the United States is USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third bag—if you pay online at least 24 hours before departure. However, if you pay at the airport, it will cost you USD 5 extra per bag.

The baggage allowance for United domestic flights within the United States is USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third and additional bags if you pay online at least 24 hours before departure. Paying at the airport will cost you an additional USD 5 per bag.

The domestic baggage allowance for flights within the United States, incl. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is: 
• USD 30 for the first bag (prepaid online) and USD 35 (paid at the airport)
• USD 40 for the second bag (prepaid online) and USD 45 (paid at the airport)
• USD 150 for the third and additional bags (prepaid online)  and USD 155 (paid at the airport)

United Airlines baggage policy for military personnel applies to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents (if they’re travelling on the same booking). 
Under this policy, the free baggage allowance for eligible members is 5 FREE checked bags (70lb/32kg, 254cm/100in) on official business travel and 3 FREE checked bags (70lb/32kg, 157cm/62in) on personal travel. 
Dependents travelling on personal work are not entitled to any extra baggage allowance. Their baggage allowance will depend on the ticket purchased by them.

United Airlines hand baggage allowance for all passengers (except Basic Economy) is 1 personal item (small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, or purse) plus 1 carry-on bag, both of which are allowed free of charge. 

The size of your carry-on bag must not be more than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in), incl. wheels and handles, and it must fit in the overhead bin or under your front seat. 

The size of your personal item must not exceed 41cm x 28cm x 20cm (16in x 11in x 8in), incl. wheels and handles, and it must fit under your front seat or in the overhead bin. The following items do not count toward your hand baggage allowance: an umbrella, jacket, diaper bag, and assistive devices. 

The United hand baggage allowance for Basic Economy passengers is only 1 personal item.

United Airlines Business Class hand baggage allowance is: 
• 1 personal item of up to 43cm x 25cm x 22cm (17in x 10in x 9in), plus
• 1 standard carry-on bag of up to 56cm x 35cm x 22cm (22in x 14in x 9in)

United Airlines does not specify a weight limit for cabin baggage, as long as you don’t exceed the cabin baggage size limit, which is:
• 43cm x 25cm x 22cm for the personal item, which must fit under your front seat 
• 56cm x 35cm x 22cm for the standard carry-on bag, which must fit in the overhead bin

United Airlines does not have a weight allowance limit for carry-on baggage—but has a size limit, which is:
• 43cm x 25cm x 22cm for the personal item (must fit underneath your front seat) 
• 56cm x 35cm x 22cm for the standard carry-on bag (must fit in the overhead bin)

Under United Airlines Basic Economy baggage policy, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare are allowed to bring only 1 personal item onboard, such as a purse, small backpack, or small briefcase. The checked baggage allowance is free on select routes but subject to a fee on other routes. 
For example, United Airlines’ baggage policy for Basic Economy fares entitles you to a free checked baggage allowance on select routes, such as those between: 
• The USA and Australia/New Zealand/East Asia—2 FREE checked bags
◦ Exception: Second checked bag—USD 100 for New Zealand
• The USA and South America—2 FREE checked bags
◦ Exception: Second checked bag—USD 100 for Colombia, USD 40 for Ecuador
On other routes, the United Airlines baggage policy for Basic Economy fares requires you to pay a fee of USD 30 – 60 for the first checked bag and USD 40 – 100 for the second checked bag.

United Airlines First Class baggage policy entitles First Class passengers to a free baggage allowance of: 
• 1 free personal carry-on item measuring up to 43cm x 25cm x 22 cm
• 1 free carry-on bag measuring up to 56cm x 35cm x 22cm
• 2 free checked bags weighing up to 70lb/32kg each and measuring up to 157cm/62in

The baggage size allowed on United Airlines is as follows:
• The maximum size of the personal carry-on item must not exceed 43cm x 25cm x 22cm.
• The maximum size of the free carry-on bag must not exceed 56cm x 35cm x 22cm.
• The maximum linear dimensions of the checked bag must not exceed 157cm/62in.

United Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on baggage. However, the size limits must be adhered to. 

United Airlines domestic baggage fees for the first/second/third-plus bags (paid online) are:
• USD 30/40/150 for Economy Class (Basic, Plus, Full) fares.
• Free/Free/USD 150 for Premium Plus fares.
• Free/Free/USD 150 for Business Class fares.
• Free/Free/USD 150 for First Class fares.

Paying at the airport will cost you USD 5 per bag extra.

If you’re a Premier status member, you’re entitled to extra baggage benefits, depending on your travel class, membership status, and route.

The baggage fees for United Economy Class fares (Basic, Plus, and Full fares), are USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for the third and additional bags.

United Airlines baggage fees for bags weighing over 50 pounds are as follows:
• On routes within the United States and (a) Canada (b) Cancun/Merida/Cozumel (c) Mexico (excl. Cancun/Merida/Cozumel), (d) USVI/Puerto Rico
◦ USD 100 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
◦ USD 200 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
• On routes between the United States and (a) Cozumel/the Caribbean (excl. USVI, Puerto Rico, and Cuba), (b) Central America (excl. Guatemala, Panama, and El Salvador) (c) India/Middle East/Africa/Europe (d) Australia, New Zealand, East Asia
◦ USD 200 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
◦ USD 400 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
• On routes between the United States and Cuba:
◦ USD 400 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
◦ USD 600 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
• On routes between the United States and Guatemala:
◦ USD 250 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
◦ USD 450 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
• On routes between the United States and Panama:
◦ USD 100 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
(USD 200 from Washington, DC)
◦ USD 200 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
(USD 400 from Washington, DC)
• On routes between the United States and El Salvador:
◦ USD 300 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
◦ USD 500 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
• On routes between the United States and South America (excl. Brazil):
◦ USD 200 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
◦ USD 400 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
• On routes between the United States and Brazil:
◦ USD 100 for bags weighing between 51 – 70 pounds
(USD 200 from Washington, DC)
◦ USD 200 for bags weighing between 71 – 100 pounds
(USD 400 from Washington, DC)

United Airlines international Economy baggage allowance is as follows:
• USA and Canada/Caribbean (excl. Cuba)/Central America Nil, must be purchased
• USA and Mexico Nil, must be purchased
• USA and Cuba Nil, must be purchased
• USA and Australia/New Zealand/East Asia 2 FREE bags x 50lb/23kg each
Exception: New Zealand: USD 100 for the second bag
•USA and South America 2 FREE bags x 50lb/23kg each
Exception: Columbia: USD 100 for the second bag; Ecuador: USD 40 for the second bag.
• USA and India/Middle East/Europe 1 FREE bag x 50lb/23kg
Exception: Basic Economy: USD 60

United Airlines standard baggage allowance is as follows:
• Standard carry-on baggage allowance 
◦ All classes 1 FREE personal carry-on item (43cm x 25cm x 22cm)
1 FREE carry-on bag (56cm x 35cm x 22cm)
• Standard checked baggage allowance
◦ Economy 1 bag x 50lb/23kg
◦ Premium Economy 2 bags x 50lb/23kg 
◦ Business 2 bags x 70lb/32kg
◦ First 2 bags x 70lb/32kg

Premier members are allowed to carry 70lb/32kg per bag. However, the number of bags permitted (ranging from 1 to 3) will depend on the membership status, travel class, and route.

The baggage allowance for United 1K members is 3 complimentary checked bags of up to 70lb/32kg each in all travel classes, incl. Economy Class. 

If your baggage or its contents have been damaged, you should do the following.
• If you’re at the airport
◦ Report to the airport Baggage Service Office (near the baggage claim area).
A United Airline representative will: 
▪ Examine the damage 
▪ Provide you with a file number
▪ Ask you to complete the damaged baggage claim form (if required)
• If you’ve left the airport 
◦ For flights to/from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To be eligible for repair or replacement, you must report your damaged bag in person at the airport Baggage Service Office within 24 hours after your flight arrives.
◦ For all international flights. To be eligible for repair or replacement, you must report your damaged bag in writing or in person at the airport Baggage Service Office within 7 days after your flight arrives.

United Airlines Business Class baggage allowance is 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each on all routes. However, MileagePlus members are allowed additional baggage, depending on their membership status, travel class, and route.

United Airlines Business Class baggage allowance on international flights is the same as that on domestic flights, i.e., 2 bags of 70lb/32kg each. MileagePlus members are entitled to free extra baggage, subject to membership status, travel class, and route.

The checked baggage allowance for Business Class on United Airlines is 2 bags of up 70lb/32kg each. If you’re a MileagePlus member, you’re entitled to bring additional baggage, depending on your membership status, route, and travel class.

The domestic flights baggage allowance at United Airlines is:
• Economy Class (Basic, Plus, Full)
◦ First Bag USD 30 (prepaid), USD 35 (airport)
◦ Second Bag USD 40 (prepaid), USD 45 (airport)
◦ Third Bag USD 150 (prepaid), USD 155 (airport)
• Premium Plus
◦ First Bag Free
◦ Second Bag Free
3+ Bags USD 150/bag (prepaid), USD 155 (airport)
• Business Class 
◦ First Bag Free
◦ Second Bag Free
3+ Bags USD 150/bag (prepaid), USD 155 (airport)
• First Class
◦ First Bag Free
◦ Second Bag Free
3+ Bags USD 150/bag (prepaid), USD 155 (airport)

Premier status members are allowed extra baggage benefits, depending on their travel class, membership status, and route.

United Airlines Economy Plus baggage allowance for domestic flights within the United States is:
◦ USD 30 for the first bag (prepaid), USD 35 (airport)
◦ USD 40 for the second bag (prepaid), USD 45 (airport)
◦ USD 150 for 3+ bags per bag (prepaid), USD 155 (airport)

Remember, the maximum weight of the bag must not exceed 50lb/23kg and its combined linear dimensions must not exceed 158cm/62in.

The cost of checking a bag on domestic United flights (prepaid online) is USD 30 for the first bag, USD 40 for the second bag, and USD 150 for 3 or more bags (per bag). However, checking a bag at the airport will cost USD 5 more than the prepaid price.

If you’re travelling on a domestic route within the U.S. on an Economy Class ticket, you must purchase your baggage allowance. On higher fares such as Premium Plus, Business, and First, you’re allowed to carry 2 bags for free. The weight limit for Premium Plus fares is 50lb/23kg per bag, whereas for Business and First Class fares it is 70lb/32kg per bag. Additional bags must be purchased for a fee. The combined linear dimensions of a checked bag must not exceed 158cm/62in. 

If you’re a Premier status member, you’re allowed to carry 70lb/32kg per bag. However, the number of bags permitted (ranging from 1 to 3) will depend on your membership status, travel class, and route.

On domestic Economy Class flights within the United States, you must purchase your baggage allowance. However, you will get 2 free checked bags on Premium Plus, Business, and First Class fares. The weight of your bag must not exceed 50lb/23kg per bag on Premium Plus fares, and 70lb/32kg per bag on Business and First Class fares. 

Premier status members are entitled to 1 – 3 complimentary bags of 70lb/32kg each, depending on membership status, travel class, and route.

According to United Airlines baggage weight policy, the maximum baggage weight allowed on United Airlines flights (to embargo-free destinations) is 100lb/45kg per bag unless you’re carrying a musical instrument for which the maximum weight limit is 165lb/75kg.

United Airlines baggage allowance from India to the U.S.A. is as follows: 
• Economy Class
◦ 1^st bag Free (USD 60 for Basic Economy)
◦ 2^nd bag USD 100
◦ 3+ bags USD 200
• Premium Plus
◦ 1^st bag Free 
◦ 2^nd bag Free
◦ 3+ bags USD 200
• Business Class
◦ 1^st bag Free 
◦ 2^nd bag Free
◦ 3+ bags USD 200
• First Class
◦ 1^st bag Free 
◦ 2^nd bag Free
◦ 3+ bags USD 200

Note. Premier status members are allowed the same weight allowance of 70lb/32kg per bag. However, the number of bags permitted (ranging from 1 to 3) will depend on their membership status, travel class, and route.

United Airlines does not specify a carry-on baggage weight allowance on international or domestic flights. However, there are size limits in place which must not be exceeded. 
• The size of the free carry-on bag must not exceed 56cm x 35cm x 22cm (22in x 14in x 9in). 
• The size of the free personal item must not exceed 43cm x 25cm x 22cm (17in x 10in x 9in).
Remember, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare are allowed only 1 personal item of the same dimensions as above.

United Airlines international Economy baggage allowance will depend on your route. On some international routes, you must purchase your baggage allowance. 

• On flights between the U.S. and Canada/the Caribbean (excl. Cuba)/Central America*, the first, second, and third-plus bags will cost you USD 30, USD 40, and USD 150 respectively.
*Exclusions: The second bag will cost USD 100 for Guatemala and El Salvador, and the third-plus bag will cost USD 300 for Guatemala and USD 500 for El Salvador.
• On flights between the U.S. and Cuba, the first, second, and third-plus bags will cost you USD 30, USD 100, and USD 500/bag respectively.
• On flights between the U.S. and Mexico, the first, second, and third-plus bags will cost you USD 30, USD 55, and USD 180/bag respectively.

The international Economy baggage allowance on the following routes is free for the first bag, but additional bags must be purchased.

• On flights between the U.S. and India/Europe/Middle East, the first bag is free (but will cost USD 60 on Basic Economy fares), whereas the second and third-plus bags will cost you USD 100 and USD 200 respectively.
• On flights between the U.S. and South America, the first two bags are free (except that the second bag will cost USD 100 for Colombia and USD 40 for Ecuador), and the third-plus bag will cost you USD 150 respectively.
• On flights between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand/East Asia, the first two bags are free (but the second bag will cost USD 100 for New Zealand), and the third-plus bag will cost you USD 200/bag.

Note. All Premier status members are allowed the same weight allowance of 70lb/32kg per bag, and the number of bags permitted will depend on their membership status, travel class, and route.

United Airlines First Class baggage policy entitles First Class passengers to a baggage allowance of 2 free checked bags of up to 70lb/32kg each on all routes. However, all Premier members (i.e., Premier Silver/Gold/Platinum/1k are entitled to carry 3 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each (with a few exceptions).

The United First Class baggage allowance per passenger is 2 checked bags not exceeding 70lb/32kg per bag in weight and 157cm/62in in combined linear dimensions. The free carry-on baggage allowance for First Class passengers is 1 personal item measuring up to 43cm x 25cm x 22cm plus 1 carry-on bag measuring up to 56cm x 35cm x 22cm.

United Airlines baggage allowance on international flights for Economy Class fares is:
• 1 free bag (50lb/23kg) on routes between the U.S. and India/Europe/Middle East (but USD 60 for Basic Economy).
• 2 free bags (50lb/23kg each) on routes between the U.S. and South America
(but USD 100 for Colombia and USD 40 for Ecuador).
• 2 free bags (50lb/23kg each) on routes between the U.S. and East Asia/Australia/New Zealand (but USD 100 for the second bag for New Zealand).

The baggage allowance for all other routes must be purchased.

The international baggage allowance for Premium Plus fares is 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each. For Business and First Class fares, the international baggage allowance is 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each
Premier status members are allowed 1 – 3 bags weighing up to 70lb/32kg each, depending on membership status, travel class, and route.