
United baggage allowance for most passengers offers generously. In general, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights.
However, there may be exceptions to this policy and it’s essential that you review baggage allowance on United policy prior to traveling.
United Airlines Baggage Allowance, Policy At Glance
United Airlines Carry On
Economy fare: one cabin bag, plus one personal item
- 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm)
- 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
Basic economy fare: one personal item
- 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
- United Airlines Checked Baggage and Baggage Fees May be charged, depending on the route and fare type
- Max. 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag for economy fares
Excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees apply
United Airlines Baggage Weight and Size
United allowed baggage size and weight to vary by route, ticket class, and destination. Airlines require the following luggage dimensions. Your luggage must fit these dimensions.
Carry-on Bags
Item | Dimensions | Weight |
---|---|---|
Carry-on bag | 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm) | 40 pounds (18 kg) |
Personal item | 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) | No weight limit |
If your carry-on bag exceeds the weight or size limits, you may be required to check it as baggage. There are fees for checked baggage, so it is important to stay within the weight and size limits.
Checked Bags
Baggage type | Dimensions | Weight |
---|---|---|
Standard checked bag | 80 inches (203 cm) total length, width, and height | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
Oversized checked bag | 62 inches (157 cm) total length, width, and height | 100 pounds (45 kg) |
Overweight checked bag | 62 inches (157 cm) total length, width and height | 70 pounds (32 kg) |

United Baggage Allowance International
What is the baggage allowance on United Airlines? if you don’t have an Idea, Reading continues….
United Airlines Carry-on Bags
- Dimensions: 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm)
- Weight: 40 pounds (18 kg)
Personal Item
- Dimensions: 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm)
- Weight: No weight limit
United Airlines Checked Bags
- Standard checked bag:
- Dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm) total length, width and height
- Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg)
- Oversized checked bag:
- Dimensions: 80 inches (203 cm) total length, width and height
- Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg)
- Overweight checked bag:
- Dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm) total length, width and height
- Weight: 70 pounds (32 kg)
United Airlines Checked Bag Fees
- United Airlines checked baggage fees for each bag on international flights is
- First Bag- for free
- Second Bag- $100
- Third Bag- $200
Exemptions
There are a few exceptions to the United baggage policy. For example, infants under the age of two are allowed to bring a car seat or stroller as a free carry-on item.
Additionally, some Star Alliance partners may have different baggage policies, so it is important to check with them before your flight.
United Airlines Baggage Allowances for Different Fare Classes
- Economy:
- 1 free checked bag up to 50 pounds (23 kg)
- $100 for a second checked bag
- $200 for a third checked bag
- Premium Economy:
- 2 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each
- Business:
- 2 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each
- First Class:
- 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each
United Airlines Baggage Restrictions
- There is a limit of one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.
- Musical instruments are considered checked baggage and are subject to the same size and weight restrictions.
- Sports equipment may be checked as baggage but may incur additional fees.
- Fees may apply for checked bags that exceed the size or weight limits.
United Baggage Allowance Domestic
Baggage allowance with united airlines as shown as Bwlow:
Carry-on Bags
- Dimensions: 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm)
- Weight: 40 pounds (18 kg)
Personal Item
- Dimensions: 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm)
- Weight: No weight limit
Checked Bags
- Standard checked bag:
- Dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm) total length, width and height
- Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg)
- Oversized checked bag:
- Dimensions: 80 inches (203 cm) total length, width, and height
- Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg)
- Overweight checked bag:
- Dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm) total length, width, and height
- Weight: 70 pounds (32 kg)
Checked Bag Fees
- United Airlines checked baggage fees for each bag on domestic flights are
- First Bag- $35
- Second Bag-$45
- Third Bag -$150
Exemptions:
There are a few exceptions to the United baggage policy. For example, infants under the age of two are allowed to bring a car seat or stroller as a free carry-on item.
Additionally, some Star Alliance partners may have different baggage policies, so it is important to check with them before your flight.
Specific Baggage Allowances for Different Fare Classes
- Economy:
- 2 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each
- Basic Economy:
- 1 free personal item
- No checked bags allowed
- Premium Economy:
- 2 free checked bags up to 50 pounds (23 kg) each
- Business:
- 2 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each
- First Class:
- 3 free checked bags up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each
Other Baggage Restrictions:
- There is a limit of one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.
- Musical instruments are considered checked baggage and are subject to the same size and weight restrictions.
- Sports equipment may be checked as baggage but may incur additional fees.
- Fees may apply for checked bags that exceed the size or weight limits.
Prohibited Items on United Airlines
Items restricted by TSA violate policies set by United Airlines carry-on rules. United Airlines prohibit the following to be included in your carry-on bags:
- Self-riding and self-balancing bags
- Lighters and matches (if derating from Beijing)
- Smart bags with no option of removing lithium batteries
- Camping equipment that has any fuel
- Explosives (gunpowder, fireworks, flare guns, flares, or novelty items)
- Self-defense sprays (pepper, mace, tear gas)
- Torch lighters
- Shock absorbers
- Ready-to-eat meals with flameless heaters
- Tasers
- Sporting equipment that one can use as weapons
- Guns, knives, and other weaponry
- Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries

United Airlines Baggage Fees
Except in basic economy, United Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. United Airlines charges each checked bag.
United Airlines charges based on ticket pricing, booking class, number of checked bags, loyalty program, and destination. Domestic and international United Airlines baggage fees vary.
Baggage Category | Domestic Flight Baggage Fee | International Flight Baggage Fee |
---|---|---|
First Bag | $35 | Free |
Second Bag | $45 | $100 |
Third Bag | $150 | – |
Basic Economy (1st Bag) | – | $60 |
Basic Economy (2nd Bag) | – | $100 |
On United Airlines domestic flights, passengers can add additional baggage for a fee of $150. Using the “Baggage Calculator” tool on the official website, you can quickly calculate your baggage fees.
Basic Economy Baggage Fees
Depending on where you’re heading, United’s basic economy prices may cost more for luggage. United also raised various prices, especially for basic economy European travelers.
Destination | First bag | Second bag | Additional bags |
---|---|---|---|
U.S. | $30 | $40 | $150 |
Mexico | $30 | $55 | $150 |
Canada | $30 | $50 | $150 |
Caribbean & Central America | $30 | $40 | $150 |
El Salvador | $30 | $40 | $200 |
Panama | $30 | $40 | $150 |
South America | $45 | $65 | $150 |
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru | $70 | $100 | $150 |
Europe | $75 | $100 | $200 |
Middle East & Africa | Free | Free | $200 |
India | Free | $200 | $300 |
Asia & Australia | Free | $100 | $200 |
Tahiti | $55 | $100 | $200 |
Economy Baggage Fees
With a few exceptions, United’s standard economy baggage fees are similar to basic economy: Europe, Asia, and most of South America have free first-bag check-in. Some airlines allow free second-bag check-in.
Destination | First bag | Second bag | Additional bags |
---|---|---|---|
U.S. | $30 | $40 | $150 |
Mexico | $30 | $55 | $150 |
Canada | $30 | $50 | $150 |
Caribbean & Central America | $30 | $40 | $150 |
El Salvador | Free | $40 | $200 |
Panama | Free | $40 | $150 |
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru | Free | $100 | $150 |
South America | Free | $65 | $150 |
Europe | Free | $100 | $200 |
Middle East & Africa | Free | Free | $200 |
India | Free | $200 | $300 |
Asia | Free | Free | $200 |
Australia | Free | $100 | $200 |
Tahiti | Free | $100 | $200 |
Premium Plus, Business Class & First Class Baggage Fees
Both of your first two bags are free on any Premium Economy tickets and higher. All information on supplementary and large luggage is the same as for economy tickets.
How to claim your baggage issues with United Airlines?
- File a report at the airport.
- As soon as you realize that your baggage is missing, damaged, or delayed, file a report at the baggage service counter at the airport.
- You will need to provide your baggage tag number and other identifying information.
- The airline will issue you a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number.
- File a claim online.
- You can also file a claim online at United’s website.
- You will need to provide your PIR number and other information.
- You can track the status of your claim online.
- Provide documentation.
- To support your claim, you will need to provide documentation of your losses.
- This could include receipts for the items you lost, photos of the damaged items, or a police report if your baggage was stolen.
- Wait for the airline’s decision.
- The airline will investigate your claim and make a decision.
- If your claim is approved, you will be compensated for your losses.
How to avoid United Airlines baggage fees
Even if you want to bring checked baggage on your next flight with United Airlines, you can avoid paying baggage fees in a number of methods.
Elite status allowances
All four levels of status in the United’s MileagePlus Program offer benefits for checked bags.
- Premium Silver members get one free checked bag on all flights as well as up to eight travel guests who are on the same flight with a maximum weight of 70 pounds each.
- Premier Gold members can carry two bags at no cost on flights. They can also check up to eight travel companions who are on the same flight and up to 70 pounds each.
- Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members can use three bags weighing between 70 and 70 pounds each on all itineraries and up to eight guests in the same booking.
In addition, Star Alliance Gold members get at least one first checked bag free on every flight that are operated by United.
Book a premium cabin
If you’re traveling in international first class or International Business class as well as Polaris business class you’ll be granted an increase in allowance for baggage. Passengers in the premium cabin can take at least two bags at no additional cost.
Baggage subscription
United Airlines provides travel subscriptions, including baggage. If you don’t have elite status or a United credit card, a luggage subscription may make sense.
Baggage memberships start at $349 and cover numerous travelers on the same reservation in multiple regions.
The most expensive subscription, $999, covers two complimentary checked bags for up to eight passengers on any United-operated airline worldwide.
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to United Airlines’ baggage allowance rules is vital to have a seamless traveling experience.
By being aware of the guidelines, exemptions, and limitations understanding and observing the rules, you can avoid costly fees and issues when you arrive at the airport.
Make sure you pack your bags according to the limits of weight and size Label your bags and get exact information on the airline’s website or customer service. Keep yourself informed and be prepared to maximize the use of the baggage allowances offered by United Airlines.
FAQs
United Airlines’ standard checked baggage policy allows for 2 bags with maximum dimensions of 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height) and a maximum weight of 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.
United Airlines allows one carry-on bag with maximum dimensions of 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 x 35 x 56 cm).
If your checked baggage is oversized, then United will charge you $200 to $400 per bag (up to maximum linear dimensions 115 inches). Charges for overweight baggage depend on your route and generally are $100 to $200.
Baggage fees apply to all checked bags on United Airlines flights within and between Canada, the US, the US Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean. The first bag will typically cost you in the range of $30 prepaid ($35 at the airport), and a second bag will be charged $40 ($45 at the airport), depending on the destination. These bags are limited in weight to a maximum of 50lbs (23kg).
Premier Gold members can check two complimentary bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Star Alliance Gold members can check two bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
United Airlines charges baggage fees on checked bags as well as economy fares for domestic flights that range between $35 and $45 on the first bag and second bags, respectively.
Yes, you can add checked baggage on your United flight on the international and domestic route by making a cost which is 35 dollars for your first baggage and $45 for the next bag, and $150 for the third bag.

My name is Ranjitsinh Mantri founder of this blog and I am a full-time blogger writing is my passion. Just before 4 years ago We started this website in 2019 with my team to share our knowledge about tractor models and its prices guide on the internet.