For most flights (exceptions will be detailed below), passengers are allowed to carry on-board one carry-on bag and one personal item. Show
Dimensions Your carry-on bag should: - Fit the overhead cabin; - Be of maximum dimensions of 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 centimetres), including handles and wheels. Your personal item should: - Fit the compartment underneath the seat in front of you; - Be of maximum dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 (22 x 25 x 43 centimetres). Passengers can double-check their bag sizes with the bag sizers at the airport. If your bag exceeds the allotted limit, you will have to incur additional charges. However, bags that measure more than 115 inches (292 centimetres) in total won’t be accepted. United MileagePlus Card member perks Besides one carry-on bag and one personal items, passengers with United MileagePlus Card are allowed to bring on board the following items: - A jacket; - An umbrella; - Reading material; - Food or merchandise bought in the airport; - Assistive devices (such as a collapsible wheelchair, cane, crutches, medical device for prescription medications, or portable oxygen concentrator); - FAA-approved child restraint system or safety seat; - A diaper bag; - A breast pump; - A camera; - A pet carrier (service charges apply for in-cabin pets). Exceptions The details above apply for most passengers. There are some exceptions, however. If you’re flying with a Basic Economy ticket, you can only bring one personal item on-board. If you have a full-size carry-on bag, you will have to have it checked, pay the applicable checked bag fee and a $25 gate handling charge. In these following circumstances, the normal baggage policy above will apply even if you’re travelling on a Basic Economy ticket: Customers traveling on trans-Atlantic flights to or from the U.S., Mexico and Central America, El Salvador, Panama and South America; - Customers traveling on trans-Pacific flights to or from the U.S; - MileagePlus® Premier® members or companions traveling on the same reservation; - Primary cardmembers of qualifying MileagePlus credit cardsfootnote2 or Star Alliance™ Gold members. United Airlines baggage policy, incl. for overweight/oversized baggage, is similar to that of most U.S. airlines. One thing to note is that Economy Class fares are split into 2 types: Basic Economy and Standard Economy, which is important to remember for your carry-on allowance. Below is a snapshot of United Airlines baggage policy:
Exception. Basic Economy passengers are allowed only 1 personal item of the same dimensions as above. If you bring a full carry-on bag, you will need to check it in and pay the applicable checked baggage fee plus a USD 25 gate handling fee unless you’re a Premier member or hold a qualifying MileagePlus credit card. However, Basic Economy passengers travelling on transatlantic flights are allowed to carry 1 standard carry-on bag and 1 personal item of the same dimensions as above.
The carry-on baggage policy at United Airlines allows most travellers to bring 1 full-sized carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free. However, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare can bring only 1 personal item on board for free (except on transatlantic trips, where they’re allowed the same baggage allowance). The carry-on baggage rules on flights operated by United’s partners and codeshare flights may be different, so do check with the airlines before travelling if your itinerary includes a flight with them.
Other Items You’re Permitted to Carry on Board for Free
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Checked Baggage Allowance
Per United Airlines checked baggage policy, your checked baggage allowance (i.e., the weight and size of your bags) will depend on which class you’re traveling on, and your route. Checked bags must not be more than 50lb/23kg for Economy and Premium Economy fares; and not more than 70lb/32kg for Business and First-Class fares. The combined linear dimensions of the checked bag must not be more than 158cm/62in.
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United Airlines Baggage FeesUnited Airlines does not provide an easy-to-glance baggage fees table but recommends all passengers to use their free baggage calculator tool to assess the baggage fees. However, if you’re flying within North America on an Economy Class fare and you purchase your checked baggage online more than 24 hours prior to departure, you will typically pay USD 30 and USD 40 for your first and second bag respectively. But if you pay at the airport, the fee goes up by USD 5, which means you will have to pay USD 35 and USD 45 for the first and second bag. If you’re travelling between USA and Mexico, the second bag will cost you USD 55. Passengers travelling on Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class fares can check in up to 2 bags for free. The maximum weight limit for Premium Economy fares is 50lb/23kg per bag and 70lb/32kg per bag for Business and First-Class fares. The details are explained below.
United Airlines Military Baggage Policy
Per United Airlines military baggage policy, active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents are entitled to a free baggage allowance of:
Dependents travelling on the same booking are allowed the same baggage allowance unless the military personnel is travelling ahead on official orders. Dependents travelling on personal business will be subject to the standard baggage allowance and fees, depending on their fare type. Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
As with checked baggage, United Airlines recommends that you use their free baggage fee calculator tool to calculate the baggage fees on your specific route. If you’re travelling with overweight or oversized bags, you will be charged for it, depending on your route. The overweight and oversized baggage fees charged by United Airlines are typically as follows:
To know the exact excess baggage amount, use the baggage calculator. After viewing your results, check the box for ‘Additional and other bag charges’.
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Excess Baggage Fees Anything additional baggage that you may be carrying above your baggage allowance is considered excess baggage. The excess baggage fees charged by United Airlines ranges from USD 150 – 500 per bag, depending on your route. Note
Free Baggage Allowance for MileagePlus Members
United Airlines Sports Equipment PolicyUnited Airlines baggage policy for sports equipment allows you to carry your sports equipment:
Note. Up to 3 rebreather tanks or 1 dive tank must be checked as special items for a one-way fee of USD 150 between the USA, Canada, the U.S.V.I., and Puerto Rico, and USD 200 on international routes. However, kayaks and canoes will not be accepted as checked baggage. Sports equipment you’re allowed to carry—subject to restrictions—include:
To see the current packing regulations and fees, visit the sports equipment page. CPAP Devices United Airlines baggage policy allows you to carry FAA-compliant CPAP devices, respirators, and ventilators on board with proper documentation. If you’re carrying such a device, you will need to contact United’s accessibility desk at 1-800-228-2744 at least 48 hours before departure. As in-seat power may not be available on all aircraft, make sure you’re carrying fully-charged batteries— with at least 3 hours of extra time for delays and disruptions. How to Pay Your Baggage Fees on United AirlinesYou can prepay your baggage fee:
How to Prepay Your Baggage Fees OnlineTo prepay your baggage fees online, you will have to retrieve your flight and follow the prompts to pay your baggage fees as explained. An illustration of the My trips tab on United Airlines’ website
Note. If you’re adding bags during the check-in window, retrieve your flight from the Check-in tab (instead of My trips). You can also pay to purchase your baggage via the mobile app. United Airlines Musical Instruments PolicyUnited Airlines baggage policy for musical instruments allows you to carry small and large musical instruments—subject to the following conditions:
Note. If you’re traveling on a Basic Economy fare, you’ll need to carry your musical instrument in place of the personal item you’re permitted to carry. If it cannot be stored in the cabin, you’ll need to check it for a USD 25 fee (or more if it’s overweight and/or oversized). What to do if Items are Missing from Your Checked BaggageYou can claim the following items:
If you discover any missing items from your checked baggage:
Download the Claim Form
How to Report Damage to a Bag or Contents
Helpful Links
Banned and Restricted ItemsThe following items are banned on all United Airlines reservations:
Dangerous Items with Some RestrictionsThe following items have some restrictions. They must not exceed 100ml (3.4 ounces) and must be packed in a clear bag. If you’re placing the items in your checked bag, the container size must not exceed 16 ounces— or a total of 70 ounces per passenger.
Other items with restrictions include:
Liquids, Creams, Aerosols, and PowdersIf you’re traveling with liquids, creams, aerosols, and powders, remember the following:
For more information, visit this page. Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Baggage PolicyUnited 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 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 baggage policy for Economy Class (normal) fares allows you to carry the following items free of cost:
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 checked baggage policy allows you to carry:
United Airlines international baggage policy for 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 standard baggage allowance. To know the exact baggage fee, check out the free Baggage Calculator on United’s website. United Airlines 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. United Airlines military baggage policy applies to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents (if they’re travelling on the same booking). 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 any extra baggage allowance. Their baggage allowance will depend on the ticket purchased by them. United Airlines hand baggage policy allows all passengers (except Basic Economy) to bring 1 personal item (small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, or purse) and 1 carry-on bag free of cost. 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. Under United Airlines Basic Economy baggage policy, passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare are allowed to bring only 1 personal item on board, 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:
On other routes, 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:
The baggage size allowed on United Airlines is as follows:
United Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on baggage. However, the size limits must be adhered to. United Airlines international Economy baggage allowance is as follows:
United Airlines standard baggage allowance is as follows:
If your baggage or its contents have been damaged, you should do the following.
You should also consider filing a damaged bag claim. 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. The domestic flights’ baggage allowance at United Airlines is:
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:
Remember, the maximum weight of the bag must not exceed 50lb/23kg and its combined linear dimensions must not exceed 158cm/62in. 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’rea 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. 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 U.S.A. is as follows:
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.
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.
The international Economy baggage allowance on the following routes is free for the first bag, but additional bags must be purchased.
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. What is United Airlines First Class baggage policy? 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). Is there a weight limit for carryMaximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height) Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.
How strict is united with carryWhen it comes to carry on size, United are fairly strict. Plus, they will be checking more thoroughly than other airlines given that Basic Economy ticket holders are only permitted to take one personal item. And given that their aircraft is often tight for space, this is where you could quite easily be caught out.
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