Table of Contents
Having the information on the baggage policy plays an important role. Having complete and clear information about United airlines baggage policy before you start your trip will help you make the trip smooth.
Whether you're on a small getaway or a long family trip, having the knowledge of the baggage policy will help you from the moment you start packing till the moment you board the flight. Read the policy- rules of different bags, the exceptions for military baggage, guidelines for items packed, and charges, and make the packing experience a little less exhausting.
What are the United Airlines Baggage Policy Guidelines?
The United Airlines baggage policy provides us with all baggage-related information. These allowances are straightforward and clearly written. Learn the common regulations of this policy:
- Passengers can bring with them a carry-on bag and a personal item.
- The checked bag allowance varies based on different factors. Check the baggage allowance.
- Notify the airlines in advance if bringing any special items.
- Under the baggage policy, charges are applicable for carrying bags exceeding the limits.
- United Airlines gives an extra allowance to military personnel as per the baggage rules.
- If the carry-on is oversized or not allowed, → must be checked, and fees apply
- The cost of checked baggage is not specified by United Airlines. Use the baggage calculator for this.
Basic Economy Baggage Rules
- Only one personal item included
- No standard carry-on bag allowed unless traveling:
- To or from South America
- Across the Atlantic
- Across the Pacific
Exceptions where basic economy can take a carry-on for free:
- MileagePlus Premier members or traveling with one
- Primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card
- Star Alliance Gold traveler
How to Add Extra Baggage Allowance?
With United Airlines, passengers can exceed baggage claim allowance while booking, online after booking, or while checking in:
While Booking:
While using United Airlines' online flight booking, passengers get the option to exceed baggage limits. While making a reservation, after providing their personal information.
If booking through other modes, just tell the representative.
If you miss while booking, you can add it later on.
Online Modes:
- For exceeding baggage limit, visit the official site and
- Open the My Trip section
- Enter the details from your reservation
- And continue
- Follow the prompt
- Pay the charges, and your limits are exceeded.
While check-in:
If you choose to check in through the desk, you can carry the excess baggage; you can also add the baggage via the kiosk.
You can add the bags through online check-in and drop your bags in the bag drop section.
- Start by visiting teh site and
- Click on the check-in option
- Then add the ticket information
- And continue
- Add the baggage and complete teh check-in
- Receive the boarding pass with exceeded allowance.
What are the Permitted Sizes of Checked Baggage on United Airlines?
Read the baggage size and weight limits, and also the regulations for fare options and members:
|
Bag Type |
Max Size (inches) |
Max Weight |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Personal Item |
9 x 10 x 17 |
Not specified |
Must fit under the seat in front of you |
|
Carry-on Bag |
9 x 14 x 22 |
Not specified |
Must fit in overhead bin; handle & wheels included |
|
Checked Bag (Economy / Premium Economy) |
30 x 20 x 12 (or 62 in total) |
50 lbs (23 kg) |
Handle & wheels included |
|
Checked Bag (Business / First / Polaris) |
Same |
70 lbs (32 kg) |
Includes United Business, First & Polaris |
|
Checked Bag (MileagePlus Premier Silver / Gold / Platinum / 1K) |
Same |
70 lbs (32 kg) |
Status-based allowance |
|
Checked Bag (Star Allianceâ„¢ Gold) |
Same |
Business: 70 lbs (32 kg) / Economy: 50 lbs (23 kg) |
Based on the cabin |
Requirements for checked bags:
- The bag must be fully enclosed and made of durable material.
- Pity must meet the size and weight limit.
- Please don’t staple multiple bags as one item.
- It cannot have bulky, sharp, or removable straps.
- It must not contain any prohibited carriage item.
Oversize / Overweight / Extra Bags:
If you exceed the size and weight limit of checked bags specified on United Airlines:
Oversized bags:
- 62 linear inches to 115 linear inches.
- No bag above size: over 115 in (292 cm)
Overweight bags:
- 51/71 lbs to 100lbs. Based on allowance.
- No bag over weight: over 100 lbs (45 kg)
- Exception: Musical instruments up to 165 lbs (75 kg), all assistive devices.
- Extra bags are only accepted if space is available
If a bag is both oversize and overweight, separate charges apply
Extra Allowed Items Without Charge
- Jacket or coat
- Umbrella
- Reading materials
- Any item or food that is bought at the airport after the security check
- Mobility devices
- Car seat or stroller
- A breast pump and a small diaper bag.
- Camera
What is the Cost of Checked Baggage on United Airlines?
You have to calculate the charges based on ticket information through the Baggage Calculator. Know the charges for other conditions:
- For carry-on bags, $35 is paid; if your bag does not fit under the seat, then you have to pay $65.
- For Checked Baggage:
- First Bag: $35–$40 (depending on the route).
- Second Bag: $45–$50 (depending on the route).
- Third or any additional Bag: $150 per bag.
- Oversized Bags: passengers have to pay between $100-$400 based on the excess dimension they are carrying.
- Overweight Bags: $200 is applied to bags up to 100 pounds(45kg).
Additional Discounts & Free Bags:
- MileagePlus PremierMembers: The Extra Baggage KICK-IN Fee is based on the status of all users.
- Prepaid Bags: A Discount is possible with advance online payment.
What is the International Checked Bag Limit?
The limits are the same for weight and height for most of the destinations. However:
- While seasonal restrictions, airlines may impose limits on extra language and even overweight or oversized luggage.
- Passengers can also carry bags instead of boxes. The limits are:
- Weight must be under 50 lbs.
- Seize must not exceed 62 inches
- For some destinations with special restrictions, you are only allowed to bring a 42-inch box.
What is the United Airlines Military Baggage Policy?
As a form of gratitude, airlines give special allowances, which are given under the United Airlines military baggage policy. Here is the allowance:
- If military personnel are on a personal trip, they can carry three bags under standard limits.
- If the Army provides orders for traveling, soldiers are allowed to travel with five baggage pieces within this allowance:
- Weight: 100 lbs
- Size: 115 in.
- If there is any dependent traveling on the same reservation, they will also receive the same allowance
- Dependents traveling with military orders can travel with two bags of standard allowance.
What are the Baggage Offers for United Card Members?
- Card members who can carry one checked bag without paying charges:
- United Explorer card,
- United Business card,
- United Mileage Plus award card
- Card members who can carry two checked bags without charge:
- United Club Business Card,
- United Presidential Plus Business Card,
- United Presidential Plus Card,
- United Club Card, and
- United Quest Card passengers
- Standard charges are applicable for the bag surplus of this.
What if the baggage goes missing or you lose it?
Passnebegsr can complain about the missing item in the lost and found section. They can complain in all these scenarios:
- If they had left any small bag or item on the aircraft by mistake.
- If they don’t find the bag in the baggage claim.
- If the bag is received in damaged condition.
If you have left or lost baggage in the airport premises, reach out to the airport authority.
Which items are allowed in special conditions?
Standard checked bag charges are applicable if the items exceed the limit.
Fragile/ valuable items:
You can carry them on your own responsibility. Please pack them in the center, wrapping with clothes and wrap, and place small items in shoes to keep them safe. Airlines are not responsible for any mishappening:
- Electronic items, computers, or cameras
- Any artwork, heirlooms, or antiques.
- Crockery of china, ceramics, and glass.
- Paper items, precious metals, jewelry items, watches
- Collectibles or irreplaceable items.
- Perishable items, real fur, sleeping bags, and backpacks.
- Tools, knives, a sword, or cash or a gift card.
Other items:
- Fragile or bulky items can be transported in an embargo or by purchasing extra seats.
- Sports items can also be bought on board the flight, and United is not liable for them.
- This can be bought as a carry-on or personal item, if carried under a hard case.
- Medical essential, must be kept in carry-on. Medical syringes are also allowed
- Vapes or e-cigarettes cannot be used or charged onboard.
- Smart bags are allowed. Please remove the lithium battery.
- Liquids are allowed in carry-on or checked bags, but in carry-on, more than 3.4 oz is not allowed. Pack in a clear bag.
- Keep in checked bags. In carry-on, not more than 12 oz.
Electronic items:
- The charging port can be used if flying above 10,000ft
- Hand-held electric razor
- Mobile phones, Tablets, Laptops, or Cameras; Handheld gaming consoles
- Music players and calculators.
Battery regulations:
- The batteries are packed in a checked bag and must be fully powered off.
- The terminal of the battery must be protected
- The necessary criterion for replacement is a bandsaw blade that is missing a tooth.
- A spare blade for a bandsaw with the required safety ratio shall be kept for a robust blade.
What items are strictly prohibited?
As per United Airlines, Items that are restricted by DOT, TSA, and FAA are strictly prohibited under the baggage policy. Here are some common items:
- Any sharp items that can harm anyone.
- Any item that can cause fire.
- Camping items that have fuel in them.
- Any kind of defense spray
- Flameless heaters, tasers, and shock absorbers.
Items restricted onboard:
- Air purifying respirators
- Personal humidifiers
- Televisions
- Any heating device, including a bottle warmer or blow dryer.
- Battery or electric remote control toys.
- Radio transmitters/receivers
Embargo Restricted Items
- Bicycles
- Hang gliders
- Surfboards (allowed only to/from Costa Rica)
- Wakeboards
- Windsurf board
Traveler tips:
- Remove old luggage tags before travel
- Arrive early if checking baggage
- Take a photo of your bag and bag tag receipt together
- Place contact information inside and outside your bag
- United’s app allows tracking of checked baggage status and location throughout the flight journey
- There are time limits for checked baggage; it must be checked before the cut-off time at the airport
- Keep your bag claim check until you collect all bags
- On connecting flights, you may be required to re-check bags depending on routing and customs
Ways to Save on Extra Baggage Charges:
- A prepay option is provided by the airlines, and you can save with that option.
- Pack as per the allowances to avoid airport hustle and surprise charges.
- Bring bags within the fare regulations.
- Use the card or MileagePlus to get free baggage allowance.
- If caring for a special item, notify prior to purchase and get the allowance at a lower price.
Conclusion
The policy might be a bit long, but it is articulated in an easy-to-understand manner, and it is really vital to know this information prior to your packing. The airline has limitations on the transportation of certain items by flights to guarantee the security of all travelers. In case you have some special requirements, you can contact the airlines. This policy covers all of it.
Read the policy carefully and travel confidently.
Related Post: