How Much Do Bags Cost On United Airlines?

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Are you planning a trip with United Airlines and wondering about the cost of bags? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the baggage fees and policies of United Airlines, so that you can plan your trip and budget accordingly.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, understanding the cost of bags on United Airlines is an important factor to consider. With various types of bags and weight restrictions, it can be confusing to determine the cost. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know about United Airlines’ baggage fees.

How Much Do Bags Cost on United Airlines?

How Much Do Bags Cost on United Airlines?

If you are planning a trip with United Airlines, it is important to be aware of the baggage policies and fees. The cost of bags on United Airlines can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your destination, the type of ticket you purchased, and the weight and size of your bags. In this article, we will take a closer look at the baggage fees for United Airlines and provide you with all the information you need to know to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Carry-on Baggage Fees

Carry-on bags are the bags that passengers bring with them on the plane and store in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. United Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, per passenger. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

If your carry-on bag exceeds the size limit or you bring more than one carry-on bag, you may be asked to check the bag at the gate, and you will be charged the applicable checked bag fee. If you are a Basic Economy passenger, you are only allowed one personal item, and your carry-on bag will be checked at the gate for a fee.

Carry-on Baggage Fees for United Airlines

Destination Fee
Within the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico Free
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and Central America $30
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and South America $65
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and Europe, Africa, and the Middle East $70
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and Asia, Australia, and New Zealand $100

If you are a MileagePlus Premier member or traveling in Premium Plus or higher, you may be eligible for free or discounted carry-on baggage fees.

Checked Baggage Fees

Checked bags are the bags that passengers check in at the airport and are transported in the cargo hold of the plane. United Airlines allows up to four checked bags per passenger, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and a maximum size of 62 inches (158 cm) in length, width, and height.

If your checked bag exceeds the weight or size limit, you may be charged an additional fee or be required to repack your bag. If you are traveling to certain international destinations, such as Brazil, you may also be required to pay an additional customs fee.

Checked Baggage Fees for United Airlines

Destination Fee for 1st Bag Fee for 2nd Bag Fee for 3rd Bag Fee for 4th – 10th Bag
Within the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico $35 $45 $150 $200 each
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and Central America $30 $40 $150 $200 each
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and South America $0 $0 $150 $200 each
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and Europe, Africa, and the Middle East $0 $100 $200 $200 each
Between the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico and Asia, Australia, and New Zealand $0 $0 $200 $200 each

If you are a MileagePlus Premier member or traveling in Premium Plus or higher, you may be eligible for free or discounted checked baggage fees.

Additional Fees and Information

In addition to the carry-on and checked baggage fees, United Airlines also charges fees for overweight and oversized bags, sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. These fees can vary depending on the destination and the item, so it is important to check the United Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.

It is also important to note that if you purchase a Basic Economy ticket, you will not be able to select your seat in advance, and you will board the plane last. You will also not be able to change or cancel your ticket, and you will not be eligible for upgrades or changes to your itinerary.

Benefits of Higher Fare Classes

If you upgrade to a higher fare class, such as Economy Plus, you will have access to more benefits, such as extra legroom, priority boarding, and free checked bags. You will also be able to change or cancel your ticket for a fee and be eligible for upgrades and changes to your itinerary.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of bags on United Airlines can vary depending on your destination, the type of ticket you purchased, and the weight and size of your bags. It is important to check the United Airlines website for the most up-to-date information and to be aware of any additional fees for overweight and oversized bags, sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. By understanding the baggage policies and fees, you can avoid any surprises at the airport and enjoy a stress-free travel experience with United Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to baggage fees on United Airlines:

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one standard carry-on bag for free. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route, fare class, and loyalty status of the passenger. However, passengers can save money on baggage fees by prepaying for their checked bags online, using the United mobile app, or at a self-service kiosk at the airport.

Passengers can also avoid baggage fees by traveling in a higher fare class or by having elite status in United’s MileagePlus program. Additionally, passengers with certain credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card, may be eligible for free checked bags.

How much does it cost to check a bag on United Airlines?

The cost of checking a bag on United Airlines varies depending on the route, fare class, and loyalty status of the passenger. On domestic flights in economy class, the first checked bag costs $35, the second checked bag costs $45, and additional bags cost $150 each. However, passengers can save money by prepaying for their checked bags online, using the United mobile app, or at a self-service kiosk at the airport.

Passengers in premium cabins or with elite status in United’s MileagePlus program may be eligible for free checked bags. Additionally, certain credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card, offer free checked bags as a benefit.

What is the size and weight limit for checked bags on United Airlines?

The size and weight limit for checked bags on United Airlines varies depending on the route, fare class, and loyalty status of the passenger. In general, checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 50 pounds. However, overweight and oversized baggage fees may apply for bags that exceed these limits.

Passengers should check United’s website or contact the airline directly for specific information about baggage allowances and fees for their itinerary.

How much does it cost to bring a carry-on bag on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one standard carry-on bag for free. However, if a passenger needs to bring an additional carry-on bag or a larger carry-on bag, fees may apply. On domestic flights in economy class, the fee for an additional or larger carry-on bag starts at $25.

Passengers should check United’s website or contact the airline directly for specific information about carry-on baggage allowances and fees for their itinerary.

Are there any exemptions to United Airlines’ baggage fees?

Passengers with elite status in United’s MileagePlus program, those traveling in premium cabins, and those with certain credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card, may be exempt from baggage fees. Additionally, military personnel and their dependents may be eligible for free checked bags or other baggage allowances.

Passengers should check United’s website or contact the airline directly for specific information about baggage fee exemptions for their itinerary.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, the cost of bags on United Airlines depends on several factors, such as the route, the type of ticket, and the weight and size of the bags. It is important to check the airline’s website or contact customer service to get accurate information on baggage fees before booking your flight.

Despite the additional cost, it is important to consider the convenience and comfort that comes with packing everything you need for your trip. Additionally, United Airlines offers several options for saving on baggage fees, such as purchasing a higher fare class or joining their loyalty program.

Ultimately, whether you choose to bring a carry-on or check a bag, it is important to pack efficiently and strategically to avoid additional fees, and to make sure your travel experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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