What is United Airlines Baggage Policy?

Planning your next trip with United Airlines? Ensure you have a thorough understanding of their baggage policy to avoid any extra charges and enjoy a seamless journey. With our comprehensive baggage policy, we aim to accommodate the needs of numerous travelers while constantly maintaining efficiency and safety. Whether you are traveling solo or as a family, knowing how much to carry before boarding the flight helps you save money and energy. For better insights on the size, weight, and fee structure of the baggage on United Airlines, read the information mentioned below.

Does United Airlines have a Baggage Policy?

Yes, United Airlines do have a baggage policy for the passenger to adhere to. It has specific guidelines when it comes to the number of luggage allowed, weight, size and fee associated with different types of luggage. Read the below mentioned policies for a better understanding.

• If you are traveling with Basic Economy, you are allowed to bring one carry-on and one personal item for free.
• Your carry-on bag should fit inside the overhead bin; therefore, its dimensions should be 9 in x 14 in x 22 in.
• The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you with a dimension of 9 in x 10 in x 17 in.
• For checked baggage, the overall dimensions should not exceed 62 inches.
• While traveling with Business Economy, your checked baggage should not weigh more than 50 lbs or 23 kg.
• Ensure each checked baggage should not weigh more than 70 pounds.
• If you are a Star Alliance member with United Airlines, then your baggage weight can vary between 50 and 70 pounds.
• Each passenger is allowed to pay a carry-on or checked baggage fee based on the fare type, destination airport, and status.

How much will United charge for Carry-on Baggage?

United Airlines carry-on charge depends on the type of ticket you are flying with. Generally, one carry-on bag and one personal item is free as long as it meets the size requirements. However, you will be charged a $25 fee for gate check-in with your carry-on bags.

Will United Charge For Checked Baggage?

When it comes to pricing, each fare class has separate charges for taking a checked baggage on United Airlines. If you are not aware, then do note that the charges differ for short-haul and long-haul flights.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to use the baggage fee calculator beforehand and then pack your baggage to travel with United. To know more about the essential information related to checked baggage fees, scroll through the information below.

• If you’re traveling via a domestic flight, then you must pay $35 (first checked baggage) and $45 (second checked baggage).
• For Basic Economy passengers, the charges revolve around $40 (first checked baggage) and $50 (second checked baggage) on a United flight.
• If you’re an Elite Premium Class member, you can carry two checked bags without paying any additional fee.

What are the charges for Excess, overweight, or oversized baggage at United?

Passengers can easily carry overweight, oversized, or excessive baggage on United Airlines. However, you will be asked to pay a certain amount in order to fly with this luggage. For every excessive baggage, United will charge you $150. This fee will depend on the fare type and route of your flight. Thus, it’s best if you use a baggage calculator and get to know about the exact charges before you fly. Read below to know the exact charges for excessive, overweight, or oversized baggage.

Overweight Baggage

Oversized Baggage

In case the dimensions of your checked bag size fall between 63-115 linear inches, then you will be asked to pay $200 to United Airlines. Moreover, if it exceeds more than 160-292 cm then your luggage won’t be considered as checked luggage.

How Much Does United Charge for International Flights?

If a passenger is traveling to an international destination then the charges will depend on the service class and the destination for the checked baggage. Similarly extra charges will be applicable for overweight, oversize or excessive baggage.

For flights to/from Europe, Africa, South America, & Asia

For Flights Traveling To Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, & Mexico

Which Items Are Restricted On United Airlines?

You cannot fly with every item on the plane as it can be considered dangerous. Therefore, each airline has their set of rules and regulations to adhere to. To know at length go through the pointers mentioned below.

• Any type of camping equipment
• Lithium batteries
• Fireworks, flare guns and gunpowder
• Bleach
• Insecticides
• Torch Lighter
• Alcohol beverages with more than 70% volume
• E-Cigarettes
• Stun guns
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Radioactive substances
• Pepper Spray
• Tear Gas

How To Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees On United Airlines?

There are several ways through which you can save yourself from paying extra fees for your overweight baggage. To learn how to avoid such charges, go through the information mentioned below.

• The foremost thing to do is stay updated with the United Airlines Baggage Policy. Navigate to the official website (united.com) or call the customer service representative for the exact baggage details.
• Once you are aware about what to carry and how much to carry, packing becomes quite easy for you. Pack your luggage within the airlines given weight and size limit. For the safer side only pack the necessary items.
• Always weigh your luggage once you are finished packing. This will surely save you from paying extra at the airport.
• You can also purchase an upgrade, where you will get the opportunity to carry extra luggage for free.
• You can also purchase additional luggage allowance beforehand at a cheaper price. This way you can save extra charges and check-in time at the airport.

What To Do If I Lose My United Baggage?

United understands that losing luggage can be worrisome. Henceforth, they have come forth with a set of instructions that allows the passengers to file a complaint for lost luggage. Here are the steps that should be followed to file the complaint:

• Report your baggage is “delayed” via the official website, mobile app, or live chat.
• While reporting it via live chat, send “BAGS” to 32050.
• You can also report the situation at the Baggage Recovery Center by calling 1-800-335-2247 (International 1-281-821-3526)
• A file reference number will be sent to you.
• Head to the “Bag Help” > “Lost Bags” option on the app or official website.
• Enter your nine-character file reference number and last name.
• File a complaint and mention all the essential details related to your luggage.
• Attach receipt and ID for verification.
• You will receive a notification if United finds your baggage.
• If United Airlines is unable to find your luggage, you will receive a reimbursement in 4-6 weeks.

Can I Get Compensation For Lost, Delayed, Or Damaged Baggage At United?

You will receive compensation for lost, delayed or damaged baggage if United Airlines is at fault. Do remember that for every baggage there is a different type of reimbursement alloted by the airline. Therefore, go through the details mentioned below for a proper compensation.

Lost Baggage

• If you lose your luggage on a domestic flight, then United will reimburse you with $3800.
• In the case of international flights, the amount will be around $1500.
• If you have paid any charges previously for lost baggage, then it will be deducted from the total expense.
• You will only receive compensation for the bag and the items included inside.
• You will also receive a refund for the baggage check-in fee.

Damaged Baggage

• If your luggage gets damaged before arrival or was not properly packed then United is not obligated to provide you the reimbursement.
• Depending on the type of damage, you will be receiving the compensation amount.
• No compensation will be provided for normal wear and tear.
• Reimbursement is offered only for the damage caused to wheels, handles, and other parts of the luggage.

Delayed Baggage

• Look for immediate compensation from United Airlines if your baggage gets delayed for more than 72 hours.
• The airline will reimburse you for all types of daily expenses, such as medicines, clothes, and toiletries.

How Early Should I Check My Bags With United?

Check-in is the most crucial time at the airport. Passengers who tend to travel with United Airlines must check-in their carry-on and checked baggage as per the United Airlines Baggage Policy. The check-in time usually depends on the flight time.

Domestic Flight

• You need to check in with your carry-on baggage 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
• You are requested to check in 1 hour prior to the original departure when traveling with checked baggage.

International Flight

• You should check in 1 hour prior to the existing departure with your carry-on baggage.
• You need to check in 1.5 hours before the flight departure with your checked baggage.

Conclusion

United Airlines baggage policy offers straightforward guidelines for both carry-on and checked luggage. As per the norm, passengers are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag for free, with size and weight restrictions. For checked bags, fees vary based on the route and fare class, with allowances for up to two bags on most tickets. Additional baggage can be purchased, and oversized or overweight items incur extra fees. Hence, it's essential for travelers to review the policy before flying to avoid unexpected charges.