United Airlines: How to Avoid Their (New, Higher) Checked Bag Fees

United Airlines charges baggage fees for U.S. domestic flights that can quickly add up - $40 ($35 if prepaid) for the first checked bag, $50 ($45 if prepaid) for the second, and $150 for three or more.

To avoid these fees, we recommend traveling with a personal item and a carry-on bag, taking advantage of United's free allowance for these items for all fares aside from Basic Economy, which doesn't get a free carry-on.

We also recommend qualifying for an elite status or using a qualified United credit card to earn free checked bag benefits. Alternatively, you can get a Business or First-Class ticket and receive up to two checked bags for free.

Let's dive into the details of United's baggage policies and some strategies to avoid these fees.

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United Airlines baggage fees

United baggage fees vary depending on several factors, such as your cabin, status, route, and when you pay for your bags. You can also save money by prepaying for your checked bags online or at a kiosk.

This is an example of United Economy baggage fees. Note that Business, First Class, Star Alliance Gold, and MileagePlus Premier are allowed up to 70 pounds for checked bags, versus 50 pounds for the Economy fare.

Note that United will not accept bags larger than 115 linear inches (height + width + depth) or heavier than 100 pounds.

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

The exact policies and fees you’ll face on United Airlines depend on your fare class, MileagePlus status, whether you’re carrying on or checking your luggage, and the weight and size of your bag.

But whether it’s a checked or carry-on bag, any bag that has lithium batteries installed needs to be removed and stowed with you, or else it’s not allowed on any United flights.

Other prohibited items are also typically banned by federal law, including oxygen bottles, fireworks, and paints. You can check United’s dangerous goods page or the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) What Can I Bring page for more information.

United's personal item policy

When you fly Economy with United Airlines, you can bring two types of bags on board with you: a personal item and a carry-on bag. When you fly Economy Basic, you are only allowed a personal item.

A personal item is a smaller bag that you can keep under the seat in front of you, while a carry-on bag is a larger bag that you can store in the overhead bin.

The personal item is free for all passengers. The personal item must not exceed 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches. Personal items can be things like a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, a duffle bag, or a small backpack.

You can also bring some extra items for free, such as a jacket, an umbrella, or a book. If your personal item is too big or if you have more than one of each, you may have to check them and pay a fee.

United’s carry-on baggage policy

United travelers are allowed one carry-on bag (maximum dimensions 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches). United Airlines will also let you bring on other items aside from their carry-on baggage restrictions, such as:

• Items purchased at the airport — think food, reading material, and souvenirs
• Assistive devices, such as collapsible wheelchairs and crutches
• FAA-approved child restraint systems or safety seats
• Diaper bag and breast pump
• Folding stroller (as long as it fits within the carry-on dimensions)
• Pet carrier

However, there are a few exceptions. Those who purchase a Basic Economy ticket are only allowed one personal item — a full-size carry-on is not allowed unless the ticket holder is on a trans-Atlantic flight, is a MileagePlus Premier member, or is a primary cardholder using a qualifying MileagePlus credit card. If a Basic Economy passenger brings an ineligible carry-on to the gate and is required to check it, you’ll pay an additional $25 gate handling charge on top of the standard checked-bag fee.

For smaller United Express flights, you may need to gate-check your carry-on items if the overhead bins aren’t large enough to accommodate them.

United’s checked baggage policy

Unfortunately, many travelers will need to pay checked baggage fees — but how much you pay depends on your flight route, class of service, and how many bags you check. On domestic flights if you prepay for baggage, Economy passengers generally pay $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second bag, and $150 for the third bag. Premium tickets can typically check up to two bags for free.

On international flights, Economy passengers generally get one checked bag free; a second bag is $100, and a third is $200. Premium passengers typically get the first two bags free.

To check your exact baggage fees, use the United.com baggage fee calculator.

The maximum weight for checked bags is 50 pounds for the Economy fare. Business, First Class, Star Alliance Gold, and MileagePlus Premier members are allowed a maximum weight limit of 70 pounds. All checked bags need to have a maximum exterior dimension of 62 linear inches.

United’s oversized and overweight baggage policy

Oversized baggage and overweight baggage will accrue an additional fee — $200 extra for an oversized bag and $100 to $400 extra for an overweight bag. Any bags over 100 pounds or 115 linear inches will be denied.  If you need to check more than three bags, you'll also need to pay an excess baggage fee, which can range from $150 to $500. It's important to note that United has excess baggage embargoes, or limits, in place for certain destinations. Review their Embargoes for checked bags page for more details.

You can pay for checked luggage by credit card either when you check-in at the airport or by prepaying ahead of time when you check-in online. Keep in mind if you prepay, you’ll be charged immediately and won’t be eligible for a refund if you end up checking fewer bags.

>> See how you could get your bag checked for free for you and a companion with the United Quest℠ Card (save up to $320 per round trip) or the United℠ Explorer Card (save up to $140 per round trip).

How to avoid checked bag fees on United Airlines

Checked bag fees can add up, but there are ways you can bypass paying them. Here’s how to avoid United Airlines baggage fees.

1. Only pack a carry-on

If you can fit everything into your personal and carry-on items, you won’t need to pay any baggage fees. Remember, though, that those traveling with Basic Economy fares may only be allowed one personal item on a flight. Check the fine print so you’re not caught by surprise by carry-on allowances.

2. Join the United loyalty program

United’s MileagePlus program offers perks, including free checked bags if you’re a Premier member. To reach this status, you’ll need to earn a certain number of Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or Premier qualifying segments (PQS). You’ll also need to meet a minimum annual spending threshold if you reside in the U.S. and fly at least four flights or segments within a calendar year to qualify.

There are four Premier levels — Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. Based on your Premier status and the ticket class you purchased, you could be allowed one to three free checked bags. The higher your status, the more free bags you’re allowed.

3. Buy a premium ticket

United Economy class tickets are generally subject to a checked bag fee, so consider purchasing a Premium Economy class ticket (or higher) to avoid these charges. These classes get up to two checked bags for free. If you have an oversized or overweight bag, you may be charged extra fees.

4. Bring your military documentation

Active U.S. military personnel are exempt from many United baggage fees. For personal travel, you’re allowed up to three bags weighing 70 pounds each for free. Those traveling for official business are allowed up to five free bags weighing up to 100 pounds each.

Dependents of active military personnel could also access these same benefits in some situations.

5. Get a United credit card

With a United Airlines credit card, you can get access to benefits such as free checked bags, statement credits for certain purchases, and the ability to earn bonus reward miles. Whether you qualify for these credit cards depends on your creditworthiness. However, if you're a frequent flyer on United, applying for a United card may be worth your time. The right card could help offset your airfare costs and give you perks that make your flights more enjoyable.  

Here are some of the current offers and benefits you can get with a United credit card so that you choose the best airline credit card for you:

6. Use a general travel card

More general travel credit cards could also help you save on baggage fees in a number of ways. First, you may be able to transfer credit card points to United. For example, you could transfer points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card to the United MileagePlus program, then use those points to purchase a premium ticket and avoid baggage fees.

Some of the best travel credit cards even offer credits that cover baggage fees directly. The airline credit offered with select American Express cards, for instance, could reimburse you for up to $250 of baggage fees if you choose United as your primary airline.

FAQ about United Airlines' baggage policy

Avoiding United baggage fee: bottom line

Saving money on baggage fees from United Airlines is completely possible if you take the time to figure out which strategy is best for you. Applying for a rewards credit card, packing light, or working toward MileagePlus Premier status are all viable options.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to read the fine print so you’re not in for a surprise when you check in.

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