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

Paying baggage fees on top of the already inflated airline ticket prices is frustrating, to say the least. I certainly don’t enjoy cramming all my items into a small bag to avoid baggage fees, even if my trip is only for a few days.

When searching for the best airline tickets, United Airlines continually comes up as one of my options with affordable baggage fees. They have lenient baggage policies that allow most passengers (except those with Basic Economy fare) to have one personal item and one carry-on for no additional charge.

For example, a flight from Chicago O’Hare to New York JFK, allows Premium Economy, first and business class passengers one personal item and carry-on for no charge. Passengers in Economy pay up to $40 for the first bag, and up to $50 for the second with a weight limit of up to 50 pounds per bag.

If you’re like me and dislike paying more than your airline ticket to fly, check out this guide on how to avoid checked bag fees on United.

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

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

The exact policies and fees you’ll pay 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.

Callout box: Whether you have a checked or carry-on bag, any bag with lithium batteries installed must be removed and stowed with you, or else United will not allow it.

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

Every passenger, no matter their cabin or status, can bring a free personal item on each flight. Keep in mind that a personal item is a smaller bag that you can keep under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, a duffle bag, or a small backpack. I try to use a bag I can store some of my clothes or other personal items in while staying within the size restrictions. But remember, you must be able to fit this bag comfortably where your feet go.

Callout box: 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, 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). These items go in the overhead bins, not at your feet. I typically use a smaller rolling suitcase as my carry-on, and often use it as my only piece of luggage to keep my costs down.

United Airlines also allows other items, including:

• Food, drink and souvenir Items purchased at the airport
• 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 — you cannot bring a carry-on unless the ticket holder is one of the following:

• On a trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flight
• Flying to South America
• A MileagePlus Premier member
• A primary cardholder using a qualifying MileagePlus credit card
• A Star Alliance Gold member

If you’re a Basic Economy passenger and you bring an ineligible carry-on to the gate, you’ll pay the standard checked bag fee, plus $25.

Callout box: 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

If you can’t fit everything in your carry-on or personal item, you may need to pay for a checked bag. What I love about United is the first two bags are free if you fly Premium Economy, business or first class and fly domestic or international as long as the suitcases weigh 50 pounds or less. It makes upgrading my flight worth it just to get those free bags when I’m taking a longer trip.

If you’re flying Basic Economy, you’ll pay $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second, if you prepay. On international flights, Basic Economy passengers generally get one checked bag free and a second bag is $100. The weight limit of 50 pounds remains the same.

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

United’s oversized, overweight or extra baggage policy

Unfortunately, if your luggage exceeds the basic United limits, you’ll pay $200 per bag, whether it’s overweight, oversized, or you need a third bag checked. Any bags over 100 pounds or 115 linear inches will be denied.

Also, if you’re traveling internationally, there may be more explicit rules regarding your checked baggage.

See how you could get your bag checked for free for you and a companion with the United Quest℠ Card (save up to $360 per round trip) or the United℠ Explorer Card (save up to $160 per round trip).

How to avoid checked bag fees on United Airlines

I’m always looking for ways to minimize my travel costs. Here’s how to avoid checked bags on United.

1. Only pack a carry-on

If I can fit everything into my personal or carry-on items, I don’t check any bags. But if I know I’ll need two checked bags, I compare the Basic Economy and Economy prices to see if upgrading is worth it. As you can see above, it would cost $70 in most cases to upgrade, saving me $10 versus checking two bags in Basic Economy. I also get a few extra perks including:

• Selecting my seat
• Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Free inflight entertainment

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 must earn a certain number of Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or Premier qualifying segments (PQS). You must also 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 Premier 1K®. Based on your Premier status and the ticket class you purchased, you may get one to three free checked bags. The higher your status, the more free bags you get.

3. Buy a premium ticket

United Basic 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. Most flights allow up to two free checked bags per person.

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 may access benefits, with a limit of two bags per person.

5. Get a United credit card

If you have a United Airlines credit card, you may get benefits such as free checked bags, statement credits for certain purchases, and the ability to earn bonus reward miles. Whether you qualify depends on your creditworthiness, but if you do, the right card could help offset your airfare costs and provide extra in-flight benefits.

Check out the current offers and benefits the United credit cards may offer, so you can choose the best airline credit card for you:

6. Use a general travel credit card

If you don’t frequently fly United, some of the best travel credit cards may be better. The good news is you may be eligible to transfer credit card points to United with some cards. 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 travel credit cards offer credits that cover baggage fees directly. For example, the The Platinum Card^® from American Express offers a $200 airline fee statement credit annually for incidentals, including baggage fees.

FAQ

Bottom line

Saving money on airline tickets and baggage is possible. It takes some time and effort to compare your options, looking at the big picture, including baggage costs, but it’s worth it. Whether you pack light, join MileagePlus, or upgrade your tickets to Premier, you can avoid pesky baggage fees and fly comfortably.

As with any purchase, read the fine print to ensure you understand the terms and conditions, especially any weight restrictions or bag limitations if you’re flying United Express.

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