united airlines staff travel baggage allowance

United Airlines

Staff travel information

United Airlines allows one free checked baggage per ticketed customer. per bag. Size and weight limitations apply. All applicable excess, overweight, oversized checked baggage fees apply, consistent with revenue customer charges.

Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage.

Pass rider's overall appearance should be well-groomed, neat, clean and in good taste. Attire should be respectful of fellow revenue passengers, and pass riders. Pass riders may wear denim attire, such as jeans. Shorts that are no more than three inches above the knee.

The following attire is unacceptable in any cabin but not limited to:

Attire that reveals midriff; attire that reveals any type of undergarments; attire that is designed as sleepwear, underwear or swim attire. Mini Skirts; shorts that are shorter than three inches above the knee when in a standing position. Form-fitting lycra/spances tops, pants and dresses. Attire that has derogatory terminology of graphics.

Attire that is excessively dirty or has holes/tears. Any attire that is provocative, inappropriately revealing or see-through. Bare feet; beach-type, rubber flip-flops. All pass riders are responsible to ensure that all of their pass riders are dressed appropriately for pass travel on United/United Express Airlines.

Flight listings must be made at least 48 hours in advance of travel for international flights and 12 hours in advance for all other flights.

United only upgrades non-revenue passengers who make their listing in business or first class. Otherwise, passengers are placed in economy even if there are available first/business class seats.

When requesting a refund, once one e-ticket has been refunded all e-tickets associated with the same record locator will be refunded as well.

SYD - LAX flights may be weight limited

Infant/lap child e-ticketing on United Airlines cannot be processed at this time via myIDTravel. You will need to see an Agent at the United Ticket Counter, on the day of travel, so that they may assist you with ticketing for an infant/lap child.

included flights

All United Express flights operated by Air Wisconsin, CommutAir, ExpressJet, GoJet, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, TransStates Airlines are included.

excluded flights

Codeshare flights

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+1 866 359 3727

[email protected]

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United airlines flight loads.

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United Baggage

• Planes & Seat Maps

***NOTE: A recent synopsis follows, however, please check united.com  for the most current baggage policies and pricing.***

What is united airlines' (ua) baggage policy.

The United Airlines (UA) baggage policy for regular Economy Class fares include the following:

• Carry-on baggage.
• 1 personal item - Fee free
• 1 carry-on item - Fee free
• Checked baggage / Hold luggage - Applicable fees apply
• Overweight and Oversize bags - Applicable fees per bag depending on weight and size categories
• Sports equipment - Applicable fees apply

What is United Airlines' (UA) carry-on baggage policy?

United Airlines (UA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.

Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:

• 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
• Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Personal item should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions:

• 36 linear inches (16 x 11 x 8 in) or 89 centimeters (41 x 28 x 20 cm)
• Fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you
• A jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, duty free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) do not count towards your carry-on allowance.

NOTE: Bulkhead seats do not have under seat storage, therefore, all carry-on baggage must be stowed in the overhead bin during take-off and landing.

What is United Airlines' (UA) checked baggage / hold luggage policy?

United Airlines' (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage policy details follow:

• 2 bags standard (fees apply for Economy Class fares)
• Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height)
• Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms

Are there fees for baggage on United Airlines (UA)?

Yes, fees might apply. They are determined by the type of fare you purchased, your destination, if you are an active U S military personnel and/or dependent, if you have status with United Airlines' (UA) frequent flyer program, status with an affiliated carrier, or if you have a United Airlines (UA) sponsored credit/charge card.

United Airlines' (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees for U S domestic flights:

• First bag: $35.00 USD
• Second bag: $45.00 USD
• Third and any additional: $150.00 USD per bag

NOTE: You may add up to 2 checked bags, prepay in advance online (more than 24 hours before departure) and receive $5 off the cost of each of the first 2 checked bags [Effective for travel from 6 March 2020].

International flights:

• United Airlines' (UA) standard checked baggage / hold luggage fees for to/from U S international flights generally are nothing for the first and $100.00 USD for the second. International Basic Economy checked baggage / hold luggage fees are $60 USD for the first bag and $100 USD for the second. Some routes allow two checked bags as standard. United Airlines’ (UA) “Baggage Calculator” on United.com will determine the exact amount per route.

What is United Airlines' (UA) fee for excess baggage?

United Airlines (UA) will charge a range starting at $150 USD for the third bag and additional bags depending on the route. We strongly recommend visiting United Airlines’ (UA) “Baggage Calculator” on United.com  since it will help you determine the exact amount per route.

Note: There are permanent and time period excess baggage embargoes to and from specific destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and South America. Please check “Baggage Embargoes” on United.com .

What is United Airlines' (UA) fee for overweight baggage?

United Airlines (UA) will charge the following for U S domestic flights for bags that are greater than the standard 50 pounds or 23 kilograms:

• 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms: $100.00 USD to $200 USD extra per bag
• 71 to 100 pounds or 33 to 46 kilograms: $400.00 USD extra per bag
• Bags exceeding 100 pounds or 46 kilograms will not be accepted as checked baggage / hold luggage.
• Fees for flights to/from the U S range from $200.00 to $400.00 USD. United Airlines’ (UA) “Baggage Calculator” on united.com will determine the exact amount per route.

What is United Airlines' (UA) fee for oversize baggage?

United Airlines (UA) will charge $200.00 USD extra for bags that are from 63 to 115 linear inches or from 160 to 292 centimeters. Bags greater than 115 linear inches or 292 centimeters will not be accepted as checked baggage / hold luggage.

Are there fees for sports equipment on United Airlines (UA)?

Fees depend on type of sports equipment. Skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, hockey, and lacrosse equipment are generally considered one item. Fees are charged starting at $30 USD. Fees for larger sporting equipment start at $150 USD. Check the sports equipment section of the baggage information page on united.com for exact details.

CPAP Devices:

Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be carried and used on board United flights if it can be verified by a manufacturers’ label or otherwise that the units meet applicable FAA requirements. A forty-eight (48) hour minimum advance notification to the Accessibility Desk (1-800-228-2744) is required for customers using a ventilator, respirator or CPAP machine on board.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

UponArriving

United Airlines Baggage Fees Policy Guide (International, Carry-On, Checked) [2024]

Having flown United Airlines a countless number of times over the years, I am very familiar with their baggage fee policy, and luckily it is pretty straight forward policy.

However, the baggage fees can vary based on the fare class you book, your elite status, credit card membership, flight route (international), and weight and size of your luggage. Below is everything you need to know about the United’s baggage policies. 

What are the United Airlines baggage fees?

Generally, you’ll get one free carry-on and one free personal item and you’ll have to pay $40 for your first checked bag and $50 for the second checked bag. Your can now save $5 on your first and second checked bags if you prepay for them. There are many rules and restrictions that apply though so I suggest that you keep reading below for more detailed information.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

United Airlines carry-on policy

United has a pretty standard carry-on luggage policy. They’ll allow you to bring the following for free:

• 1 Carry-on bag
• 1 Personal item

Carry-on bag dimensions

The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels.

Personal item dimensions

The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). Personal items typically consist of the following:

• Shoulder bags
• Other small items

The personal items should be able to fit beneath the bottom of the seat in front of you and bag sizers are available in the check-in area, so you can double check the size of your items once you get to the airport.

If you are bringing in a carry-on item and a personal item, the flight attendants will ask you to place your smaller item beneath the seat and to store your larger item in the overhead bin.

Related: What’s a Personal Item on a Plane?

Weight limit for United carry-ons

There are no published weight limits for carry-ons but rather only size dimension limitations.

Still, just because there are no published weight limits you still want to keep the weight of your carry-ons reasonable. And if your carry-on is especially heavy I would recommend that you handle your bag yourself while storing your bag. 

Carry-on exceptions

Like many other airlines, United makes certain exceptions for certain items brought on board.

If you bring one of the following items on board, they won’t count towards your one carry-on and one personal item limit.

• Jacket or coat
• Reading material
• Food or merchandise purchased in the airport
• Assistive devices (collapsible wheelchair, cane, one set of crutches, medical devices needed to administer prescription medications, portable oxygen concentrator, etc.)
• FAA-approved child restraint system or safety seat
• Breast pump
• Pet carrier (service charges apply for in-cabin pets)

Basic economy carry-on policy

Note that if you purchase a Basic Economy fare,  you will only be allowed one personal item, unless you’re flying to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific or if you are a Premier member or a primary card member using a qualifying MileagePlus credit card .

If you aren’t familiar, Basic Economy fares are the newer economy fares that are cheaper than economy but come with less benefits (many of which are standard). For example, you don’t get a free carry-on and you are not allowed to choose your seat for free.

• You can read more about United’s Basic Economy fares here  and here . 

United Express carry-ons

United Express flights are served by regional partner carriers using smaller aircrafts which means that they often have less overhead bin space. Sometimes the space is so limited that roller bags aren’t able to fit. If you’re flying in an  EMB170, EMB175 or CRJ-700 you should be fine though.

United checked baggage fees

United does not provide you with free checked luggage. The fees charged can vary by route so I suggest that you  enter in your route here to calculate the exact amount for your luggage. However, to provide you with some guidance, I’ve supplied fee amounts that you can probably expect to pay.

Unless you’re given free checked baggage due to airline status, cabin class, or credit card membership, you’ll generally have to pay:

• $40 for the first checked bag
• $50 for the second checked bag
• $150 to $200 for the third checked bag ($200 for some international flights)

These prices are the same that you would generally pay when flying other domestic airlines like American Airlines . However, it is always a good reminder that Southwest Airlines offers you the ability to check two bags for free. 

If you want all the tips on how to deal with checked baggage, be sure to check out the ultimate guide to checked luggage here .

United checked baggage dimensions and weight

The maximum exterior dimension (length + width + height) of standard checked baggage is  62 inches (158 cm) , including handles and wheels. The maximum weight for United checked baggage depends on which class you’re flying and/or your level of elite status.

Class of ticket

• Economy: 50 pounds (23 kg)
• Business/First : 70 pounds (32 kg)

Elite status

• Premier Silver , Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K: 70 pounds (32 kg)

If you qualify for different allowances based on your class of service and your MileagePlus status, the larger of the two allowances will apply.

United Airlines excessive baggage fees

United will charge you based on each measure that your luggage exceeds the limits. So for example, if one of your bags is oversized, overweight, and above the allowance then you will be subject to three individual extra charges. This can get very pricey so always be aware of that if you’re planning on bringing oversized luggage.

Remember, baggage fees will always depend on the airline you are flying. Therefore, if you’re flying one of United’s partners then you will have to pay partner’s prices. For example, if you’re flying Lufthansa and then connecting onto United, you will need to know Lufthansa baggage fees, even though you’re flying United on the second leg.

United Airlines baggage policy for oversized baggage

Generally, for luggage that is 63.0 to 115.0 linear inches (160 to 292 cm), you can expect to pay $200 extra per bag. That sounds like a lot but it is on par with other domestic airlines.

Baggage with total outer dimensions (length + width + height) measuring more than 115 inches (292 cm) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

United Airlines baggage policy for o verweight baggage

Generally, for luggage that is from 51.0 to 70.0 pounds (24 to 32 kg) overweight, you’ll pay $100 extra per bag  but on international flights this could be up to $200 per bag.

For luggage that is from 71.0 to 100.0 pounds (33 to 45 kg) you’ll pay $200 extra per bag

With the exception of assistive devices and musical instruments, baggage weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) will not be accepted.

Musical instruments up to 165 lbs. (75 kg) will be accepted along with all assistive devices.

Something to keep in mind is that extra baggage is only accepted if space permits. Oversized, overweight and extra baggage is not accepted on flights to certain destinations and on certain flights during specific timeframes.

For example, the following destinations don’t allow bags that weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms):

• The Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• United Kingdom

For a current list of destinations where oversized/extra baggage may not accepted check out the Excess Baggage Embargo  page.

MileagePlus Premier members

United will allow you to check your bags for free if you have elite status with them.

Below are the different checked baggage policies for different levels of elite status. Travel companions of MileagePlus Premier members will have the same exemptions as the Premier member whose status provides the benefit, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation.

United credit cards

If you hold the United Explorer Card you’ll be able to check a bag for free for yourself and up to one companion on the same itinerary. This benefit applies even to international itineraries which is different from other airline cards like the American Airlines cards that only applies to domestic itineraries.

If you want to check two bags for free, the United Club Card will offer you that benefit. That card is the more premium card that also offers complementary lounge access to United lounge us along with a host of additional benefits.

Hot Tip: Use a travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred to earn extra points on travel purchases like airline tickets — you can even transfer your points to United (at a 1:1 ratio) and use them to fly for free! Find the detailed review here!

Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents

The United Airlines baggage policy allows active military personnel and their dependents to check a certain number of bags for free. The size limit and number of bags depends on the purpose of the travel, however. Notice how when traveling on official business the maximum weight per bag is increased to 100 pounds.

Here are the United policies for military members and their families:

• Dependents of active U.S. military personnel have the same exemptions as the service member whose status provides the benefit, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation.
• When travel is due to official orders, dependents may travel unaccompanied.
• When dependents travel on their own for reasons other than relocation, they are subject to the normal baggage allowance and applicable bag fees based on ticket type.

So basically the only time a military family member does not get the baggage benefit is when they are traveling for reasons other than relocation and they are traveling alone.

Sporting equipment

United Airlines will accept most sporting equipment. However, you need to be aware that there might be specific guidelines and packaging requirements that you must abide by when transporting certain types of equipment. You can find out more about the specific restrictions here .

Here are some examples of accepted sporting equipment:

• Boating & surfing
• Fencing and kendo
• Hang gliding
• Hockey or lacrosse
• Parachutes and parasails
• Pole vaulting
• Skiing and snowboarding

United animal policy

United will allow domesticated cats, small dogs, rabbits and birds in the aircraft cabin on most flights within the U.S. You can read more about their in-cabin animal policy here .

Their Pet Safe program has been updated recently and you can find out more about the animal policies here.

United Baggage Fees FAQ

If you are traveling with baggage, you must check in at least 45 minutes prior to departure on a domestic flight and 60 minutes prior to departure on an international flight. (This applies to most airports although there are exceptions.). Of course, I always advocate for you to arrive to the airport much earlier than this. For a domestic flight, I will try to arrive around two hours before departure and for an international flight I will try to arrive around three hours prior to departure. Click here to see U.S. airports with special minimum required times.

For a trip that includes one or more connections, United will check bags to the final destination stated on the ticket. Usually luggage will be stored on the same flight as the traveler but that’t not always the case. You’ll need to claim and re-check baggage if you are: Making a voluntary stopover Making a connection that involves an overnight stay Connecting to an itinerary booked on a separate ticket that doesn’t include a Star Alliance partner airline Traveling internationally and connecting to a domestic flight within your destination country I would always recommend to avoid flying two separate itineraries when connecting. That is because it increases the risk of you missing a flight and if you miss a flight in a situation like that you will likely have to pay for a new second flight. Also, if your luggage is lost for some reason it can become much more difficult to work through that process since it is harder to coordinate efforts to retrieve your bag.

Effective January 15, you must remove spare lithium batteries or lithium batteries that are part of bags themselves (“smart bags”) before checking or gate-checking baggage. These batteries can be transported in your carry-on baggage. Bags with non-removable lithium batteries are not allowed on any United flights , including United Express flights.

The United Airlines baggage policy is for the most part straight forward and pretty similar to what other legacy carriers provide. However, you need to be aware of the different rules and restrictions that apply to overweight and oversized luggage as well as all of the special rules for class fares such as Basic Economy.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

can I pay cash for checked bags?

I think that’s going to depend on the airport. Some airports no longer take cash for baggage fees, so I suggest calling in to your airport.

What’s the maximum number of extra luggage that one can fly with on an international flight?

Does the baggage fee cover the whole trip, two way ticket.

The baggage fees are only good for one-way travel.

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United Airlines baggage fees and how to avoid paying them

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Every airline has its own fees and policies on baggage. While some airlines allow you to check multiple bags for free, some will charge you just to bring a carry-on. It's important to familiarize yourself with these policies so that you don't incur unexpected fees.

Today, we're going to dive into everything you need to know about flying with carry-on bags, checked bags and special items on United .

As you're going to see, the fees vary based on the cabin you're flying, the type of ticket you book, the destination and more. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid paying these fees altogether.

For more TPG news, deals and points and miles tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter .

United carry-on baggage fees

All United customers are allowed to bring one free personal item onboard. Personal items should fit underneath the seat in front of you. These items may include purses, briefcases, small backpacks or other items that are no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches.

Everyone except for basic economy passengers is also allowed to bring one carry-on bag. This would be your more conventional carry-on that would go in the overhead bin. Carry-on bags must fall within the maximum dimensions of 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches. If you're a basic economy passenger and bring a carry-on to the gate, you'll pay a $25 gate service fee per item plus the applicable checked bag fee.

The one exception to this rule is on trans-Atlantic flights operated by United and United Express. On these flights, the carry-on baggage allowance for basic economy passengers is the same for standard economy tickets. This means you can bring both a personal item and standard carry-on bag.

United MileagePlus Premier members , Star Alliance Gold and the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, may always bring both a carry-on and a personal item onboard — even on a basic economy ticket.

Related: How to survive Basic Economy on United Airlines

United checked bag fees

United's checked baggage fees vary by destination and ticket type. Additionally, fees may now vary based on whether you prepay your bag fees online or not.

Rather than publish a series of charts with various regions and corresponding bag fees, the carrier has two ways to check how much you'll need to pay. First, head to United's checked baggage page . From there, you can either log in to your MileagePlus account, enter your flight confirmation or click the "Any Flights" tab to search for the applicable fees based on your origin and destination and class of service. United also usually lists applicable baggage fees at the bottom of your reservation page.

Generally, when flying economy class within North America and buying checked bags online at least 24 hours before departure, you'll pay $30 for your first bag and $40 for your second bag. At the airport, that price goes up to $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. When traveling to Mexico, the second bag costs $55.

Premium economy ( Premium Plus ), business and first-class passengers can check up to two bags at no charge. The weight limit is 50 pounds per bag in premium economy and 70 pounds per bag in business and first class.

Related: A comprehensive guide to United Airlines' same-day flight change policy

Standard economy class passengers traveling to Europe, India or the Middle East are allowed to check one bag at no charge, with the second bag costing $100. However, basic economy passengers must pay $70 for their first bag.

When traveling to South America, coach passengers always get their first bag free, with the second costing $40 to $65.

All passengers traveling to Asia and the South Pacific are allowed to check up to two bags at no charge, regardless of cabin.

Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents are always allowed to check 2-5 bags up to 70 or 100 lbs free of charge, depending on the trip type. Dependents must travel on the same reservation as the active U.S. military personnel unless the travel is due to official orders.

Overweight and oversized baggage fees

As with checked baggage fees, weight allowances and overweight fees vary by destination.

Your bag is typically allowed to weigh up to 50 pounds in economy and premium economy before incurring overweight fees. However, business and first-class passengers are usually allowed to bring bags of up to 70 pounds.

Overweight bags weighing between 51- 70 pounds typically cost $100-$400 extra, while those up to 100 pounds cost $200-$600 extra. You're not allowed to check a bag weighing more than 100 pounds unless it's a musical instrument or assistive device, in which case the limit is 165 pounds.

Bags from 63 to 115 linear inches are considered oversized. Oversized bags cost an additional $200 to $400.

Sports equipment is subject to standard fees for oversized and overweight bags. To learn about traveling with sports equipment on United, visit this guide .

Excess baggage fees

Generally, your third bag and above is considered excess baggage. The fee for excess baggage ranges from $150 to $500.

Do note, however, that some destinations, such as Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG), have limits for oversized, overweight and extra checked bags. Some limits are year-round, while some are seasonal. When there are limits for checked bags, you're only allowed to check one box instead of a bag. You're also not allowed to check certain larger sports equipment, such as bicycles and surfboards when there are limits for checked bags. You'll want to refer to United's site for the latest embargo information.

Related: The ultimate guide to flying with sports equipment

How to avoid checked baggage fees on United

Elite status allowances.

All four levels of status in United's MileagePlus elite program offer checked bag benefits.

• Premier Silver members get a free first checked bag (up to 50 pounds) for themselves and up to nine travel companions.
• Premier Gold members can check two bags of up to 70 pounds apiece when traveling in economy within or between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For travel to and from select international markets, they can check three bags of up to 70 pounds apiece.
• Premier Platinum, Premier 1K and Global Services members can check three bags of up to 70 pounds apiece on all itineraries.

Additionally, Star Alliance Gold members always one to two free checked bags, depending on the itinerary.

Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines

Credit cards

Perhaps the easiest way to avoid paying checked baggage fees is by carrying the right credit card (or traveling with someone with the right card).

The United Explorer Card and United Business Card offer a first checked bag free for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation. Both of these cards have a sub-$100 annual fee, so you can easily come out ahead if you incur at least four checked baggage fees each year.

The United Club Infinite Card and United Club Business Card offer a free first and second checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion. These cards have annual fees of $525 and $450, respectively.

Just note that unlike other airline cards , you must purchase your ticket with the United card to receive baggage benefits.

As previously mentioned, in addition to the checked baggage allowance, these cards also allow you to bring a carry-on bag when flying basic economy.

The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers

Book a premium cabin

All United premium cabin tickets — Premium Plus, business, Polaris and first class — include at least two free checked bags. Business, Polaris and first-class passengers are generally allowed to bring bags weighing up to 70 pounds apiece. Meanwhile, Premium Plus passengers are limited to the usual 50-pound allowance.

If you plan on checking multiple bags, it can sometimes be cheaper to book or pay to upgrade to a premium cabin than paying for all the bags. Plus, you'll enjoy all the other perks of flying in a premium cabin, such as a bigger seat and free-flowing drinks.

Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on United Airlines

Use card travel credits to cover fees

Several travel rewards cards come with annual statement credits toward travel purchases. Some cards offer a credit that can be used for various travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and it's $300 annual travel credit . Many American Express cards , on the other hand, like The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer annual airline fee credits , which are specifically for non-ticket airline incidentals. So long as you select United as your airline of choice, you should get your baggage fees reimbursed by the credit. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Bottom line

United's carry-on and checked baggage policy vary based on a variety of factors. Your best bet would be to use the aforementioned baggage fee calculator to see exactly what you'll need to pay on a given itinerary. Fortunately, there are many ways to get around paying baggage fees.

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United Airlines, Inc., UA (known as "United Airlines")

Flight listing policy and procedures, flights included, excluded, check-in and clearance procedures, payment for on-board food and beverage purchases.

Where listing doesn't take place at the same time as ticketing, flight listings should be made at least 48 hours in advance of travel for international flights and 12 hours in advance for all other flights. Travelers may not book multiple leisure bookings in different cabins over the same routing for the same trip; the desired class of service, based on eligibility per the ZED agreement signed with United, should be specifid at the time of booking. Eligibility of a downgrade refund is specified in the agreement between the airlines.

To create listings when not listed when purchasing the ticket, travelers make their flight listing via the UA Web Flight Listing Tool (available through the ID90T website  www.id90travel.com

• Company: Your employing airline
• Username:  XXemp    (XX = your two letter airline code)
• Password:  ### (### = your billing code/three digit ticket designator)

IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHEN LISTING:

• THE NAME OF THE ETICKET MUST MATCH EXACTLY THE NAME ON THE LISTING, including first, middle, and last name.
• IF THE ETICKET WAS ISSUED AS A ROUNDTRIP, THE LISTING MUST BE CREATED ROUND TRIP.

Once the PNR is created, changes to the itinerary - dates and/or flight numbers- can be done by calling our ePass desk in the U.S. at +1-866-359-3727. It's open 24/7. There is no fee for this type of change.

All refunds for unused tickets or lower cabin travel than purchased (when agreement allows) need to be submitted no later than a year after the ticket was issued. Refund request should be requested as soon as is practical, to allow time for re-submission, should there be any issues with the refund process.

Refunds for unused tickets should be processed through the same tool from which the tickets were purchased. For instance, if the ticket was purchased from myIDTravel, then the refund should be requested through myIDTravel.

Refunds for traveling in a lower cabin than purchased (when agreement allows) should be submitted on united.com . When completing the refund request form, there is no need to log into a MileagePlus account. On the form, please provide an explanation of the reason for the refund, such as, "Purchased travel in C class, but accomodated in Y class." Allow up to 14 days for the refund request to be processed.

While United is not placing an embargo, current factors with flights to/from Cape Town (CPT) and Johannesburg (JNB), South Africa, including weight restrictions due to aircraft type, flight distance, airport conditions, weather conditions, and carriage of cargo, will likely limit capacity on all flights between CPT/JNB and the U.S. (IAD/EWR) in both directions. Due to this limitation, there may be a number of held seats on the flights, and it may not be possible to accommodate pass travelers on departing flights, regardless of empty seats on the flights. Please consider this restriction when planning travel to, through, or from CPT or JNB, and have backup plans in place.

Additionally, due to this restriction, pass travelers will be held at the ticket counter to wait for seat assignments, and will not be permitted to proceed to the gate without a boarding pass with a seat assignment on it. Travelers connecting from an international flight to United in CPT are required to clear customs and immigration and enter the country, and then may proceed to the ticket counter to complete check-in and await clearance. Travelers connecting from an international flight to United in JNB are NOT required to clear customs and immigration to enter the country, and may proceed directly to the Connections desk, and then wait at the gate for seat clearance.

All United Express flights operated by Mesa-YV, Republic-YX, SkyWest-OO, Go Jet-G7, Cand ommutair-C5. Additionally, bus service between EWR and ABE is permitted.

Codeshare flights operated by Star Alliance or other codeshare Partners are excluded, as are ferry/positioning or cargo-only flights. Bus service between DEN and QKB/FNL is not permitted.

Employees of other airlines and their family members may bring a cabin pet on-board a United flight (subject to limitations by destination, aircraft, and cabin). Reservations for pass travelers are not needed in advance, but other policies and fees match that of revenue travelers. For more information, please visit the United.com in-cabin pets page.

Checked baggage

• Employees, retirees and their travel eligibles are exempt from the first bag checked fee, up to a maximum of 50 lbs. (23 kgs). All pass riders pay excess and overweight baggage fees consistent with commercial customer charges.

Cabin baggage

• Employees, retirees, and their travel eligibles are permitted cabin baggage in line with the commercial passegner policy for normal economy (not basic economy) travel. This policy may be found at united.com .
• Pass riders’ overall appearance should be well-groomed, neat, clean and in good taste.
• Attire should be respectful of fellow revenue passengers, employees and pass riders.
• Pass riders may wear denim attire (such as jeans), shorts that are no more than three inches above the knee and athletic shoes when traveling in Coach or Business cabin.

 The following attire is unacceptable in any cabin but is not limited to :

• Any attire that reveals a midriff.
• Attire that reveals any type of undergarments.
• Attire that is designated as sleepwear, underwear, or swim attire.
• Mini Skirts
• Shorts that do not meet 3 inches above the knee when in a standing position.
• Form-fitting lycra/spandex tops, pants and dresses.
• Attire that has offensive and/or derogatory terminology or graphics.
• Attire that is excessively dirty or has holes/tears.
• Any attire that is provocative, inappropriately revealing, or see-through clothing.
• Beach-type, rubber flip-flops

CUSTOMER SERVICE'S JUDGEMENT WILL PREVAIL IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE DRESS CODE.

Pass travelers are encouraged to check in up to 24 hours in advance using the United mobile app (available or Apple and Android mobile devices), United.com, or an airport kiosk. For international trips, travelers may also scan their passport themselves using the United app or an airport kiosk.

You may load your booking to the United app prior to check-in by selecting the "My United" button at the bottom of the screen, then selecting the "Trips" button, then entering the booking details requested. Be sure the "Add to my trips" selector is switched on. This will then save your retrieved trip to your app for future reference, as well as to make check-in easier. This will also activate the Travel Ready Center, which will advise you of any documentation you need to travel, such as passport, COVID vaccination certificate, COVID test results, etc., and within 3 days before travel, will allow you to upload the documents for review, making your process at the airport easier.

United mainly uses a Standby Process Automation (SPA) to clear seats for pass travel. Seats are normally cleared, automatically, 30 minutes before departure for domestic US flights and 1 hour before departure for international flights. Some flights may be cleared earlier or later depending on flight loads and/or operational status of the flight. If your mobile phone number and/or email is saved to your booking, you will get a text message or email once your seat has been cleared. As long as you've loaded your booking to the United App, you may then see your boarding pass(es) on the app and may board when your group is called. Should you wish to change your seat, as long as the boarding agent has not restricted the flight to gate control, you may also change your seat assignment using the United app. If you do not have the United app, didn't save your mobile phone number and/or email address when making your booking, and/or did not save the booking to or check in using the United app, please watch the gate TV monitors to see when you have been cleared with a seat, and ask the agent for a paper boarding pass at that time. Agents will ask for identification when issuing a paper boarding pass.

Effective August 13, 2018 the following stations will no longer accept cash as a form of payment. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted as forms of payment for departure taxes and other applicable fees.

• BZE (Belize City)      
• BOG (Bogota)
• EZE (Buenos Aires)
• GUA (Guatemala City)
• MGA (Managua)
• UIO (Quito)
• SJO (San Jose)
• SAP (San Pedro Sula)
• SAL (San Salvador)
• SCL (Santiago)
• TGU (Tegucigalpa)

LIR (Liberia), PTY (Panama City) and RTB (Roatan) transitioned to cashless stations earlier this year.  Due to local government regulations we are still required to accept cash in GIG (Rio de Janeiro) and GRU (Sao Paulo).

United now accepts only toucless payments for onboard food and beverage purchases. In order to pay for onboard purchases, you will need to save a credit card to a Mielage Plus account profile prior to travel, and then be logged into your MileagePlus account on the United app. While you may add a credit card to your MileagePlus account using the app, only U.S. or Canadian credit cards can be added in the app at this time. If you have a credit card from outside the U.S. or Canada, you will need to add it to your MileagePlus account using the united.com website.

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All About United Airlines Change, Cancellation and Other Fees

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Table of Contents

United Airlines baggage fees

United airlines change fees, united airlines cancellation fee, united airlines standby fees, united airlines pet fee, united airlines priority boarding fee, united seat selection fee, fees across u.s. airlines, final thoughts on united airlines fees.

When it comes to change fees, United Airlines has you covered. Aside from its basic economy airfares, United doesn't charge change fees on most domestic flights. The airline also allows passengers hoping to book earlier flights the ability to fly same-day standby for free, among other flexible, fee-free booking options.

However, United still charges fees for checked luggage and other extras, like bringing a pet with you, priority boarding and preferred seating.

Here’s what to know about United Airlines’ fees.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to United MileagePlus

United’s checked baggage fees vary depending on your route, elite status (or lack thereof), what credit card you hold and what type of ticket you’ve purchased. Head over to this page to read everything about United’s checked, carry-on, overweight and oversize baggage fees: United Airlines bag fees: how they work, how to avoid them .

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

$0 intro for the first year, then $99 .

First checked bag free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.

First and second checked bags free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.

United gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to allowing you to change your flight. In August 2020, United removed change fees permanently on paid flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. However, basic economy fares and all other international flights are excluded.

Although passengers can change their flight at no cost, there's one caveat: You still have to pay for the difference in fares if your new flight is more expensive. And if your new fare is cheaper, you may get a future flight credit for the fare difference.

For award tickets, United also doesn’t charge a change fee as long as your domestic or international flight originates in the U.S. and you’re not flying on a basic economy fare.

United used to charge a $200 cancellation fee, but those fees are gone now too. Here's the current United Airlines cancellation fee policy:

All tickets — even basic economy — can be canceled for a full cash refund if your ticket was purchased within 24 hours and the purchase is at least a week before departure.

After that 24-hour window closes, if you purchase a nonrefundable ticket, you are not eligible for a cash refund and will instead receive a future flight credit. Basic economy fares are not eligible for these credits.

If you cancel a basic economy ticket, you will not receive a refund in any form.

Standby fees are gone now too. The airline used to charge $75 (waived with MileagePlus Gold status or above) to fly standby on the same day. Now, any customer can stand by for an earlier flight for free.

» Learn more: United ditches domestic change fees, adds more flexibility

If you’d like to bring your pet on board with you into the cabin, you will have to pay $125 each way on select flights. If you have a flight with a stopover longer than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours internationally, you’ll need to pay another $125.

There are various requirements that your pet must satisfy, so make sure you’re aware of all the results.

Priority boarding is targeted to those who want to board earlier than their ticket allows. When you pay for priority boarding with United, you will board in Group 2 behind United Airlines elites and premium cabin passengers.

The price starts at $15 per flight segment and is available only on United and United Express flights. You can purchase priority boarding privileges for one segment or all segments of your route.

When you book an economy ticket, you can pay for a preferred seat, which is basically a regular economy seat but is closer to the front of the plane. You’ll be a few rows behind Economy Plus passengers.

Preferred seats start at $14 and vary by route. Basic economy passengers are eligible to purchase preferred seating.

United offers customizable bundle packages during the booking process, which could save you money if you’re paying multiple fees. For example, you can bundle your checked bag fees and priority boarding. Keep in mind, these bundles are typically nonrefundable so be sure your travel plans are firm when booking.

In NerdWallet's most recent analysis of airline fees , we compared seat selection, checked baggage and overhead carry-on baggage fees charged by the major U.S. airlines on typical one-way fares.

Note: This analysis is based on 2023 data and does not take into account recent baggage fee price hikes across multiple airlines. Our next analysis will happen in the fall of 2024.

Here's how they stacked up:

There are many moving parts when booking any airlines reservation and United is no exception. Take the extra time to understand baggage and other fees as you plan out your bookings so you don't get caught by surprise.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75000 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-3x Earn 3x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel, 1x on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

2024 Checked Luggage Size Chart and Allowances for 62 Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes and More]

Alex Miller

Founder & CEO

290 Published Articles

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Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 60+ U.S. States Visited: 50

Checked Luggage Allowances by Airline

Can i prepay for baggage, recommended cards that reimburse your baggage fees, checked luggage options.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

With no universal set of rules for checked luggage allowances, you need to review what you’re permitted to bring with you every time you travel in order to avoid excess charges.

Allowances can differ from airline to airline, with some allocating a total weight allowance and some restricting passengers to a specific number of pieces. Airline policies can also vary depending on the route and will nearly always vary based on the cabin you’re traveling in.

Your ticket will give you the most accurate information for your specific flight. If baggage details are not included on your ticket, you can check out our handy table below that details allowances for over 60 popular airlines.

Where available, you can also click the airline name for a more detailed overview of the airline’s baggage policy, including excess charges and frequent flyer allowances.

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add together the length, width (or height), and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you had a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Traveling light? We’ve also covered carry-on luggage allowances with a similar size chart.

Your airline may allow passengers the ability to prepay luggage online for less than at the airport. Individual airlines’ baggage policies can be found by clicking the airline name in the preceding table or by visiting the airline’s website.

If you will be paying to check a bag on your next flight, or if your luggage is overweight or oversized, use one of the recommended Capital One cards below so that you can be reimbursed for the cost. Each card detailed allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit against travel purchases made in the previous 90 days.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Add authorized users for no additional annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• How To Find the 75k or 100k Bonus for the Capital One Venture
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Fraud coverage
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• No Annual Fee Cards
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Hot Tip:  To view more checked bags, check out our article on the best checked luggage bags for travelers .

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does checked baggage have to be a suitcase.

Checked luggage can come in various forms, from hard-shell suitcases to soft duffel bags or backpacks. Passengers can often also check-in boxes or different shaped packages, providing they adhere to maximum size restrictions imposed by the airline.

What is the largest suitcase you can check on a plane?

There are no set restrictions for checked luggage, so airlines define their own baggage policies. A standard size that is seen consistently across many airlines is 62 inches (158 cm) linear. The weight will depend on the cabin, but quite often the maximum weight a piece can be (with or without overweight charges) is 70 pounds (32 kg).

Do checked bags get searched?

Checked baggage is generally screened using scanners so it’s not usually necessary for a physical bag inspection. TSA has the right to search checked luggage if they choose to and will leave a note inside your bag if an inspection has taken place.

Do wheels count when measuring luggage?

Most airlines will count wheels and handles within the measurements, so you should include these when measuring your luggage.

What is considered oversized luggage?

There is no standard measurement for oversized luggage as this is defined by the airline. A common size seen regularly with many airlines (but not all) is maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

How do I avoid overweight baggage fees?

Be sure to check the policy for your airline, cabin, and particular route before packing your luggage. Use your bathroom scales or a dedicated bag weighing scale. If you find yourself with excessive weight at the airport, try to transfer some items into your carry-on bag.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance

• October 23, 2023
• Baggage Allowances , Checked Baggage , Military Baggage , United Airlines

If you are a member of the U.S. military or a dependent traveling with them, you are eligible for some benefits when flying with United Airlines. One of these benefits is the ability to check extra baggage free of charge, depending on the purpose and type of your travel.

In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about United Airlines’ military baggage allowance, including the rules, exceptions, and tips to make your travel easier and more comfortable.

Carry On Bag Size Limit

Traveling on personal travel, baggage embargoes, what is united airlines military baggage allowance.

United’s military baggage allowance is a special benefit that allows active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents to check extra baggage free of charge when traveling on United Airlines or United Express flights.

The number and weight of the free checked bags depend on the purpose of travel (official or personal).

Who Is Eligible for United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?

The following groups of people are eligible for United Airlines military baggage:

• Active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders or for pleasure.
• Dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders.
• Dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling for pleasure who are listed on the same reservation as the military member.

The eligible groups include members of:

• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Marines
• U.S. Coast Guard
• National Guard

Cadets of the following military academies are also eligible for the special military baggage benefit:

• Air Force Academy
• Coast Guard Academy
• Merchant Marine Academy
• Naval Academy

The Reserve Officer Training Corps is not eligible.

Carry On Baggage Allowance for Military Personnel

Active-duty U.S. military personnel follow the standard rules and allowances for carry-on baggage.

You are permitted to bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag on board.

However, if you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you’re not entitled to bring a carry-on bag on board. You can find more information in our United Airlines baggage policy post .

Personal Item Size Limit

Your personal item can be up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Examples of typical personal items include:

• Small backpack

Your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Important: Basic Economy ticket holders aren’t entitled to bring a carry-on bag on board. There are two exceptions to this rule: Your flight is to/from South America, transatlantic, or transpacific. Or if you’re a Premier member or a primary card member using a qualifying MileagePlus credit card. If you turn up at the gate with a carry-on bag, it will be checked into the plane’s hold. You’ll also be subject to a checked bag fee and an additional $25 gate-check fee.

Examples of typical carry-on bags include:

• Small suitcase
• Garment bag

Although there is no weight limit imposed on your carry-on baggage, you should be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without requiring assistance.

Hot Tip: If there is no space left in the overhead bins, you may be required to check your carry-on bag. To prepare for such an event, consider packing your important documents, valuables, medications, and fragile items in your personal item. This can avoid any last-minute packing at the gate before handing over your carry-on bag.

How Many Free Checked Bags Can I Get with United Airlines Military Baggage Benefit?

The number of free checked bags you can get with United Airlines military baggage depends on the purpose of your travel:

Traveling on Orders

If you are traveling on official orders, you can check up to 5 bags for free, regardless of your ticket type.

Each bag can be up to 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Baggage exceeding these limits won’t be allowed to be checked in.

This applies to both you and your dependents traveling with you on the same reservation.

Dependents who are traveling alone, with relocation orders, can check up to 2 bags for free. Each bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

If you are traveling for pleasure, you can check up to three bags for free, regardless of your ticket type.

Dependents traveling separately don’t receive this special military baggage benefit. They are subject to standard checked bag rules and fees .

Baggage Fees

If you wish to purchase additional bags beyond your free baggage allowance, or your excess baggage is oversized and/or overweight, you’ll be subject to United’s excess baggage fees.

You can refer to our United Airlines baggage policy article for further information.

How Do I Claim My Free Checked Bags?

To claim your free checked bags with United Airlines, you need to present the following documents at check-in :

• For personal travel: your military ID
• For travel on orders: your military ID and orders documents

What are the Limitations of United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?

While United Airlines military baggage offers many benefits, there are also some limitations that you need to be aware of.

These include:

Excess Baggage

If you plan to purchase extra bags beyond your free checked baggage allowance, they follow the standard baggage limits:

• Size limit: 62 linear inches (158 centimeters)
• Weight limit: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)

If your extra checked bags exceed these limits, they’ll be subject to oversized and/or overweight baggage fees.

Flying with a United Airlines Partner Airline

The free checked bags only apply to flights operated by United or United Express. If you are traveling with a partner airline , you may have to pay for your checked bags according to their policies.

There may be times when United imposes a baggage embargo on certain flights or destinations due to operational or safety reasons.

During a baggage embargo, you may not be able to check any bags or only a limited number of bags.

Final Thoughts

United Airlines provided a generous military baggage allowance benefit for active military members and their dependents.

When traveling on orders, you and your dependents traveling on the same reservation can travel with up to 5 checked bags, up to 115 linear inches in size, and weighing up to 100 pounds.

Don’t forget – if you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you aren’t entitled to bring a carry-on bag on board.

Remember to always check United Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

Thank you for your service.

• United Airlines

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• October 22, 2023

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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United Airlines Baggage Policy: Baggage Allowance, Rules & Fees

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Rick Spiegel

Embarking on a trip involves more than just reserving a flight ticket. Also, it becomes really essential to understand the baggage policy of the airline for a seamless travel experience. So, if you are flying with United Airlines for the very first time, then you are at the right place. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get a deep knowledge about United Airlines Baggage Policy .

So, if you don’t want to miss out on any point, then make sure to read the guide till the end. Here, you’ll get all the details from the checked baggage policy to fees for the additional baggage.

Now, let’s quickly move further with the basics first.

Table of Contents

What is United Airlines Baggage Policy?

If you are a first-time traveler on United Airlines, then you must know all the below points regarding the baggage allowance:

• United Airlines has a very straightforward baggage policy. According to the United Airlines baggage policy, the airline permits its passengers to bring one carry-on baggage bag and one personal item for free.
• Not only this, but the airline also allows business and first class travelers to bring 2 checked baggage for free.
• However, if you have extra baggage, then you can check it in by paying an excess baggage fee.

Key Highlights of United Checked Baggage Policy

Passengers traveling with United Airlines get a generous checked baggage allowance. United Airlines checked baggage policy varies as per the cabin class and frequent flyer status.

• The United Airlines permits all the Economy/Premium Economy flyers to bring 2 checked baggage with a maximum weight limit of 23kg each.
• On the other hand, all Business and First class travelers are permitted to bring 2 checked baggage with a maximum weight of 32kg each.
• Moreover, as per the policy the size of the checked baggage on United Airlines should not exceed by 76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm.
• Also, as per the United Baggage rule, travelers with checked baggage should check in at least 45 minutes before departure on domestic flights.
• On the other hand, on international flights, travelers must check-in at least 60 minutes before departure with their checked baggage.

United Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance for MileagePlus Premier Members

As per the United Airlines checked baggage policy, all the MileagePlus members can check their bags for free. However, the baggage allowance depends on the premier status and routes. Below is a snapshot of checked baggage allowance for MileagePlus Premier members:

Checked Baggage Allowance for Military Members

United Airlines offers a special baggage quota to all active-duty military personnel. Below are all the important points that you must know about the checked baggage policy of United Airlines as a Military member:

• If you are a Military member who is traveling on official orders, then United Airlines will provide you the facility to carry 5 checked baggage for free.
• However, the size of each piece of baggage on United Airlines must not exceed 100 inches, and the weight limit must remain at 32kg.
• Moreover, if you are traveling for your personal work, then you only get the facility to check three pieces of baggage for free.
• Furthermore, if you are traveling with your family members on the same reservation, then they are also entitled to the same baggage allowance as yours.

What is United Airlines Carry-on Baggage Policy?

United Airlines permits passengers to bring carry-on bags. However, the carry-on baggage policy of United Airlines changes according to the ticket purchased by the flyers. Here are all the important points that you must know about United Airlines baggage policy:

• All the fares except Basic Economy tickets permit one carry-on bag and one personal item. Personal items includes – Purses, laptop bags, and backpacks.
• The size of the carry-on bag on United Airlines must not exceed by 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including the handle and wheels.
• Plus, the size of the personal item should not be more than 9 in x 10 in x 17 inches.
• However, flyers with Basic Economy tickets can bring only one personal item.
• But, the Basic Economy passengers can bring a carry-on bag on flights to South America, transatlantic, and transpacific destinations.
• Furthermore, all the Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc., are not counted in the carry-on luggage of United Airlines of passengers.  

United Airlines Carry-on Policy for Lap Infant 

• If you are flying with your infant who has a ticket, then you can check bags baggage in their name.
• According to the United Airlines carry-on baggage policy, these bags must be packed as per the standard bag rule. Plus, overweight or oveersized baggage of the infants will be checked in under the traveling adult’s name.
• In addition, If you are traveling with your child on United Airlines, then you are permitted to bring the following articles on board including:
• 1 Diaper bag
• Breast pump
• Government-approved child seat 

United Airlines Overweight and Oversized Baggage Allowances

Due to limited space, United Airlines applies limitations on the maximum size and weight of baggage. Here are some of the crucial points that you must know about the Overweight and Oversized baggage:

• According to the United Airlines Baggage Policy, if the size of the baggage is more than 62 inches, then it is considered as oversized baggage. However, passengers can check-in their baggage by paying the oversized baggage fees. 
• Similarly, the airline considers a baggage as an overweight baggage if its size is more than 32kg. United Airlines accepts checked baggage with a maximum weight of 45kg.
• However, the airline permits you to bring all the assistive devices and musical instruments with a maximum weight of 75kg.

Sports Equipment Baggage Policy of United Airlines

United Airlines permits certain sports equipment to be brought on flights. Here is a list of all such items that you can bring on flight:

• Biking- United Airlines does not allow to check motorized and battery-powered bike. United Airlines does not levy oversized baggage fees. Travelers must pack their bikes properly.
• Archery-  Travelers can pack one bow case containing bows, a quiver with arrows, along with one maintenance kit.
• Surfboards, Wakeboards, and Paddleboards-  Flyers can fly with surfboards, wakeboards, and paddleboards only if they are packed in a bag and must be less than 115 inches in size and less than 45 kg in weight.
• Windsurfing- United Airlines permits one windsurfing set. The set includes one windsurfing board, boom, mast, and sail.
• Fishing Equipment-  One fishing equipment consisting of two rods, one landing net, one reel, one pair of fishing boots, and one tackle box is allowed by United Airlines.
• Tennis- Flyers can also bring one tennis bag with a tennis racket and balls. Travelers can bring it as checked or carry-on baggage. It should be within size and weight limits.

Note – Travelers can visit the official website of United Airlines and find out the rules for other sports equipment.

Rules of United Airlines for Musical Instruments

If you are going to a concert along with your musical instruments on United Airlines, then here are some of the important that you must keep in mind:

• As per the United Airlines baggage policy for musical instruments, you can buy a seat for your musical instruments.
• However, it is essential to keep the weight and size of your musical instruments as per the carry-on baggage policy. If the musical instrument is not meeting the rules set by the airline, then you might be able to bring your instruments inside the cabin.
• As per the policy of United Airlines for instruments, it must not be more than 115cm.

United Airlines Baggage Policy for Damaged/Lost Baggage

There can be instances of lost, damaged, or delayed baggage. In such a case, United Airlines offers an easy procedure for making baggage tracking requests and compensation claims. Here are all the crucial points that you must know about the baggage policy of United Airlines for Damaged, Lost or Delayed baggage:

• According to the United Airlines baggage policy, the airline is responsible for providing a compensation of around $3,800 for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage. This rule is applicable for travel within or between the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Moreover, for all international travel, the airline will provide $1288 as per the Montreal Convention.
• Additionally, if your baggage does not arrive with you at the airport, then you can file a delayed baggage request.
• Also, if you are outside the US, you have 21 days to make a delayed baggage request.
• On the other hand, if you are in the US, Guam, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands, then you must report within 24 hours of arrival.
• Furthermore, if United Airlines does not locate your bag in 5 days, then you can file a lost baggage claim.
• According to United Airlines Baggage Policy, it does not compensate for the damaged bag for the following reasons:
• Ordinary wear and tear.
• Also, for overpacking of the bag.
• Poor quality of the bag.
• Additionally, for bags with existing defects.
• A staff member will personally check the bag for reimbursement approval.

Does United Airlines Charge Baggage Fee from Elite Status Members?

On United Airlines, the fees for the additional or excess baggage is calculated with the help of different factors such as:

• Ticket Type purchased by a passenger
• Destination selected by the flyer.
• If the flyer is a member of the US military personnel.
• If they have the facility to avail the United Airlines frequent flyer program status with an affiliated carrier.
• Or if they have a United Airlines-sponsored credit/charge card.

Here is a quick snapshot of United Airlines baggage fee from the Elite status member:

What is the United Airlines Fee for Overweight and Oversized Baggage?

According to the United Airlines baggage policy, the airline charges certain fees for overweight and oversized baggage. The fee for overweight and oversized baggage on United Airlines  are as follows:

• Fees for Overweight Baggage: On United Airlines, the fee for overweight baggage with a weight of 51 to 70 pounds starts at $ $100 per bag. However, if the weight of the luggage is between 70 to 100 pounds, then the airline will charge  $200 per bag.
• Fees for Oversize Baggage: The airline charges around $200 as an oversized baggage fee for baggage which are more than 63 to 80 inches, including wheels and handles

Tips to Avoid Paying Extra Baggage Fee at United Airlines

If you want to travel across the world to different destinations with extra luggage for your trip without paying an extra charge for the baggage fee, then you can follow the given tips to avoid extra baggage fees.

• To avoid the baggage fees on United Airlines, you can go for the premium tickets or reserve your ticket in premium, first, or business travel class. This will help you in getting more luggage space and also permission to carry hand luggage with you.
• Also, you can check the price of the Basic and standard Economy to compare the baggage fees. If the standard economy ticket allows you to carry more luggage without an extra cost, go for those tickets.
• In addition, if you are a United Airlines privilege club member, you are entitled to carry luggage up to 55 pounds for free. You’ll also get permission to carry hand luggage and personal items during check-in and boarding the flight.
• Moreover, United Airlines has several credit cards that carry baggage fee waiver benefit. So, if you are traveling with United Airlines, then you can use the Explorer Card and United Business Card as it provides the primary cardholder and one traveling companion a free checked bagage facility on all the flights operated by the United Airlines.
• Furthermore, the United Club Business Card, United Club Infinite Card, and United Quest Card double the benefits. These cards permit the primary cardholder and traveling companion to check their first and second baggage for free.

How to Get a Compensation from United Airlines for Baggage Loss?

If your baggage is lost or damaged while traveling with United Airlines, then you are entitled to get compensation from the airline. To get the reimbursement, you need to follow the given steps:

• Firstly, you need to get the reference number of your file. If you are at the airport, you can share this issue with the baggage service office of United Airlines.
• However, if you have left the airport, then you can get in touch with the United Airlines Baggage Recovery Center via phone call. To get connected with the baggage recovery department, dial 1-800-335-2247.
• After that, file a lost/damaged baggage claim. You must file the claim within 45 days. In the baggage claim form you need to enter several details, including- details of the baggage, any damages, description of the item in the bag.
• Once the file is submitted, the baggage department of United Airlines will verify the whole case.
• Lastly, United Airlines will provide compensation after the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many bags does united airlines allow for free.

According to the United Airlines permit flyers to bring one carry-on baggage and one personal item for free on all the international and domestic flights.However, travelers can bring additional baggage by paying the additional baggage fees.

What weight can baggage be carried on United Airlines for free?

United Airlines baggage policy permits you to carry luggage weighing up to 50 pounds for free on Economy fares. Moreover, for the Business and First Class, travelers can carry baggage weighing up to 70 pounds. 

What is the 2pc baggage allowance on United Airlines?

United Airlines provides 2 piece baggage allowance to passengers traveling in Economy and Premium Economy cabin class. The rule applies to all domestic routes and selected international routes.

How many can you bring in United Airlines as a carry-on?

If you are flying with United Airlines, then you can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The size of the personal item should be 9 x 10 x 17 inches. On the other hand, the size of the carry-on bag must not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches.

How much is the United Airlines International Baggage fee?

Travelers get a complimentary baggage allowance on United Airlines. However, if a passenger wants to carry additional baggage, then they have to pay a fee. United Airlines Baggage fees for international flights start from $150 and vary according to the routes.

Is United Airlines strict on baggage weight?

United Airlines does not apply weight limitations on carry-on bags. As long as passengers are bringing carry-on items under the size limitations, they are acceptable. However, United Airlines is strict about checked baggage weight. Business and First class can bring 32 kg of bag whereas Economy and Premium Economy can bring 23 kg of bag. If the weight exceeds the criteria, passengers have to pay an overweight baggage fee.

Can passengers prepay for their luggage on United Airlines?

When passengers travel with United Airlines, they get the facility to prepay for their luggage. They can even receive an additional discount of 20% compared to the same facility at the airport. To prepay for the extra luggage online, the passengers can visit the official website of United Airlines, log in to their account, click on manage booking, edit the number of bags, and pay the fee as per charge.

How to get free bags on United Airlines?

Travelers can get a free baggage allowance on United Airlines through the following ways:

• If they have tier status in the MileagePlus program.
• Fly a premium class.
• Active military members or dependent of the personnel traveling in the same booking.
• Also, get a United Airlines credit card.

Does United allow a backpack and carry-on?

Yes, United Airlines allows a backpack and a carry-on for all travelers. However, you must ensure to bring all your baggage as per the set dimensions and weight limit by United Airlines. 

Do you get a free checked bag with United Economy class?

As per the United Airlines baggage policy for Economy class, Non-Elites, Star Alliance Gold Elites or flyers who reserved their ticket with a United Credit card are permitted to bring a checked baggage for free. So, if they fall into this category, then their baggage allowance is 50 pounds.

Do you get two free checked bags with United?

Yes, you get the facility to bring 2 checked baggage with United Airlines. However, as per the baggage policy of United Airlines, this facility is only for business class and first-class travelers.

What can you not bring as a carry-on United Airlines?

As per the United Airlines carry-on baggage allowance, there are several items that are prohibited by the airline to bring as carry-ons. These items include:

• Insecticides
• Drain cleaners.

Can you take medicine on United Airlines?

Yes, according to the baggage policy of United Airlines,  you can bring medicines on your flight. However, its is necessary to bring your prescription with you at the airport. Moreover, you  can bring syringes during your flight. You can ask the flight attendants to help you dispose them properly.

Is a backpack considered a personal item on a United flight?

Yes, backpacks are considered personal items on United Airlines flights. Not only backpacks but all purses and backpacks are also considered personal items. United Airlines permits you to bring your personal items as long as they are fitted under the seat in front of you.

How much does United charge for checked bags?

United Airlines allows flyers to bring two checked bags for free. However, if the passenger wants to bring additional baggage, they need to pay the airline additional baggage fees. The fees for the extra baggage range between $40 and $50. 

How do I avoid checked bag fees on United?

You can eliminate the checked baggage fees on United Airlines in several methods. To avoid baggage fees, you must:

• Pay for a Premium Ticket
• Utilize Airline Incidental Credits
• Earn MileagePlus Premier Status
• Be an Active Service Member

What is the United Airlines baggage policy for international routes?

According to the United Airlines Baggage Policy for International flights, passengers can bring their baggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds, and its dimensions must remain  62 inches.

Rick Spiegel

I'm Rick Spiegel, a dedicated traveler and writer with a passion for all things related to airline travel. My love for exploring new destinations and my commitment to helping fellow travelers navigate the skies have led me to create a space where you can find all the information you need to contact airlines and resolve air travel issues seamlessly. With years of experience in the aviation industry, I've made it my mission to provide you with expertly crafted airline travel guides, ensuring that your journeys are as smooth as possible.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

There are new rules about what airlines must do if your flight is canceled, significantly delayed

T he federal government is taking action to protect the flyers and their money. New rules say airlines must give refunds if passengers’ flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Airlines arbitrarily choose to give your money back and how long a delay needs to be to qualify.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks ]

But the new rules finalized Wednesday means they must issue an automatic cash refund within seven days if your flight is canceled or delayed more than three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

“We hear again and again from passengers who describe how hard they have to push just to get the refunds that are owed to them. And often our consumer protection team has had to impose multi-million dollar penalties on airlines just to get them to do what should already be required,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeg said.

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As part of the new rules, passengers can also get money back if airlines make big changes to your plans like switching airports, adding connections or downgrading your seat. You can also get bag fees back if your luggage doesn’t arrive within 12 hours for domestic flights.

Channel 2 Action News spoke with passengers at the Atlanta airport who welcome the changes.

“I have to get back on time and if they have to cancel my flight, it would my affect my agenda my schedule and my family’s schedule.”

Another rule also rolled out by the U.S. Department of Transportation will force airlines to be more transparent by disclosing and explaining all the fees upfront before purchasing a ticket.

Airlines are allowed to offer another flight or travel credit, but the new rules give passengers the option to reject those offers and get their cash refunds.

The announcement comes just before the busy summer travel season ramps up. However, the rules will go into effect over the next year.

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