Everything about the United Airlines Baggage Policy

Travelling out rides human emotions; we plan and pack a lot in that excitement. But this can be a little hectic at the check-in point, and you may have to invest a lot of time and pay charges. However, if you know about the regulations, then you can pack efficiently and save both time and money. 

In this guide, we will read about the United Airlines baggage policy and also about the checked and carry-on regulations with size and weight allowances and different baggage limits based on fare options. 

What are the regulations of United Airlines' baggage policy?

This policy provides different rules for checked and carry-on luggage. The rules of size and weight of United Airlines baggage also differ depending on the type of ticket you are travelling on and the route you are taking. Before getting into it, here are some common points about this policy:

• As per this policy, passengers can take a personal bag and a carry-on bag with them on the flight for free.
• Basic economy passengers can only take one personal item with them, and any bag other than that needs to be checked in. 
• On international trips, passengers of business and first class get one checked bag included in the fare.
• If the passenger is overweight or oversized, then they have to pay extra charges accordingly. 
• Passengers with MileagePlus status also get a free baggage checking option based on their status level. 
• United Airlines regulations have provided fixed carry-on sizeand checked bag size, plus weight. 

what are the carry-on baggage rules on united airlines

Passengers can bring baggage based on the fare option. There are lots of criteria that make a difference, like the route and the ticket type, but these are where we mainly focus. Regulations and charges are different for different types of baggage. Know the details: 

Regulations for personal items

• There are no charges applicable for bringing a small personal item. 
• According to United, the dimensions for personal items are 9 x 10 x 17 in (22 x 25 x 43 cm) maximum. 
• A personal item can be a compact bag, purse, or other small items.
• Personal items should fit under the seat before you, so you don’t need to worry about them taking up space in the overhead bin. 
• Basic economic flight ticket holders can carry only one personal item. 
• As per United Airlines, if the carry-on bag sizeis exceeded, then you have to check that bag in.

Guidelines for bringing a carry-on bag: 

• For bringing the carry-on bag, there is no charge. 
• United airlines has given the dimensions of the carry-on bag. The maximum size of the bag can be 9x14x22 if wheels and handles are included. 
• On the contrary, no weight limits for this baggage have been mentioned.

For checked bags: 

The Baggage Policy United varies based on where you are travelling and which class of service you are using:

• The allowed checked bag size is 62 inches, including the handle and wheels. 
• Overweight checked baggage would incur fees of $200. 
• Economy class passengers have a luggage allowance of 50 lbs.
• The weight limit for baggage in United Business and First Class is 70 lbs (or 32 kgs).
• If the baggage is heavier, the passengers have to payoverweight fees of $100 - $200. 
• The first checked bag costs $35. The second checked bag costs $45.
• International flights' baggage check-in fees will vary based on the route. 

What About Extra or Overweight Bags?

According to the policy of United Airlines regarding checked baggage, a minimum of four bags can be checked in by passengers, but the third and fourth bags are expensive. The following is the list of United Airlines' checked bag fees for overweight and oversized bags. 

For Extra Bags: If you have more than two bags to check in, approximately $150 will be charged for the third bag, and the fee will only increase from there. 

Overweight Bags: Baggage allowance. United's rules provide that an extra charge will be applied for overweight bags. 50 lbs. will be the threshold weight limit. 

• Bags over this limit will be considered as overweight and will incur an extra charge as well. 
• Bags between 51-70 lbs will have a $100 fee. 
• Bags above 71 lbs (33 kg) may be charged up to $400. 

International Travel Baggage

The regulations get a little strict if you are taking an international flight. The international checked bag limit will be set by the airline according to the class and route of your travel:

• In the case of 
• Asia, 
• Africa, 
• Europe, and 
• South America, 

the first checked bag will be free for the economy, but it will cost $100 for the second one.

• All the military personnel must show their ID card during check-in or at the airport counter. However, business and first class members get to check in two checked bags without any charges.

• If you are taking a flight with a destination to 
• Canada, 
• Mexico, 
• Central America, or the 
• Caribbean,
• First bag costs about $30—$40, and then the next bag costs about $40—$50; 
• Charges change based on the destination mainly. So, please check the bag price for a specific destination. 

Special Baggage – Sports Equipment

Well, if you are planning to pack sports equipment with you, United Airlines charges fees for it. The charges are based on the size and type of the equipment. Standard items such as golf bags or skis have a flat fee of $30; however, bikes and surfboards will exceed $150. Review the policies and fees on United's website prior to packing these items.

Tip to help you avoid baggage Fees

Everyone wants to save money on baggage. Here are some points to keep in mind to avoid paying the additional charge: 

1. Monitor Your Bag's Weight: Avoid unnecessary airport stress and fees by properly packing your bags after measuring their weight with a luggage scale–available for a low price. 
2. Utilise Your MileagePlus Benefits: Frequent fliers can utilise additional baggage allowances through airline-issued MileagePlus status. However, it depends on your status type. For instance, members having Premier Gold membership get two free checked bags, and Premier Platinum members get three.
3. Upgrade Your Ticket: You can also choose the upgrade option by spending a bit extra, going up to Business or First Class, which tends to have a more liberal baggage allowance.

Extra benefits for Military Personnel:

United baggage rules allow military personnel on active duty to get extra bags: 

• Military personnel can take one personal item and carry-on bags on United flight without charges. 
• They also get to take five checked bags for free. 
• These regulations are applicable irrespective of the fare option. 

Who can get an extra baggage allowance: 

• All active-duty members of:
• the National Guard, 
• the U.S. Army, 
• U.S. Navy, 
• U.S. Air Force, 
• U.S. Marines, 
• U.S. Space Force, or 
• The U.S. Coast Guard can enjoy this benefit.
• Any cadet from the Air Force Academy, West Point, the Naval Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy can enjoy this benefit.
• Any U.S. public health and NOAA’s commissioned officer corps. 
• Or a member who has discharged within 7 days of scheduled travel. 

What Not to Pack in Your Bags?

However, United Airlines permits to carrying of most of teh items, but some items are not allowed inside the plane, which can affect or harm any of the passengers. Here is a brief list of forbidden items: 

• A passenger can not carry a knife, scissors, blade, or any sharp item. 
• The use of bombs, crackers, explosives, and any poisonous or dangerous chemical substances inside a flight is strictly prohibited. 
• Likewise, snakes and other dangerous animals are not allowed to accompany the passengers. 
• Passengers are not permitted to bring or carry any of such inflammable liquids as diesel, petrol, etc. inside the flight. 
• The carrying of guns is completely prohibited on the aircraft, and rifles and any other kind of ammunition are generally not allowed. Nevertheless, if they are completely sealed, they can be taken to the checked baggage.

Learn more about United Airlines' cancellation policy and check-in process to plan your trip better.