Flying with United Airlines? Discover everything you need to know about United Airlines baggage allowance, restrictions, fees and charges.
If you’re travelling with United Airlines on an upcoming flight, here’s everything you need to know about your United Airlines baggage allowance and fees.
One full-sized carry-on bag (56cm x 35cm x 23cm) plus one small personal item (43cm x 25cm x 22cm) can be brought onboard free of charge.
For Basic Economy travellers, you will only be allowed one personal item, unless you are a Premier® member or a primary cardmember using a qualifying MileagePlus credit card. If you exceed this limit, you will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag plus a $25 gate handling charge.
The maximum exterior dimension of standard checked baggage is 62 inches (158 cm), including handles and wheels.
The max. weight for checked baggage is based on the class of service as well as your MileagePlus status, have a look below to find out more.
| Weight Per Cabin Class | Maximum Weight Per Bag |
|---|---|
| United Business® | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| United First® | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| United Polaris® Business Class | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| Premium Economy® | 50 lbs / 23KG |
| United Economy® | 50 lbs / 23KG |
| Weight Per MileagePlus Status | Maximum Weight Per Bag |
|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| Premier Gold | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| Premier Platinum | 70 lbs / 32 KG |
| Premier 1K® | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| Star Alliance™ Gold - Business | 70 lbs / 32KG |
| Star Alliance™ Gold - Economy | 50 lbs / 23KG |
For checked baggage service charge exceptions, please see this page for details.
Additional service charges may apply if your checked baggage exceeds the size and weight limitations that the airline allows for your ticket type. Oversized, overweight and extra baggage is not accepted on flights to certain destinations and on certain flights during specific time frames. For information on locations where overweight or extra baggage is not permitted on flights please see the Excess Baggage Embargo page.
Oversized baggage:
Baggage with total outer dimensions measuring more than 115 inches (292 cm) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Overweight baggage:
With the exception of assistive devices and musical instruments, baggage weighing more than 100 lbs. (45 kg) will not be accepted.
Musical instruments up to 165 lbs. (75 kg) will be accepted.
Extra baggage:
Assistive devices are accepted at no charge.
Important note: For travel between the U.S. and Brazil, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, no more than three extra checked bags are accepted.
When travelling internationally, it’s a requirement that you pass through customs. However, for domestic travel, or travel within the EU, customs is not usually required. In all cases, you will pass through security checks, to which it’s likely your ID and Documents will be checked, so it’s a good idea to have these documents ready and available throughout your journey.
Entry requirements vary from country to country. It’s very important that you research the exact requirements specific to you before you travel, as certain countries may require a visa, proof of insurance, and possibly bank statements. Your passport must also be valid for the full duration of your stay, with some countries requiring at least 6 months validity. However, all requirements will differ and are subject to your specific circumstances, such as duration of stay, purpose of travel, and the regulations that the country has set.
We recommend sourcing information about entry requirements from the country’s official websites.
Connecting flights refer to you taking multiple flights in order to reach your destination. This results in having a longer journey time, however, it’s quite common when direct services are not available.
If you have a connecting flight booked on the same ticket, typically your baggage will be checked through to your final destination. However, with potential flight delays, busy airports, and tight connections, you might make the connection, but often your baggage does not. This is why more and more travellers are travelling light by shipping their luggage ahead.
Many low-cost airlines don't offer connecting flights. This means it's your responsibility to manage your onward connections, and collect your baggage after each flight.
If you’re unsure, we recommend that you contact your airline directly.
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