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 baggage allowance and fees.
Your baggage allowance may differ depending on your route, ticket type, and class of service.
Passengers can take one carry-on bag and one small personal item onboard.
Your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23cm) and must fit in the overhead lockers.
Your small personal item should not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you - this could be a laptop bag, backpack, or handbag.
Passengers travelling on a Basic Economy ticket are only permitted to take one small personal item onboard.
Note: Any items that exceed the advised measurements, or additional items, will incur an additional fee.
Your checked baggage allowance depends on your ticket type, cabin class, and MileagePlus status.
Your checked baggage with United should not exceed 30 x 20 x 12 inches (76 x 52 x 30cm). Your weight allowance depends on your ticket type/cabin class, and your MileagePlus status.
| 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 |
Sign in to your MileagePlus account to determine checked baggage service charges for an existing reservation, or select the “Any flights” tab to calculate the service charges for any United itinerary. See “Baggage Calculator“.
For checked baggage service charge exceptions, please see this page for details.
Additional service charges apply to any checked baggage that exceeds the size and/or weight limitations and baggage beyond your allowance. Oversized, overweight and extra baggage is not accepted on flights to certain destinations and on certain flights during specific time frames. For a list of cities where overweight or extra baggage is not accepted 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. (45KG) will not be accepted.
Musical instruments up to 165 lbs. (75KG) 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.
United Airlines is a major US airline, operating from multiple hubs throughout the country including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and many more. Although flying since the early 1930s, it's roots can be traced back even further that that. At present, they operate a huge fleet of over 900 aircrafts, consisting of Airbus and Boeing. United are the first US airline to order a number of ‘Boom Supersonic’ aircrafts, which will allow passengers to experience supersonic travel by 2029.
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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