What Are United Airlines Bag Fees?

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United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, serving millions of passengers each year. If you’re planning to fly with United, it’s important to understand their baggage fees and policies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at United Airlines’ bag fees and what you need to know before you pack your bags for your next flight.

What Are United Airlines Bag Fees?

What Are United Airlines Bag Fees?

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, offering flights to more than 300 destinations. As with any airline, United has policies and fees related to baggage. Understanding these fees before you travel can help you avoid surprises and save money. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about United Airlines bag fees.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage is a type of luggage that passengers are allowed to bring on board the plane. United Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin.

If you need to bring additional bags or larger bags, you can purchase a Basic Economy ticket or a higher fare class. Basic Economy passengers can only bring a personal item on board, and additional bags will be subject to a fee. Passengers in higher fare classes can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage is luggage that is checked in at the airport and transported in the cargo hold of the plane. United Airlines charges a fee for each checked bag, and the fees vary depending on the destination and fare class.

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The standard checked baggage allowance for United Airlines is one bag weighing up to 50 pounds and measuring up to 62 linear inches. Additional bags or overweight bags will be subject to a fee. Passengers in higher fare classes may have a higher baggage allowance.

Baggage Fees

United Airlines baggage fees vary depending on the destination and fare class. For domestic flights within the United States, the fees for the first checked bag range from $30 to $35, while the fees for the second checked bag range from $40 to $45. International flights have higher baggage fees, with the fees for the first checked bag ranging from $60 to $70 and the fees for the second checked bag ranging from $100 to $120.

Passengers who purchase a Basic Economy ticket will be subject to additional fees for checked baggage. For domestic flights, the fees for the first checked bag range from $30 to $35, while the fees for the second checked bag range from $45 to $50. International flights have higher fees, with the fees for the first checked bag ranging from $60 to $70 and the fees for the second checked bag ranging from $100 to $120.

Excess Baggage Fees

If you exceed the standard baggage allowance, you will be subject to excess baggage fees. The fees for excess baggage vary depending on the destination and fare class. For domestic flights, the fees for an overweight bag (51 to 70 pounds) range from $100 to $200, while the fees for an oversized bag (63 to 115 linear inches) range from $200 to $400.

International flights have higher excess baggage fees, with the fees for an overweight bag ranging from $200 to $400 and the fees for an oversized bag ranging from $400 to $800.

Benefits of Paying Baggage Fees

While baggage fees may seem like an unnecessary expense, there are some benefits to paying them. By paying for checked baggage, you can avoid the hassle of carrying heavy bags through the airport and on the plane. You can also ensure that your bags arrive at your destination with you, rather than getting lost or delayed.

If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, paying for additional bags can be a cost-effective option compared to shipping your belongings. Additionally, if you have a lot of souvenirs or gifts to bring back from your trip, paying for an extra bag can give you the space you need.

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Bag Fees vs. Other Airlines

When comparing United Airlines bag fees to other airlines, it is important to consider the baggage allowance, fees, and fare classes. Some airlines have lower baggage fees, but they may have a lower baggage allowance or fewer fare classes.

For example, Delta Airlines charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second checked bag on domestic flights. However, passengers can only bring a personal item and a carry-on bag for free. Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, allows each passenger to bring two free checked bags and one carry-on bag.

Conclusion

United Airlines bag fees can be confusing, but understanding them before you travel can help you avoid surprises and save money. If you need to bring additional bags or larger bags, consider purchasing a higher fare class or paying for additional bags. By paying for checked baggage, you can avoid the hassle of carrying heavy bags through the airport and ensure that your belongings arrive with you at your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers regarding United Airlines bag fees:

What is the baggage allowance for United Airlines?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route, destination, and fare class. United Airlines offers different baggage fee options, such as paying for each bag separately or purchasing a bundled package for multiple bags.

How much does United Airlines charge for checked baggage?

The checked baggage fees for United Airlines vary depending on the route, destination, and fare class. The fees range from $0 to $150 per bag, with additional fees for oversized or overweight bags. United Airlines also offers a baggage subscription service for frequent travelers.

Passengers can save money on baggage fees by paying for their bags online before the flight or by purchasing a bundled package for multiple bags.

What is United Airlines’ carry-on bag policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

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If the carry-on bag does not fit in the overhead bin, it may need to be checked at the gate. Checked baggage fees may apply in this case.

Can I bring a musical instrument on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage, as long as they meet the size and weight requirements. Instruments that are too large to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat must be checked as baggage.

The checked baggage fees for musical instruments vary depending on the size and weight of the instrument. United Airlines recommends that passengers notify the airline in advance if they plan to bring a musical instrument on board.

What is United Airlines’ policy on overweight or oversized baggage?

United Airlines charges additional fees for overweight or oversized baggage. The fees vary depending on the route, destination, and fare class.

Passengers can save money on baggage fees by paying for their bags online before the flight or by purchasing a bundled package for multiple bags. United Airlines also offers a baggage subscription service for frequent travelers.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, United Airlines’ bag fees can be a bit tricky to navigate, but understanding the different options can help you save money and avoid any surprises at the airport. Whether you’re traveling with a carry-on or checked baggage, be sure to check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date information on fees and restrictions.

One thing to keep in mind is that United offers several options for baggage fees, including the ability to prepay for baggage online, which can save you money compared to paying at the airport. Additionally, United offers some flexibility in terms of baggage size and weight, so be sure to double-check the restrictions before you pack.

Overall, while bag fees can be a frustrating aspect of air travel, taking the time to understand United’s policies and options can help you streamline your trip and avoid any unnecessary fees. So, pack smart, check the airline’s website, and happy travels!

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