What Is United Airlines Checked Bag Fee?

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If you’re planning a trip and flying with United Airlines, you may be wondering about their checked bag fees. It’s important to know what these fees are so you can budget accordingly and avoid any surprises at the airport. So, what exactly is United Airlines’ checked bag fee? Let’s take a closer look.

United Airlines charges passengers for checked bags on most of their flights, with prices varying depending on the route and destination. The fees for the first and second checked bags are usually lower if you pay in advance online, so it’s worth doing your research and planning ahead. Keep reading to learn more about United Airlines’ checked bag fees and how to avoid paying more than you need to.

What is United Airlines Checked Bag Fee?

What is United Airlines Checked Bag Fee?

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, serving millions of passengers every year. If you are planning to travel with United Airlines, it is important to understand their checked bag fees. The checked bag fee is the amount you have to pay to United Airlines to transport your checked luggage to your final destination. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about United Airlines checked bag fee.

Baggage Allowance

Before discussing the checked bag fee, let’s first understand the baggage allowance of United Airlines. United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. The carry-on bag should not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches and the personal item should not exceed the dimensions of 17 x 10 x 9 inches.

If you have to check in your luggage, United Airlines allows you to bring up to 2 bags, with each bag weighing up to 50 pounds. However, the baggage allowance may vary depending on your ticket type, frequent flyer status, and destination. It is important to check your baggage allowance before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises.

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United Airlines Checked Bag Fee

United Airlines charges a fee for each checked bag. The checked bag fee may vary depending on your destination, ticket type, and frequent flyer status. If you are traveling within the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Canada, the fee for the first checked bag is $35 and $45 for the second checked bag.

If you are traveling internationally, the checked bag fee may vary depending on your destination. For example, if you are traveling to Europe, the fee for the first checked bag is $60 and $100 for the second checked bag. However, if you are a United Airlines MileagePlus Premier member, you may be eligible for a waiver or a discount on the checked bag fee.

Benefits of Paid Checked Baggage

While paying for a checked bag may seem like an additional expense, it does come with some benefits. Firstly, it allows you to bring more items with you on your trip, which can be particularly useful if you are traveling for an extended period of time. Secondly, it eliminates the need for you to carry heavy bags through the airport and onto the plane, which can be tiring and inconvenient.

Additionally, if you are traveling with fragile or valuable items, checking them in can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that they will be handled with care and arrive at your destination safely.

Free Checked Baggage

If you have a United Airlines credit card or are a MileagePlus Premier member, you may be eligible for free checked baggage. United Airlines credit cardholders can receive a waiver for the first checked bag for themselves and one traveling companion on the same reservation. MileagePlus Premier members can receive free checked baggage depending on their membership level.

For example, Premier Silver members can receive one free checked bag, Premier Gold members can receive two free checked bags, and Premier Platinum and 1K members can receive three free checked bags. If you are a frequent flyer with United Airlines, it may be worth considering becoming a MileagePlus Premier member to take advantage of these benefits.

Checked Baggage vs. Carry-On Baggage

When it comes to choosing between checked baggage and carry-on baggage, there are a few things to consider. Checked baggage allows you to bring more items with you on your trip, but it comes at an additional cost. Carry-on baggage is free, but you are limited to the size and weight restrictions set by the airline.

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Carry-on baggage can be particularly useful if you are traveling for a short period of time or if you want to avoid the hassle of waiting for your bags at baggage claim. However, if you have fragile or valuable items, it may be better to check them in to ensure they are handled with care.

How to Pay for Checked Baggage

There are several ways to pay for checked baggage with United Airlines. You can pay for your checked bags online when you check in for your flight, at the airport kiosk, or at the check-in counter. If you are a MileagePlus Premier member or a United Airlines credit cardholder, you may be eligible for a waiver or discount on the checked bag fee.

Excess Baggage Fees

If you exceed the baggage allowance set by United Airlines, you will be charged an excess baggage fee. The excess baggage fee may vary depending on your destination and the weight of your bags. It is important to check your baggage allowance before heading to the airport to avoid any additional fees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines checked bag fee is the amount you have to pay to transport your checked luggage to your final destination. The fee may vary depending on your destination, ticket type, and frequent flyer status. If you are traveling with United Airlines, it is important to understand your baggage allowance and the checked bag fee to avoid any last-minute surprises. Additionally, if you are a frequent flyer with United Airlines, it may be worth considering becoming a MileagePlus Premier member to take advantage of free checked baggage benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baggage allowance for United Airlines?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route, fare class, and MileagePlus status of the passenger.

Passengers can check up to two bags on domestic flights for a fee ranging from $30 to $40. For international flights, the fee for the first checked bag ranges from $0 to $150, while the second checked bag costs $200.

How can I pay for my checked baggage on United Airlines?

Passengers can pay for their checked baggage fees during online check-in, at the airport kiosk, or at the United Airlines check-in counter. The fees can be paid with a credit card or United Airlines travel certificate.

Passengers can also prepay for their baggage fees before the day of departure on the United Airlines website or mobile app to save time and avoid additional fees.

Are there any exemptions to the checked baggage fees on United Airlines?

Passengers with MileagePlus Premier status, Star Alliance Gold status, or a qualifying United Airlines credit card are exempt from certain checked baggage fees. Passengers traveling on military orders or with a disability may also be exempt from certain fees.

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Passengers can visit the United Airlines website or contact customer service for more information on baggage fee exemptions and waivers.

What is the size and weight limit for checked baggage on United Airlines?

The size limit for checked baggage on United Airlines is 62 linear inches (158 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit for checked baggage varies depending on the route and fare class. The maximum weight for a checked bag is typically 50 pounds (23 kg) on domestic flights and 70 pounds (32 kg) on international flights.

Passengers who exceed the size or weight limit for their checked baggage may be subject to additional fees or may have to ship their baggage separately.

Can I change my checked baggage allowance after booking my United Airlines flight?

Passengers can change their baggage allowance for domestic flights up to 24 hours before departure and for international flights up to three hours before departure. Changes can be made on the United Airlines website or by contacting customer service.

If a passenger changes their baggage allowance, they may be subject to additional fees or may be eligible for a refund if their new baggage allowance is less expensive than their original allowance.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, United Airlines checked bag fee is a charge that passengers have to pay for checking in their luggage. The fee varies depending on the route, class of service, and frequent flyer status. It is important to check the baggage policy on United Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for more information.

While the checked bag fee may seem like an additional expense, it is important to note that it helps the airline cover the costs associated with handling and transporting luggage. Additionally, United Airlines offers several options for passengers to save on baggage fees, such as the MileagePlus Premier program, credit card perks, and booking higher fare classes.

Overall, if you are planning to travel with United Airlines, it is important to factor in the checked bag fee to your budget and explore options to save on baggage costs. With a little research and planning, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience with United Airlines.

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