United Airlines Baggage Policy

United Airlines Baggage Policy

United Airlines has a comprehensive policy on checked baggage fees and carryon guidelines. Many United Airlines customers will receive a complimentary first or second checked bag.

It depends on many factors such as where you are flying, whether you have an elite status or if you carry select United Credit Cards. This guide covers all information about United Airline Baggage Policies.

United carry-on guidelines

The United carry-on guidelines can be both simple and complex at the same. Let's begin with the basics.

Every passenger is allowed to bring one personal item on every flight. United states that personal items should not exceed 9 by 17 by 10 inches by 10 inches. They should fit under the seat in front of a passenger. Personal items include backpacks, briefcases and laptop bags, as well as approved pet carriers.

A bit more complex are the United carry-on baggage guidelines. A majority of passengers can bring their own carry-on bags onboard. Your carry-on bag must not exceed 22 inches by 14 inches and 9 inches according to the United carry-on size policy.

This is where things get tricky and the exception to the rule. United allows only one personal item for basic economy passengers. United charges $25 for basic economy passengers who bring a full-sized carry-on luggage to the gate.

There are however a few instances when the basic economy restriction is not applicable, such as:

• All transatlantic flights between the U.S. and Mexico, Central America, El Salvador and Panama.
• All transpacific flights from/to the U.S.
• All MileagePlus Premier and Star Alliance Gold Members
• Primary cardmembers of most United MileagePlus credit and debit cards.

United Airlines does not charge a carry-on fee, except for the $25 fee that basic economy customers pay to bring their full-sized bags to the gate. United airlines flights will allow you to check your bag at your destination if it is larger than the allowed size. However, you may need to pay a fee for checked bags.

United Airline Baggage Policies

United Airlines check bag fees are more complicated than its carry-on fees. United Airlines' checked bag fees are determined by where you fly to, how heavy your bags are, whether you hold United Explorer Card or other United credit cards, and whether you are a Star Alliance member.

United Airlines baggage fee for flights within the US and Central America

United Airlines' checked baggage fees are quite straightforward for flights within the U.S. and Central America. Below is a chart that outlines them. Prepaying for your bag at least 24 hours prior to departure will save you $5 in most cases.

This applies only to economy-class passengers, who do not have elite status. The weight limit for elite passengers or those traveling in first or business class increases to 70 pounds

United Airlines baggage fees for other destinations

The United Airline baggage policies becomes more complicated if your flight takes place outside North America or Latin America. The following are some of the most common things you can expect:

• All Economy passengers flying to/from South America in economy will be given at least one free bag. A second bag will cost approximately $55-$75.
• Europe-bound economy passengers also get at least one free checked bag. A second bag can cost up to $100, however.
• Two bags are free for those who travel to Asia.

Overweight and large baggage fees

United Airlines charges an overweight and oversize fee. This can quickly add up. These fees apply to United baggage:

• Overweight Fee: Prices start at $100 for bags 51-70 pounds, and $200 for bags 70-100 pounds.
• Oversize Fee: Starting at $200 per bag, 63-80 inches inclusive of wheels and handles

Excess baggage fees

The United Airline baggage policies appears to discourage you from bringing another bag. For domestic flights within the United States, baggage fees start at $150

It's also worth noting that there are many disclaimers on United that state that extra bags will be accepted only if space is available, and that some destinations, routes, and times may have additional restrictions.

Sporting equipment

United Airlines allows you to check all types of sport equipment, including bicycles and boogie boards. As long as the items meet the requirements, skis, snowboards and parachutes can be checked as checked baggage.

In most cases, there are no additional fees other than the applicable checked bag fees. United does not accept canoes or kayaks, with the exception of scuba tanks.

On United's web site, you can find out more about the fees and requirements for testing sports equipment.

United Airlines check baggage fees

United's check bag fees are dependent on the destination and travel class.

United domestic baggage fees

Exemptions for elite status and co-branded credit cards are not available. Economy class passengers will pay $35 for their first checked bag, or $30 if prepaid.

Domestic flight passengers will pay $45 for the second checked bag ($40 if prepaid). First and business class passengers can get up to two bags for free.

International baggage fees for United States

Depending on their destination, economy passengers usually receive one to two checked bags free of charge when traveling internationally.

Baggage fees for basic economy on United Airlines

If you travel in basic economy on international routes, the first bag you check will be $70, and the second one will cost $100.

United Airlines carry-on baggage fees

A majority of flights allow passengers to bring a personal item along with a carry-on bag. Personal items must be placed under your seat.

The dimensions of the item should not exceed 9 inches by 10 inches by 17 inches. The dimensions of the carry-on bag must be 9 inches x 14-inch x 22 inches.

Basic economy tickets are exempt

The exception to the no-carry-on policy for domestic basic economy tickets is that they are not allowed to bring a personal item. Only domestic basic economy ticket holders are allowed to carry a personal item. 

You will be charged $25 for bringing a bag to the gate with you. Consider whether a basic economy ticket is worth the cost savings if you are traveling with more than a personal item.

There are certain conditions that allow basic economy tickets to permit a carry-on at no additional charge.

• Trans-Pacific flights from/to the U.S.
• Trans-Atlantic flights from/to the U.S., Mexico Central America, Central America, and South America.
• Travel with Elite members and their companions
• You can pay with a qualifying United Credit Card.
• Star Alliance Silver elites

United Airlines overweight baggage fee

This is the maximum weight allowed for checked baggage. There are also fees for overweight baggage.

• United non-elites, Star Alliance Gold and Economy passengers are eligible for a 50-pound bag allowance. You may be charged $200 per bag if your bag weighs more than 50 pounds but less than 70 pounds. Depending on where you are going, if your bag is heavier than 70 pounds and lighter than 100 pounds, it may be subject to $400 per bag.
• United Premier Elites are those who travel in premium cabins. United Premier Elites and those traveling in first or business class can get a free bag of up to 70 pounds, even on basic economy tickets. You might consider United elite status if you are a heavy packer whose luggage weight is more than 50 pounds.

Pet Policy

Even in the best of situations, traveling can be stressful. Traveling with your pet can make it more difficult.

Although service animals are generally allowed, there are some key points in the United Airlines pet policy that could cause problems. This article will cover all the important information you need about United Airlines pet travel.

United Airlines Pet policy

United Airlines does not accept pets in the cabin. For each one-way flight, your pet must accompany you in the cabin. United will also charge $125 for each one-way domestic or international itinerary that has more than four hours stopovers. 

United has a limit on the number of pets it will allow in-cabin for certain flights. United allows you to add your pet to your booking at any time, but it is best to confirm that your pet is available when you book your flight. 

United does not charge change fees. However, you will have to reschedule your trip if the flight doesn't allow more animals in-cabin.

United Airlines' pet carrier requirement

Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are alloweds under the United pet policy. Hard-sided carriers should not exceed 17.5 inches in length, 12 inches wide, and 7.5 inches tall. United recommends soft-sided carriers not exceed 18 inches in length, 11 inches width, and 11 inches height. The only requirement for soft-sided pet carriers, however, is that they fit under your seat (hard-sided carriers must also fit beneath your seat).

United states that one pet can be kept in each pet carrier. The United pet policy also states that an animal must be able stand and turn in its carrier.

United Airlines Pet policy

United Airlines currently does not allow  to travel in cargo. The United pet policy used to allow pets to be allowed in cargo. After some tragic animal deaths, United's pet-in-cargo program, Pet Safe was discontinued a few years back. This program is not expected to resume at this time.

How to use the United Pet Policy

United offers several options to book your pet on your United flight. You can first book a new trip with your pet. You can also add your pet to an existing trip if you have already booked it.

Once you have your itinerary, scroll down to the drop-down menu and click on "Special accommodations". Then, look for "Add pet."

Reservations for Pets

United Airlines allows 2 dogs per cabin on most flights. They recommend that you contact their Customer Service Team immediately after you confirm your travel plans. For customers who travel with their pets or pets travelling alone, reservations can be made between 30 days and 5 days before departure. 

Additional conditions may be required for reservation confirmation. You can call them directly at 1-800-8648331 to make reservations over the telephone.

Pets in the Cabin

United Airlines allows small pets (dogs and cats) to travel with them in its cabin. Pets must be kept in their pet carrier under the seat in front during the entire flight. At check-in, you will be asked to visit an agent to obtain a pet tag that can be attached to Fido’s carrier. Each carrier can only accommodate one adult cat or dog. United Airlines charges $125 per person for pets in the cabin.

Cargo for pets

American Humane has partnered up with United Airlines to improve their Pet Safe pet transport service. Pet Safe allows pets to travel from airport to airport for up 300 destinations. Pet Safe can transport pets from 2 lbs (1kg) to 770lbs (350kg). The size and country of departure will determine the rates. 

A pet less than 11 pounds (5 kg) can be transported from America to other countries and destinations around the globe for a fee between $201-417 and $963-2410. Larger pets, 300-770 lbs (136-355 kg), will have to be transported between the US and Canada for a cost of between $963-2410. For more information or to reserve Fido's spot, contact Pet Safe Desk at 1-800-575-335-1541 or 1-832-235-1541.

Carrier Guidelines

Carriers must be either soft-sided or hard-sided for pets that are traveling in your cabin. Hard-sided carriers must be no larger than 17.5" x 12' x 7.5", which is 44 cm x 30cm x 19cm. Soft-sided carriers should be no larger than 18"x11"x11" (46cm x 28cm x 28cm). Your dog should be able stand and turn in its carrier. 

Pet Safe carriers must be large enough to allow your pet to be able to stand up and turn in its own direction. Properly ventilated and secured with metal bolts, the carrier must be made of metal, wood, or rigid plastic. Water dishes and food must be attached securely to the crate's interior.

They must also be easily accessible from the outside, so that they can be filled without having to open the door. Pet Safe will not accept crates that are taller than 30 inches, including 700 series crates. United Airlines does not sell or offer crates at airport facilities.