If you need to bring more luggage on your trip than United’s baggage allowance allows, or if you’d rather skip the hassle of traveling with luggage, why not ship your luggage using our door-to-door baggage service? We collect your luggage before your departure and then deliver it to your destination, whether it’s your new home abroad or a hotel reception. Read more about shipping unaccompanied baggage.
United Airlines baggage allowance
The United Airlines carry-on baggage allowance allows you to carry one carry-on bag measuring 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), plus one personal item with a maximum overall dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 centimeters).
However, United Airlines’ baggage allowance for passengers traveling on a Basic Economy fare is different. Basic Economy passengers (except on transatlantic, transpacific flights or flights to South America) cannot take a larger carry-on bag on board. Basic Economy Fare passengers may only bring on board one personal item with a maximum dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).
If you are a Basic Economy passenger and bring a full-size carry-on bag to the gate, you will need to check it in and pay a $25 handling fee.
United Airlines baggage allowance also allows for items such as an umbrella, child restraint, or diaper bag.
On United Express flights, customers may need to check in larger cabin items at the gate due to smaller aircraft being used on these routes.
United Airlines baby carry-on luggage
Adults traveling with babies on their laps can bring a diaper bag, breast pump, and child seat in addition to their standard carry-on luggage.
United Airlines carry-on luggage and musical instruments
United Airlines baggage allowance rules state that musical instruments can be brought on board, along with one personal item, and stored in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you.
However, if you are traveling on a Basic Economy fare, you can take the instrument instead of a personal item. If you bring an instrument to the gate that cannot be stored in the cabin, you will need to inspect it and pay a $25 handling fee.
United Airlines continues to carry pets on board
As part of United Airlines’ carry-on baggage limit, domesticated cats can travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S. A pet must be transported in a carrier and may be carried in addition to a carry-on bag. The cost is $125, one way. The maximum dimensions of the rigid kennels are 44 x 30 x 19 cm (17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches). The maximum dimensions of soft-sided kennels are 18 x 11 x 11 inches (46 x 28 x 28 cm). With the exception of birds, there can only be one pet per house, and the animal must be able to stand and turn around comfortably.
United Carry On and prohibited items
Certain items cannot be transported on board the aircraft as they are considered dangerous.
These include:
- Camping equipment containing fuel,
- defense sprays,
- Fireworks,
- Firearms,
- Tasers.
United Airlines Checked Baggage and Baggage Fees
The United Airlines checked baggage allowance allows passengers on Economy and Basic Economy fares to check in checked bags that measure no more than 62 inches (158 cm) overall and weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg).
Higher fares such as Business and First, plus active US military personnel, can carry bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) in weight.
U.S. military personnel on official business may check baggage measuring up to 115 inches (292 cm) total.
The amount United charges for checked baggage varies by route.
On a US domestic flight with an economy ticket, a passenger would expect to pay
$30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second.
On an economy fare to Europe, the first bag is free and the second costs $100. On basic economy fares to Europe, the first bag costs $75 and the second costs $100.
Several routes, such as between the US and Dubai, allow you to check in 2 pieces of luggage for free.
There are higher baggage allowances on United with higher fare types:
United Airlines Checked Baggage for Children
Children, including infants, receive United’s standard checked baggage allowance, plus a stroller or car seat allowance.
United Airlines Checked Baggage and Excess Baggage Fees
If a bag exceeds the United Airlines baggage allowance, fees will be charged. These vary depending on the destination and the type of fare traveled.
For example, on an economy fare between Europe and the United States, a third bag and any additional bags cost $200.
Overweight bags from 51 to 70 lbs (24 to 32 kg) cost an additional $200 per bag
Oversized bags from 63 to 115 inches (160 to 292 cm) also incur an additional $200 charge per bag.
On an economy fare from Newark to Chicago, a third and any additional bags are $150.
Overweight bags from 51 to 70 lbs (24 to 32 kg) cost an additional $100 per bag (or $200 from 71 to 100 lbs (33 to 46 kg)
Oversized bags from 63 to 115 inches (160 to 292 cm) also incur an additional $200 charge per bag.
Under United’s baggage allowance rules, all three penalties could be applied to a single bag.
Bags exceeding 115 inches (292 cm) total and weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Please note that there are both temporary and permanent excess baggage embargoes on certain routes, which restrict baggage allowances with United.
