Do you know the United Airlines baggage policy? United Airlines passengers are allowed to travel with 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 personal item. You can travel with these bags for free of charge. However, the airline has some rules for carrying each type of bag on board.

The size dimensions and the bag’s weight should be within the weight limit, or the airline may charge an extra luggage fee. To know more about the United Airlines baggage policy, keep reading the blog. Here, you will learn about the policy for different kinds of luggage, fees, special scenarios, etc.

United Airlines Baggage Policy: Personal Item Bag vs Checked Luggage

United Airlines baggage policy is different for both carry-on and checked luggage. Passengers are allowed to bring both kinds for free as the standard baggage allowance. But the United Airlines baggage rules differ, depending on the luggage type.

Carry-On Luggage

• Carry-on or cabin baggage goes inside the cabin.
• 23 x 35 x 56 cm is the standard size of carry-on baggage United Airlines permits.
• Always follow the 100ml liquid rule if carrying liquids inside cabin baggage.
• Never carry sharp objects inside carry-on bags.

Checked Luggage

• Checked luggage is large and transported as cargo.
• 62 linear inches should be total dimensions of the checked bag.
• Never carry lithium batteries, power banks, or other electronic devices that may cause a battery leak.

Personal Item Bag

• Use a personal item bag to carry a laptop, wallet, and other handy personal items.
• The bag’s dimensions should be enough to make it fit underneath the seat.
• 22 x 25 x 43 cm should be the maximum dimensions for a personal item bag.

What Should Be United Hand Baggage Weight?

• 9” X 14” X 22” is the ideal size of carry on baggage United Airlines suggests for every passenger.
• On most routes, United hand baggage weight limit does not apply.
• 7 to 10 kg is the estimated weight limit for carry on baggage United Airlines.
• Carrying a cabin bag is free of cost.
• Passengers can bring 1 personal item bag along with carry on bag.

What Should Be United Airlines Checked In Baggage Weight?

• United Airlines baggage policy applies on a per-piece basis for checked luggage.
• You can carry up to 2 checked bags, depending on your route.
• The combined weight of checked luggage should be under 23 kg.
• If the weight exceeds the limit, you will be charged United oversize baggage cost.
• 30” X 20” X 12” or 62 linear inches should be the maximum dimensions of a checked bag.
• The excess baggage fee depends on the destination you are traveling to or from.

How Much Is the United Oversize Baggage Cost?

The United oversize baggage cost is up to $200 per bag per flight. If the bag exceeds the weight limit, the airline may charge between $100 and $400. The following are some scenarios where United Airlines baggage policy charges a baggage fee:

• The United Airlines baggage rules are different for cabin or checked bags.
• The fee for an oversized bag or an overweight bag will be different.
• Passengers must pay an excess baggage fee if any bag exceeds the size and weight limit.
• The excess bag fee charged by the airline depends on the passenger’s route and the bag’s sequence (i.e., first or second).
• No bag over 115 inches or 100 lbs will be accepted as checked baggage.
• Bags carrying musical instruments or necessary equipment will be considered as exceptions.

What is United Airlines Baggage Policy for Special Cases?

United Airlines baggage policy may not apply the same rules in some special cases. The following are some scenarios where the fee structure and United Airlines baggage rules may vary when carrying special items:

For US Military Personnels

• Active US military personnel traveling on orders can check up to 5 extra bags for free.
• Each bag should weight under 100 lbs.
• Active US Military personnel traveling for personal reasons can check up to 3 extra bags for free of charge.
• Bags used for personal travel should weigh under 70 lbs.

When Carrying any Sports Equipment

• Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, fishing poles, etc., is treated as separate checked luggage.
• No sports equipment bag should weight more than 50 lbs.
• United Airlines waives the oversize baggage fee when carried in one bag set.
• No oversize fee applies when carrying snowboards, surfboards, surfing equipment, skiing equipment, etc. above 115 inches.
• The airline may still impose an overweight baggage fee on sports equipment.

If Carrying any Musical Instrument

• If a small musical instrument fits inside the overhead bin or under the seat, you can carry it in a cabin bag.
• You must check-in large musical instruments separately.
• To check-in large instruments, make sure they weight under 165 lbs.

When Traveling with Infants or Children

• United Airlines allow to bring baby items in carry-on bags.
• Car seat, baby stroller, child safety harness, diaper bag, and breast pump are allowed to be carried for free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United Airlines baggage policy has a few rules for carrying luggage. A passenger is allowed to carry both cabin and checked baggage for free when booking. Additionally, United Airlines allows passengers to carry a personal item. However, no bag should be over the designated weight or size limit.

In both cases, the airline will apply an excess baggage charge. The fee may vary, depending on the bag type and route. In special scenarios, the fee structure is usually different from the standard baggage rules, like an extended baggage limit for active US military personnel.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

Planning your next trip shouldn't be complicated. If you have any questions about our pricing, itineraries, or custom travel plans, feel free to contact our travel experts directly. We're just a call away and happy to assist you every step of the way.

Read also: United Airlines Pet Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some frequently asked questions on the United Airlines baggage policy:

How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?

Under the United Airlines baggage policy, passengers can bring 2 bags for free. This means they can carry 1 personal item bag and 1 checked bag.

Does United allow a backpack and a carry-on?

Yes, United Airlines allows passengers to bring a backpack and a carry-on bag. This is a standard carry-on allowance for all passengers, be it economy, premium, business, or first class.

How much does United charge for extra baggage?

The cost for extra baggage on United Airlines may vary depending on the route. However, the approximate cost for extra luggage is $45 for the first bag and around $55 for the second. It is always best to add extra luggage online as the fee may increase at the airport.

What is the new bag rule for United?

United Airlines has made a small change in their new bag rule for checked luggage. The fee for checked luggage has increased. The fee for adding the first bag is not $45 and $55 to $60 for the second checked bag for domestic flights, flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Can I carry-on two bags with United?

You are only allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item bag for free. If you carry more than one bag of each kind, the airline will charge you for that.