In this post we’ll take a close look at United Airlines’ baggage policy. We will explain the airline’s carry-on and checked baggage allowances and fees.
We will cover both domestic and international flights, explaining how much you’ll have to pay for your bags, including excess, oversized, and overweight baggage.
I’ve received several queries regarding United Airlines’ Basic Economy fare and its exclusion of a carry-on bag. I’ll explain what options you have open to you if you wish to bring a carry-on bag after buying your Basic Economy ticket.
We’ll end the blog by explaining some ways that you can save on baggage fees, including:
- Items that are exempt from checked baggage fees.
- Credit cards with free checked baggage benefits.
- Having MileagePlus Premier status.
- Military baggage allowance.
- Carry On Baggage Allowance
- Standard Checked Bags
- Free Checked Baggage
- Excess Baggage
- Baggage Fees
- Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights
- Baggage Fees for Canada Flights
- Baggage Fees for Mexico Flights
- Baggage Fees for Caribbean Flights
- Baggage Fees for Central America
- Baggage Fees for South America
- Baggage Fees for Europe
- Baggage Fees for Middle East
- Baggage Fees for Africa
- Baggage Fees for U.K. and Russia
- Baggage Fees for China
- Baggage Fees for Japan / South Korea/ Hong Kong Flights
- Baggage Fees for Southeast Asia
- Baggage Fees for Oceania
- Final Thoughts
Carry On Baggage Allowance
You are allowed to bring 1 personal item and, in most cases, 1 carry-on bag on board with you.
Your carry-on baggage must adhere to specific size limits. However, there are no weight limits for your carry-on items.
Personal Item Size Limit
All fare types include 1 personal item.
Your personal item must be no larger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 centimeters) in size.
Examples of typical personal items include:
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
Your personal item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry On Bag Size Limit
All fare types, except for Basic Economy tickets, include 1 carry-on bag.
Your carry-on bag can be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters) in size.
Examples of typical carry-on bags include:
- Small suitcase
- Large backpack
- Duffel bag
- Garment bag
Your carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Although there is no weight limit for your carry-on bag, you should be able to lift it into the overhead bins without requiring assistance.
Basic Economy and Carry On Bags
If you book a United Basic Economy ticket, you’re not allowed to bring a carry-on bag on board. The airline only allows Basic Economy passengers to bring one personal item into the cabin.
If you bring a carry-on bag, you’ll have to check it at the gate and pay a $25 gate handling charge plus the applicable checked bag fee.
This can become quite expensive, especially if you’ve already checked some baggage:
| Number of Bags Already Checked | 0 | 1 | 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry On Bag Check Fee | $35 | $45 | $150 |
| Gate Check Fee | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Total | $60 | $70 | $175 |
Note: If you purchase a Basic Economy ticket and later decide that you wish to travel with a carry-on bag, you can include this benefit by logging in to your reservation on United and adding a carry-on bag. You will have to pay a fee, of course.
However, it will be less expensive than having your carry-on bag gate checked.
There are a few exceptions to this “no carry-on bag” rule. Basic Economy passengers can bring a carry-on bag on board under of the following circumstances:
Your Itinerary
If you’re flying to South America, your Basic Economy ticket will include a free carry-on bag.
This is also the case if you’re taking a transatlantic or transpacific flight. This includes flights to:
- Europe
- Africa
- Middle East
- Asia
- Australia
- New Zealand
Your Loyalty Status
MileagePlus Premier Status
If you’re a MileagePlus member with Premier status, you can bring a carry-on bag on board if you’re traveling on a Basic Economy Ticket.
If you’re traveling with a MileagePlus Premier member, this carry-on bag benefit extends to you as well.
Star Alliance Gold Status
if you’re a Star Alliance member with Gold status, you’re entitled to bring a carry-on bag when traveling on a Basic Economy fare.
Primary Card Holder of MileagePlus Credit Cards
If traveling on a Basic Economy fare, you can travel with a carry-on bag if you’re the primary card holder of one of the following MileagePlus personal credit cards:
- United℠ Explorer Card
- United Quest℠ Card
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
The same Basic Economy carry-on bag benefit applies to the following MileagePlus business credit cards:
- United℠ Business Card
- United Club℠ Business Card
- United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Business Card
Standard Checked Bags
United Airlines’ checked baggage policy imposes size and weight restrictions on checked baggage.
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size. You calculate the size of your bag by measuring its outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps with your measurements.
If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches, it will be considered oversized and subject to an additional fee at check-in.
United doesn’t accept checked bags larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) in size.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your checked baggage weight allowance depends on your cabin class.
Economy Class Checked Baggage Weight
Basic Economy, Economy, and Premium Economy Class passengers’ checked baggage has a 50-pound (23 kilogram) weight limit. If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an additional fee at check-in.
Business / First Class Checked Baggage Weight
Business and First Class passengers’ checked baggage has a 70-pound (32 kilogram) weight limit. If your checked bag exceeds 70 pounds, it will be considered overweight and subject to an additional fee at check-in.
However, if you purchase additional bags, they will have a 50-pound weight limit.
Checked Baggage Maximum Weight
United Airlines won’t accept checked baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule:
- Musical instruments: 165 pounds (75 kilograms).
- Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs): always accepted as checked baggage, irrespective of their weight.
Free Checked Baggage
In this section, we’ll indicate what items are exempt from checked baggage fees. We’ll also explain ways that you can check bags for free.
Free Checked Baggage by Cabin Class
Your fare may include a baggage allowance, depending on your cabin class:
| Cabin Class | Checked Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | 0 |
| Economy | 0 |
| Premium Economy | 2 x 50 lb |
| Business | 2 x 70 lb |
| First | 2 x 70 lb |
For most international destinations, except for Mexico and the Caribbean, Economy Class passengers receive a free checked baggage allowance. Head to the Baggage Fees section for more information.
Mobility and Assistive Devices
You are allowed to check in mobility and assistive devices at no charge.
Examples of assistive and mobility devices allowed include:
- A set of braces
- A cane
- A set of crutches
- Prosthetic devices
- Wheelchairs
These items can be checked at the ticket counter or at the gate. They do not have any effect on your checked baggage allowance.
Child and Infant Items
If you are traveling with a child or infant, United will allow you to check in the following items at no charge:
- A government-approved car restraint
- A collapsible stroller or a folding wagon
If these items exceed standard checked bag limits (62 linear inches and 50 pounds), oversized and overweight fees may apply.
As with mobility and assistive devices, child and infant items can be checked at the ticket counter or the gate. Also, they do not have any effect on your checked baggage allowance.
Prepackaged Fruit from Hawaii
If you are flying out of Hawaii, United will accept a prepackaged box of fruit as checked baggage at no charge. The box can weigh up to 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms).
Military Baggage Allowance
If you are an active-duty member of the U.S. military, you can enjoy some benefits when flying with United Airlines.
Depending on whether you are traveling for official business or personal travel, you can check up to five or three bags for free, respectively.
The bags can weigh up to 100 lb each, which is more than the usual limit for other passengers.
Free Checked Bags with MileagePlus Premier Status
The following free checked baggage benefits apply to MileagePlus Premier members and their travel companions on the same booking.
Economy Class Domestic Travel
| MileagePlus Premier Status | Free Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Silver | 1 x 70 lb |
| Gold | 2 x 70 lb |
| Platinum | 3 x 70 lb |
| 1K | 3 x 70 lb |
Economy Class Travel Between the U.S. And Canada/ Mexico/ Caribbean/ Central America
| MileagePlus Premier Status | Free Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Silver | 1 x 70 lb |
| Gold | 2 x 70 lb |
| Platinum | 3 x 70 lb |
| 1K | 3 x 70 lb |
Economy Class Travel Between the U.S. And South America/ Asia/ Australia/ New Zealand/ Europe/ Middle East/ Africa
| MileagePlus Premier Status | Free Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Silver | 2 x 70 lb |
| Gold | 3 x 70 lb |
| Platinum | 3 x 70 lb |
| 1K | 3 x 70 lb |
Business and First Class Travel on All Routes
| MileagePlus Premier Status | Free Checked Baggage Benefit |
|---|---|
| Silver | 3 x 70 lb |
| Gold | 3 x 70 lb |
| Platinum | 3 x 70 lb |
| 1K | 3 x 70 lb |
Baggage Embargoes
There are some limitations to these MileagePlus free checked baggage benefits. The following destinations have year-round baggage embargoes in place. A maximum of 2 checked bags, weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms), are allowed for the following destinations:
- San Salvador (SAL)
- Havana (HAV)
- Santo Domingo (SDQ)
- Managua (MGA)
- San Pedro Sula (SAP)
- Tegucigalpa (TGU)
- Guatemala City (GUA)
Free Checked Bags with Star Alliance Status
If you have reached status with another airline which is a member of the Star Alliance loyalty program, you may be eligible for a free checked baggage benefit:
| Star Alliance Status | Free Checked Bags |
|---|---|
| Silver | 0 |
| Gold | 1 x 50 lb |
You can check your Star Alliance status for your participating airline here.
United Airlines Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags
Personal Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags
The following personal credit cards offer a free checked bag benefit:
| Credit Card | Free Checked Bags | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedSM Explorer Card | 1 x 50 lb | $95 (1st year: $0) |
| United QuestSM Card | 2 x 50 lb | $250 |
| United ClubSM Infinite Card | 2 x 50 lb | $525 |
Business Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags
The following business credit cards offer a free checked bag benefit:
| Credit Card | Free Checked Bags | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedSM Business Card | 1 x 50 lb | $99 (1st year: $0) |
| United ClubSM Business Card | 2 x 50 lb | $450 |
Excess Baggage
In this section we’ll introduce United Airlines’ rules for excess baggage, including:
- Extra bags
- Oversized baggage
- Overweight baggage
Extra Bags
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by extra bags. Essentially, this refers to any checked baggage that isn’t included with your ticket. You’ll have to pay a fee for each extra bag.
When you purchase an additional bag, it has the following allowances, irrespective of your cabin class:
- Size limit: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
- Weight limit: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
Oversized Baggage
Oversized baggage applies to checked bags from 63 linear inches to 115 linear inches (160 to 292 centimeters) in size.
Oversized baggage fees range from $150 to $300, depending on your itinerary.
United won’t accept checked baggage larger than 115 linear inches.
Overweight Baggage
Overweight baggage applies to checked baggage heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
United has two categories for overweight baggage:
- 51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kilograms): $100 to $300, depending on your itinerary.
- 71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kilograms): $200 to $500, depending on your itinerary.
Some regions accept checked baggage weighing up to 70 pounds only.
United won’t accept checked baggage heavier than 100 pounds.
However, there are some exceptions:
- Musical instruments: 165 pounds (75 kilograms).
- Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs): always accepted as checked baggage, irrespective of their weight.
Baggage Fees
In this section we will explore United Airlines’ baggage fees for checked luggage.
We begin with domestic fees, and then progress through each region that United flies to.
We break down baggage fees for each region as follows:
- Online baggage fees if there is a discount for prepaying fees.
- Airport baggage fees when paying at a kiosk or check-in counter at the airport.
- Oversized and overweight baggage fees.
A few things to keep in mind as you peruse this section:
- Not all regions provide discounts for prepaid baggage.
- Many international destinations include 1 and sometimes 2 checked bags with Economy fares.
- Not all regions offer Basic Economy class fares.
- Certain itineraries include a free checked bag with Basic Economy fares!
- Some regions don’t allow checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
- Certain destinations south of the U.S. border are subject to seasonal or year-round baggage embargoes which can restrict the amount of checked baggage with which you can travel.
Related: United Airlines Baggage Embargoes
Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights
This section applies to flights within the U.S. only.
Online Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $30 | $40 | $150 each |
| Economy | $30 | $40 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Airport Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $35 | $45 | $150 each |
| Economy | $35 | $45 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Economy | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Business | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| First | $200 | $100 | $200 |
Baggage Fees for Canada Flights
For flights to or from Canada, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $30 | $50 | $150 each |
| Economy | $30 | $50 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Canada Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Economy | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| Business | $200 | $100 | $200 |
| First | $200 | $100 | $200 |
Baggage Fees for Mexico Flights
Basic Economy fares aren’t available for flights to or from Mexico.
Certain destinations in Mexico are subject to baggage embargoes which can restrict the amount of checked baggage that you check in.
Online Baggage Fees for Mexico Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $30 | $55 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Airport Baggage Fees for Mexico Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $35 | $60 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Mexico Flights
Oversized checked baggage isn’t allowed for flights to or from Mexico. Your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size.
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | n/a | $100 | $200 |
| Premium Economy | n/a | $100 | $200 |
| Business | n/a | $100 | $200 |
| First | n/a | $100 | $200 |
Baggage Fees for Caribbean Flights
Basic Economy fares aren’t available for flights to or from the Caribbean.
Certain destinations in the Caribbean are subject to baggage embargoes which can restrict the amount of checked baggage that you check in.
Online Baggage Fees for Caribbean Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $30 | $40 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Airport Baggage Fees for Caribbean Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $35 | $45 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Caribbean Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for Central America
Certain destinations in Central America are subject to baggage embargoes which can restrict the amount of checked baggage that you check in.
Online Baggage Fees for Central America Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $30 | $40 | $150 each |
| Economy | $0 | $40 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Airport Baggage Fees for Central America Flights
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $35 | $45 | $200 each |
| Economy | $0 | $45 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Central America Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $300 | $300 | $500 |
| Economy | $300 | $300 | $500 |
| Premium Economy | $300 | $300 | $500 |
| Business | $300 | $300 | $500 |
| First | $300 | $300 | $500 |
Baggage Fees for South America
For flights to or from South America, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
Certain destinations in South America are subject to baggage embargoes which can restrict the amount of checked baggage that you check in.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $70 | $100 | $150 each |
| Economy | $0 | $100 | $150 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $150 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for South America Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for Europe
For flights to or from Europe, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $75 | $100 | $200 each |
| Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Europe Flights
For flights to or from Europe, your checked bags can weigh no more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Business | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| First | $200 | $200 | n/a |
Baggage Fees for Middle East
For flights to or from the Middle East, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
Also, Basic Economy fares aren’t available for flights to or from the Middle East.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Middle East Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for Africa
For flights to or from Africa, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
Also, Basic Economy fares aren’t available for flights to or from Africa.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Africa Flights
For flights to or from Africa, your checked bags can weigh no more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Business | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| First | $200 | $200 | n/a |
Baggage Fees for U.K. and Russia
For flights to or from the U.K. or Russia, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $75 | $100 | $200 each |
| Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for U.K. and Russia Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for China
For flights to or from China, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for China Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for Japan / South Korea/ Hong Kong Flights
For flights to or from Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Japan / South Korea / Hong Kong Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for Southeast Asia
For flights to or from southeast Asia, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
Also, Basic Economy fares aren’t available for flights to or from southeast Asia.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Southeast Asia Flights
| Cabin Class | Oversized (63 – 115 in) | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| Business | $200 | $200 | $400 |
| First | $200 | $200 | $400 |
Baggage Fees for Oceania
Oceania includes flights to/from:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Micronesia
For flights to or from Oceania, there is no discount for paying for your bags online before you arrive at the airport.
Certain destinations in Micronesia are subject to baggage embargoes which can restrict the amount of checked baggage that you check in.
| Cabin Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd + Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Economy | $0 | $100 | $200 each |
| Premium Economy | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| Business | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
| First | $0 | $0 | $200 each |
Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees for Oceania Flights
For flights to or from Oceania, your checked bags can weigh no more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
| Cabin Class | Oversized | Overweight (51 – 70 lb) | Overweight (71 – 100 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Premium Economy | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| Business | $200 | $200 | n/a |
| First | $200 | $200 | n/a |
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed our deep dive into United Airlines’ baggage policy.
If you’re considering traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, remember that it doesn’t include a carry-on bag. You can add a bag at a later date by accessing your reservation on United’s website and paying a fee.
However, if you turn up at the gate with a carry-on bag that hasn’t been paid for, it will be gate-checked, incurring a checked bag fee as well as a $25 gate check charge. There is no option to pay a fee at the gate and bring it on board.
Remember to always check United Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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