If you are a member of the U.S. military or a dependent traveling with them, you are eligible for some benefits when flying with United Airlines. One of these benefits is the ability to check extra baggage free of charge, depending on the purpose and type of your travel.
In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about United Airlines’ military baggage allowance, including the rules, exceptions, and tips to make your travel easier and more comfortable.
- What is United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?
- Who Is Eligible for United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?
- Carry On Baggage Allowance for Military Personnel
- How Many Free Checked Bags Can I Get with United Airlines Military Baggage Benefit?
- Baggage Fees
- How Do I Claim My Free Checked Bags?
- What are the Limitations of United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?
- Final Thoughts
What is United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?
United’s military baggage allowance is a special benefit that allows active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents to check extra baggage free of charge when traveling on United Airlines or United Express flights.
The number and weight of the free checked bags depend on the purpose of travel (official or personal).
Who Is Eligible for United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?
The following groups of people are eligible for United Airlines military baggage:
- Active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders or for pleasure.
- Dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders.
- Dependents of active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling for pleasure who are listed on the same reservation as the military member.
The eligible groups include members of:
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Marines
- U.S. Coast Guard
- National Guard
Cadets of the following military academies are also eligible for the special military baggage benefit:
- Air Force Academy
- Coast Guard Academy
- Merchant Marine Academy
- Naval Academy
- West Point
The Reserve Officer Training Corps is not eligible.
Carry On Baggage Allowance for Military Personnel
Active-duty U.S. military personnel follow the standard rules and allowances for carry-on baggage.
You are permitted to bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag on board.
However, if you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you’re not entitled to bring a carry-on bag on board. You can find more information in our United Airlines baggage policy post.
| Carry On Baggage | Size Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Item | 17 x 10 x 9 in |
| Carry On Bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in |
Personal Item Size Limit
Your personal item can be up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Examples of typical personal items include:
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Small backpack
Carry On Bag Size Limit
Your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters) in size. It must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Important: Basic Economy ticket holders aren’t entitled to bring a carry-on bag on board.
There are two exceptions to this rule:
- Your flight is to/from South America, transatlantic, or transpacific.
- Or if you’re a Premier member or a primary card member using a qualifying MileagePlus credit card.
If you turn up at the gate with a carry-on bag, it will be checked into the plane’s hold. You’ll also be subject to a checked bag fee and an additional $25 gate-check fee.
Examples of typical carry-on bags include:
- Small suitcase
- Duffel bag
- Backpack
- Garment bag
Although there is no weight limit imposed on your carry-on baggage, you should be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin without requiring assistance.
Hot Tip: If there is no space left in the overhead bins, you may be required to check your carry-on bag. To prepare for such an event, consider packing your important documents, valuables, medications, and fragile items in your personal item.
This can avoid any last-minute packing at the gate before handing over your carry-on bag.
How Many Free Checked Bags Can I Get with United Airlines Military Baggage Benefit?
The number of free checked bags you can get with United Airlines military baggage depends on the purpose of your travel:
Traveling on Orders
If you are traveling on official orders, you can check up to 5 bags for free, regardless of your ticket type.
Each bag can be up to 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Baggage exceeding these limits won’t be allowed to be checked in.
This applies to both you and your dependents traveling with you on the same reservation.
Dependents who are traveling alone, with relocation orders, can check up to 2 bags for free. Each bag can be up to 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) in size and weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
| Type of Travel | Number of Free Bags | Bag Size | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military personnel on orders | 5 | 115 in | 100 lb |
| Dependents of military personnel on same reservation | 5 | 115 in | 100 lb |
| Dependents of military personnel traveling alone, with relocation orders | 2 | 62 in | 70 lb |
Traveling on Personal Travel
If you are traveling for pleasure, you can check up to three bags for free, regardless of your ticket type.
This applies to both you and your dependents traveling with you on the same reservation.
Dependents traveling separately don’t receive this special military baggage benefit. They are subject to standard checked bag rules and fees.
| Type of Travel | Number of Free Bags | Bag Size | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military personnel on personal travel | 3 | 62 in | 70 lb |
| Dependents of military personnel on same reservation | 3 | 62 in | 70 lb |
| Dependents of military personnel traveling alone | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Baggage Fees
If you wish to purchase additional bags beyond your free baggage allowance, or your excess baggage is oversized and/or overweight, you’ll be subject to United’s excess baggage fees.
You can refer to our United Airlines baggage policy article for further information.
How Do I Claim My Free Checked Bags?
To claim your free checked bags with United Airlines, you need to present the following documents at check-in:
- For personal travel: your military ID
- For travel on orders: your military ID and orders documents
What are the Limitations of United Airlines Military Baggage Allowance?
While United Airlines military baggage offers many benefits, there are also some limitations that you need to be aware of.
These include:
Excess Baggage
If you plan to purchase extra bags beyond your free checked baggage allowance, they follow the standard baggage limits:
- Size limit: 62 linear inches (158 centimeters)
- Weight limit: 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
If your extra checked bags exceed these limits, they’ll be subject to oversized and/or overweight baggage fees.
Flying with a United Airlines Partner Airline
The free checked bags only apply to flights operated by United or United Express. If you are traveling with a partner airline, you may have to pay for your checked bags according to their policies.
Baggage Embargoes
There may be times when United imposes a baggage embargo on certain flights or destinations due to operational or safety reasons.
During a baggage embargo, you may not be able to check any bags or only a limited number of bags.
Final Thoughts
United Airlines provided a generous military baggage allowance benefit for active military members and their dependents.
When traveling on orders, you and your dependents traveling on the same reservation can travel with up to 5 checked bags, up to 115 linear inches in size, and weighing up to 100 pounds.
Don’t forget – if you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you aren’t entitled to bring a carry-on bag on board.
Remember to always check United Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
Thank you for your service.
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