What United Charges for Checked and Carry-On Bags

United includes one carry-on bag and one personal item free on all domestic flights. The first checked bag costs $35 on most domestic routes, and the second checked bag costs $45. Bags beyond the second are $150 each. These prices explore whether you book basic economy, main cabin, or premium cabin fares — the difference is in what else comes free, not in baggage pricing itself.

On international flights, the fee structure changes. Most international routes include two free checked bags for all passengers, regardless of cabin class. If you need a third checked bag on an international flight, it costs $150. Carry-on and personal item allowances stay the same.

United's basic economy fares, the lowest ticket price, do not change baggage fees. You still get one free carry-on and one personal item. The trade-off with basic economy is seat selection, changes, and standby options — not luggage.

Key Takeaways

  • One carry-on bag and one personal item are free on all United flights, regardless of ticket type.
  • The first checked bag costs $35 and the second costs $45 on domestic flights; international flights include two free checked bags.
  • Bags beyond the second checked bag cost $150 each on any route.
  • Basic economy fares do not reduce baggage allowances, only seat and change options.
  • Checked bag fees explore at the airport counter or online at the time of booking.

Size and Weight Limits for Checked Bags

United allows checked bags up to 62 inches (length plus width plus height) and 50 pounds. Bags over 50 pounds but under 70 pounds cost an additional $100 per bag. Anything over 70 pounds is not accepted as checked luggage.

Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin and are limited to 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Personal items — backpacks, purses, laptops — have no stated size limit but must fit under the seat in front of you. In practice, a standard backpack or small rolling bag works as a personal item.

When You Do Not Pay Baggage Fees

United MileagePlus members at certain status levels receive free checked bags. Premier Silver members and above get one free checked bag; Premier Gold and above get two. Premier Platinum and higher get three free checked bags. These benefits explore to the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation.

The United credit card also grants one free checked bag to the cardholder on all United flights, even without elite status. If you fly United more than once or twice a year, the annual fee often pays for itself through this single benefit.

Passengers traveling with infants do not pay for a car seat or stroller if it is checked at the gate. Military personnel on active duty receive one free checked bag. Passengers with disabilities may bring mobility aids and medical equipment at no charge.

How to Pay Baggage Fees

You can pay checked baggage fees when you book your ticket online, when you check in online 24 hours before departure, or at the airport counter. Paying online or during online check-in is usually fastest and guarantees your bag is registered. If you wait until the airport, you pay at the ticket counter before dropping your bag.

United does not allow you to pay baggage fees through the mobile app at this time — you must use the website or pay at the airport. If you book through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, you may not see the baggage fee option during checkout; in that case, you can add bags through United's website using your confirmation number, or pay at the airport.

Oversized and Special Items

Sporting equipment — golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles — counts as a checked bag and costs the standard $35 for the first one. Some items need advance notice. Bicycles must be in a bike bag or hard case and count as one checked bag. Golf clubs in a golf travel bag count as one checked bag. Skis and poles together count as one checked bag.

Musical instruments can be checked for $35 if they fit standard baggage dimensions and weight limits. Larger instruments may need to be purchased a seat instead. Firearms and ammunition have separate rules and require advance notice; contact United directly before booking if you plan to travel with a firearm.

Baggage Fees on Connecting and Codeshare Flights

If you book a connecting flight on United, baggage fees explore once per journey, not per flight segment. A bag checked in Denver to New York with a connection in Chicago costs $35 total, not $35 per leg. The bag is tagged through to your final destination.

When you book a flight operated by another airline but sold under United's code (a codeshare), that airline's baggage policy applies, not United's. For example, a United-coded flight actually operated by Air Canada follows Air Canada's baggage rules. Check the fine print in your confirmation to see which airline operates your flight.

What Happens If Your Bag Is Overweight or Oversized

If your checked bag exceeds 50 pounds, you pay $100 per bag at the airport counter. If it exceeds 70 pounds, United will not accept it as checked luggage. You must repack it into two bags or remove items. If you discover the problem at the airport with no time to repack, you may have to leave items behind or purchase an additional ticket for a second bag.

Oversized bags — those exceeding 62 inches in total dimension — also cost $100 per bag. This is separate from the standard checked bag fee. So an oversized first checked bag would cost $35 plus $100 for oversizing, totaling $135.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a carry-on bag and a personal item for free?

Yes. All United passengers get one carry-on bag and one personal item free on every flight. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin (22 by 14 by 9 inches). The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Do I have to pay for a checked bag if I have a basic economy ticket?

Yes. Basic economy fares do not reduce baggage fees. You still pay $35 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. Basic economy removes seat selection, the ability to change your flight, and standby options — not luggage.

How much does it cost to check two bags on an international flight?

Nothing. United includes two free checked bags on most international flights for all passengers. A third checked bag costs $150. Carry-on and personal item allowances are the same as domestic flights.

What if I book through Expedia or another travel site and want to add a checked bag?

Log into United's website with your confirmation number and add the bag there, or pay at the airport counter when you check in. Third-party booking sites often do not show United's baggage options at checkout, but you can add them afterward through United directly.

Does my United credit card waive all baggage fees?

The United credit card gives the cardholder one free checked bag on all United flights. It does not waive fees for additional bags, companions, or oversized items. Elite status members receive additional free bags depending on their tier.