United Airlines Baggage Policy

Note: The following reflects United Airlines' baggage policy as of the latest available information, effective March 2024. Policies vary by route, fare type (Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First), and MileagePlus/Star Alliance status.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

United Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most flights, except for Basic Economy passengers on domestic and select international routes, who are limited to one personal item.

Fare Type	Allowance	Maximum Dimensions	Maximum Weight	Notes
Basic Economy (Domestic, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean)	1 personal item	17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 22 cm)	No weight limit	Carry-on bag requires gate check ($40 + $25 handling fee)
Basic Economy (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South America)	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) Personal: 17 x 10 x 9 in	No weight limit	Fits in overhead bin or under seat
Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) Personal: 17 x 10 x 9 in	No weight limit	Fits in overhead bin or under seat
Infant (under 2 years)	1 diaper bag + 1 stroller/child seat	Stroller: Not specified	Not specified	Free, in addition to adult allowance

Additional items like jackets, umbrellas, duty-free bags, or assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, CPAP machines) are free and do not count toward the allowance.
Liquids in carry-on must be in 100 ml or smaller containers, in a 1-liter transparent, resealable bag. Exceptions include medicines, baby formula, and duty-free powders in tamper-evident bags.
United Express flights may require gate-checking carry-on bags due to limited overhead space, free of charge unless on Basic Economy ($65 fee: $40 bag + $25 handling).
Carry-on enforcement is strict, especially at hubs like Chicago or Newark. Passengers must lift carry-ons into overhead bins themselves.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked baggage allowances vary by fare type, route, and MileagePlus/Star Alliance status. Maximum dimensions are 62 linear inches (158 cm); maximum weight is 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy/Premium Economy, 70 lbs (32 kg) for Business/First.

Route/Fare	Class	Allowance	Max Weight per Bag	Notes
Domestic (US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands)	Basic Economy	0 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg)	Fees apply: $40 (1st), $50 (2nd)
Domestic	Economy	0 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg)	Fees apply: $35 (1st, prepaid), $45 (2nd, prepaid)
Domestic	Business/First	2 bags free	70 lbs (32 kg)	Free for premium cabins
International (e.g., Europe, South America, India)	Basic Economy	0–1 bag free	50 lbs (23 kg)	1st bag: $70–$75; 2nd: $100
International (e.g., Europe, South America, India)	Economy	1 bag free	50 lbs (23 kg)	2nd bag: $65–$100
International (e.g., Asia, US-Dubai)	Economy	2 bags free	50 lbs (23 kg)	No fee for 1st/2nd bag
International	Business/First	2 bags free	70 lbs (32 kg)	No fee for 1st/2nd bag
All Routes	Infant (under 2 years)	1 bag + 1 stroller/car seat	10 kg (22 lbs)	Free
MileagePlus Premier Silver	All Routes	1 bag free	70 lbs (32 kg)	Applies to member + companion
MileagePlus Premier Gold/Platinum/1K, Global Services	All Routes	2–3 bags free	70 lbs (32 kg)	Applies to member + companion
Star Alliance Gold	All Routes	1 extra bag free	50 lbs (23 kg)	In addition to standard allowance
Active US Military (Personal Travel)	All Routes	3 bags free	70 lbs (32 kg)	Max 62 in (158 cm)
Active US Military (Orders)	All Routes	5 bags free	100 lbs (45 kg)	Max 115 in (292 cm)

Prepay online 24+ hours before departure to save $5 per bag (e.g., $35 instead of $40 for 1st bag).
Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) or 115 in (292 cm) are not accepted, except musical instruments up to 165 lbs (75 kg).
United Explorer Card or other co-branded credit card holders get 1–2 free checked bags when booking with the card.
Seasonal baggage embargoes apply to certain destinations (e.g., Caribbean, Central America, Mexico); max 3 extra bags for US-Brazil, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands.
Codeshare flights follow the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) rules; check with the ticketing airline.

Excess and Oversized Baggage Fees

Fees apply for bags exceeding allowance, weight, or size limits, varying by route and fare type.

Route	Condition	Fee (One-Way, USD)
Domestic (US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands)	1st Bag	$35 (prepaid) / $40 (airport)
Domestic	2nd Bag	$45 (prepaid) / $50 (airport)
Domestic	3rd+ Bag	$150–$200
International (e.g., Europe, Basic Economy)	1st Bag	$70–$75
International (e.g., Europe, Economy)	2nd Bag	$65–$100
International (e.g., US-Dubai)	3rd+ Bag	$150–$265
All Routes	Overweight (51–70 lbs / 24–32 kg)	$100–$200
All Routes	Overweight (71–100 lbs / 33–45 kg)	$200–$400
All Routes	Oversized (63–115 in / 160–292 cm)	$200

Fees are cumulative (e.g., an overweight and oversized bag incurs both fees).
Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) or 115 in (292 cm) are not accepted, except for specific military allowances.

Special Baggage

Sports Equipment

Some sports equipment counts as a standard checked bag if within weight/size limits; otherwise, fees apply.

Equipment	Allowance	Fee (One-Way, USD)
Skis, Golf Bags, Fishing, Hockey, Lacrosse	Counts as 1 bag	Free if within allowance; $30–$150 if excess
Bicycles, Surfboards, Hang Gliders	Requires reservation	$150–$200

Advance reservation required for large equipment via Customer Service.
Equipment must be packed properly; no liability for normal wear and tear.

Musical Instruments

Small instruments can be carried as cabin baggage; larger ones require checking or an extra seat.

Cabin: Must fit within 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm); Basic Economy pays $35+ handling fee if replacing personal item.
Checked: Up to 165 lbs (75 kg); subject to standard/excess fees.
Extra Seat: Book in advance via Customer Service for large instruments.

Pets

Pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, household birds) are allowed in the cabin or hold with advance approval.

Location	Weight (Pet + Carrier)	Fee (One-Way, USD)
Cabin	Not specified	$125
Hold	Not specified	Charged as excess baggage

Service animals travel free with documentation; advance notification required.
Pets in the cabin count as the personal item and must fit under the seat.

Prohibited Items

Certain items are restricted for safety and regulatory reasons.

Carry-on: Liquids over 100 ml, matches/lighters (Beijing departures), powder-based substances over 12 oz (350 ml, except medicines, baby formula, duty-free).
Checked: Loose lithium batteries, hoverboards, Segways, aerosolized spray paint, household cleaners, pesticides.

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage

United Airlines follows the Montreal Convention for baggage issues.

Delayed: Report at the airport’s Lost and Found desk before leaving and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Track via the United app or website. Claims within 21 days.
Damaged: Report within 7 days at the airport with a Damage Baggage Report.
Lost: File a claim within 7 days; compensation up to 1,288 SDR.

Additional Notes

Check-in: Online check-in available 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure. Airport check-in closes 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before departure.
Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, CPAP machines, and mobility aids are free; advance notification required.
MileagePlus Benefits: Premier Silver (1 free bag, 70 lbs), Premier Gold/Platinum/1K/Global Services (2–3 free bags, 70 lbs).
Codeshare Flights: Follow MSC rules; verify with the ticketing airline.
Basic Economy Restrictions: No carry-on for domestic flights; gate-checked bags incur a $65 fee ($40 bag + $25 handling).
Valuables should be in carry-on, as United is not liable for loss in checked baggage.