When it comes to United Airlines, the weight restrictions for checked luggage depend on your ticket type. If you’re flying economy, checked bags need to weigh 50 pounds or less. For those traveling in business or first class, or if you hold elite status with the airline, you get a bit more leeway with a limit of 70 pounds. Additionally, each bag should not exceed a total of 62 inches when you add together the length, width, and height.
The fees you’ll encounter for checking a bag depend on your route and fare. On domestic flights in economy class, a standard bag will set you back $35 if you pay in advance or $40 if you pay at the airport. For a second bag, the cost jumps to $45 in advance and $50 at the airport.
United offers a handy baggage calculator to help you figure out exactly what you’ll owe. Keep in mind that other than on basic economy flights, you’re allowed a full-size carry-on and a personal item at no extra charge.
If your baggage exceeds usual limits, United is prepared to accommodate—albeit for a fee. Additional charges apply if you’re checking more than two bags, an extra heavy bag, or a particularly large one, with fees varying by destination. Your oversized bags can be up to 115 inches in combined dimensions, while overweight bags can go up to 100 pounds. Musical instruments are a special case and can weigh up to 165 pounds.
For flights within the United States, checking a third bag (or more) will cost you $150 per bag. Oversized bags incur an additional $200 per bag, and overweight bags come with extra fees of $100 or $200 depending on whether they weigh between 51 to 70 pounds or 71 to 100 pounds. Specialized items—like your sporting equipment—can also be checked, but these come with their own set of guidelines and fees.
Now, if you’re keen to avoid paying for checked bags, there are a few strategies you might consider. Many international routes include one free checked bag even with an economy ticket—think destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, if you’re traveling on a basic economy ticket, you might still face a fee. Some destinations do offer an extra luggage allowance, allowing two bags up to 70 pounds each at no additional cost.
Elite status with United gives your luggage privileges a boost. With even the lowest elite level, Premier Silver, you’ll enjoy a free checked bag, plus your weight limit jumps to 70 pounds per bag. At the higher tiers, like Premier Platinum or Premier 1K, you’re entitled to check up to three bags, each weighing as much as 70 pounds, free of charge.
United’s co-branded credit cards and military allowances can also provide valuable benefits. Military personnel and their dependents are eligible for free checked bags at any time. On orders, they can bring up to five bags each weighing 100 pounds and measuring up to 115 inches. For personal trips, the limits adjust to three bags at 70 pounds and 62 inches each. Meanwhile, family members on orders can bring along two bags within the same size restrictions.
Finally, to make the most out of these benefits, it’s always a good idea to explore how you can maximize your rewards and privileges while traveling.
