United Airlines Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
United Airlines allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free on most flights, except Basic Economy which only allows a personal item. Checked bags start at $45 prepaid for the first bag in domestic economy.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | United Airlines (UA) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 22x14x9 inches (56x35x23 cm) including handles and wheels |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 17x10x9 inches (43x25x22 cm). Must fit under the seat. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Basic Economy: 0 bags (unless trans-Pacific/Atlantic). Economy: 0 bags (domestic). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg). Business/First: 2 bags (32 kg). |
| First Bag Fee | $45 prepaid, $50 at check-in for domestic economy |
| Second Bag Fee | $55 prepaid, $60 at check-in for domestic economy |
| Overweight Fee | $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg), $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg) |
| Oversized Fee | $200 for bags 63-115 linear inches |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) / 62 inches |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Most sports equipment counts toward checked bag allowance. Golf clubs allowed in hard case. Scuba tanks allowed as checked bag. Oversized/overweight fees may apply.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments allowed as carry-on in hard case. Large instruments require purchased seat. Checked instruments subject to standard fees.
International Rules
Economy passengers can check 1 bag for free on most international routes. Basic Economy pays $75 for the first bag. Premium Economy gets 2 free bags.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Get a United MileagePlus credit card for a free first checked bag. 2. Prepay for bags at least 24 hours before departure to save $5. 3. Achieve Premier Elite status for free checked bags up to 70 lbs. 4. Pack only a personal item if flying Basic Economy.
Unique Nuances
Basic Economy passengers are charged a $25 gate handling fee plus the $50 checked bag fee if they bring a full-sized carry-on to the gate. Marriott Titanium Elite members get automatic United Silver status, allowing a free 70 lb checked bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does United Airlines charge for checked bags?
- United Airlines charges $45 prepaid, $50 at check-in for domestic economy for the first checked bag and $55 prepaid, $60 at check-in for domestic economy for the second bag.
- What is United Airlines's carry-on bag size limit?
- United Airlines carry-on allowance: 22x14x9 inches (56x35x23 cm) including handles and wheels. 1 personal item: 17x10x9 inches (43x25x22 cm). Must fit under the seat.
- Does United Airlines include free checked bags in economy?
- No, United Airlines does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Basic Economy: 0 bags (unless trans-Pacific/Atlantic). Economy: 0 bags (domestic). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg). Business/First: 2 bags (32 kg).
- What is United Airlines's overweight baggage fee?
- $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg), $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg)
- Can I bring sports equipment on United Airlines?
- Most sports equipment counts toward checked bag allowance. Golf clubs allowed in hard case. Scuba tanks allowed as checked bag. Oversized/overweight fees may apply.
- What are United Airlines baggage fees?
- United Airlines baggage fees are $45 prepaid, $50 at check-in for domestic economy for the first checked bag and $55 prepaid, $60 at check-in for domestic economy for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg), $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (32-45 kg). Economy passengers can check 1 bag for free on most international routes. Basic Economy pays $75 for the first bag. Premium Economy gets 2 free bags.