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United Airlines Overview & Policy Summary
United Airlines operates the most extensive international route network of any US carrier, with a hub structure that puts a United gateway within one connection of nearly every major US market. Its Newark, San Francisco and Houston hubs make it the default choice for transatlantic, transpacific and Latin American travel respectively.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: One full-size carry-on included on United Economy and above.
- First checked bag: $40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online at least 24 hours before departure on standard domestic tickets..
- Changes: No change fee on standard Economy and above for flights within the US or between the US and Mexico, the Caribbean and most international destinations.
- Check-in: 24 hours before departure via united.com or the United app..
United help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
United at a glance
Baggage
One full-size carry-on included on United Economy and above. Basic Economy does NOT include a carry-on on domestic and short-haul international routes — check this before you book, because the gate charge is materially higher than pre-paying.
Full baggage rulesChanges
No change fee on standard Economy and above for flights within the US or between the US and Mexico, the Caribbean and most international destinations. Fare difference applies. Basic Economy is not changeable.
How to change a flightCheck-in
24 hours before departure via united.com or the United app. 45 minutes before departure at most airports, 30 minutes at some smaller stations.
Check-in and boarding cutoffsUnited fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | One personal item only on most itineraries, seat assigned at check-in. | No full-size carry-on on domestic flights unless you hold status or a United credit card. This is the single most expensive surprise in US domestic flying — gate-checked bags carry a penalty on top of the normal bag fee. |
| United Economy | Full carry-on, advance seat selection and standard MileagePlus earning. | Changes carry no fee domestically but the fare difference still applies. |
| Economy Plus | Up to 6 inches more legroom in the forward economy cabin. | A seat product, not a cabin — food, service and baggage match United Economy. |
| United Polaris | Lie-flat business seat, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, two checked bags and Polaris Lounge access. | Polaris Lounges serve long-haul international departures only, not domestic Polaris-configured flights. |
Hubs
- Chicago (ORD)
- Newark (EWR)
- Denver (DEN)
- Houston (IAH)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Washington (IAD)
The largest widebody fleet of any US carrier, anchored by Boeing 777, 787 and 767 aircraft alongside a large 737 and Airbus A320-family narrowbody fleet.
Popular routes
- Newark (EWR) → London (LHR)
- San Francisco (SFO) → Tokyo (NRT)
- Chicago (ORD) → Denver (DEN)
- Houston (IAH) → Mexico City (MEX)
United frequently asked questions
Can I bring a carry-on with United Basic Economy?
Not on domestic or short-haul international routes. Basic Economy includes only a personal item that fits under the seat. If you arrive at the gate with a full-size bag you will pay the checked bag fee plus a gate handling charge. Premier members and most United credit cardholders are exempt.
Does United charge a change fee?
No change fee applies on standard Economy and above for US domestic and most international travel, though you still pay any fare difference. Basic Economy cannot be changed after the 24-hour window.
What is United Polaris?
Polaris is United's long-haul international business class: a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and access to dedicated Polaris Lounges at select hubs before international departures.
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