United Airlines·Star Alliance
United Baggage Fees & Allowance
United Baggage Fees & Allowance — Summary
United carry-on size limits, checked bag fees, weight limits, overweight and oversize charges, and who gets bags free. Updated policy summary with booking help.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Personal item: One personal item that fits under the seat, included on every fare including Basic Economy..
- Carry-on bag: 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..
- Second checked bag: $50 at the airport, $45 pre-paid online on standard domestic tickets..
Personal item
One personal item that fits under the seat, included on every fare including Basic Economy.
Carry-on bag
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. Maximum dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles.
First checked bag
$40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online at least 24 hours before departure on standard domestic tickets.
Second checked bag
$50 at the airport, $45 pre-paid online on standard domestic tickets.
Weight limits
50 lbs (23 kg) in economy; 70 lbs (32 kg) in Premium Plus, First, Business and Polaris.
Overweight bag charges
Bags 51–70 lbs and 71–100 lbs carry escalating charges. Above 100 lbs United will not accept the bag as checked baggage.
Oversize bag charges
Above 62 linear inches triggers an oversize charge, which stacks with any overweight charge on the same bag.
Who gets bags free
First bag free for United Explorer and higher MileagePlus credit cardholders and one companion, for Premier Silver and above, for active-duty US military, and in Premium Plus, First, Business and Polaris.
Sports and special equipment
Skis, snowboards and golf bags count as one standard checked bag. Bicycles are accepted within standard size and weight limits.
United baggage allowance & fees — common questions
What is the United carry-on size limit?
22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles including wheels and handles. 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.
How much does a checked bag cost on United?
$40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online at least 24 hours before departure on standard domestic tickets. A second bag: $50 at the airport, $45 pre-paid online on standard domestic tickets.
What is the United checked baggage weight limit?
50 lbs (23 kg) in economy; 70 lbs (32 kg) in Premium Plus, First, Business and Polaris. Bags 51–70 lbs and 71–100 lbs carry escalating charges. Above 100 lbs United will not accept the bag as checked baggage.
Can I get a free checked bag on United?
First bag free for United Explorer and higher MileagePlus credit cardholders and one companion, for Premier Silver and above, for active-duty US military, and in Premium Plus, First, Business and Polaris.
More United help
Booking United? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.