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United Airlines·Star Alliance
Every United fare brand compared: what is included, what is restricted, and which cheap fare ends up costing more once you add a bag.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
Includes: One personal item only on most itineraries, seat assigned at check-in. Watch out for: 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.
Includes: Full carry-on, advance seat selection and standard MileagePlus earning. Watch out for: Changes carry no fee domestically but the fare difference still applies.
Includes: Up to 6 inches more legroom in the forward economy cabin. Watch out for: A seat product, not a cabin — food, service and baggage match United Economy.
Includes: Lie-flat business seat, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, two checked bags and Polaris Lounge access. Watch out for: Polaris Lounges serve long-haul international departures only, not domestic Polaris-configured flights.
United operates: Basic Economy, United Economy, Economy Plus, United Premium Plus, United First / Business, United Polaris.
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. $40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online at least 24 hours before departure on standard domestic tickets.
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.
Basic Economy. Includes: One personal item only on most itineraries, seat assigned at check-in. Restriction: 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.
$40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online at least 24 hours before departure on standard domestic tickets.
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.