What Is the United Airlines Baggage Allowance?
Traveling can be a headache if you are not familiar with the baggage policy of the airline you are flying with. United Airlines has an online baggage calculator you can use to determine how much your checked baggage will be based on your starting point and destination. Make sure your bags meet the dimension requirements for both checked and carry-on luggage to make your travel as stress-free as possible.
You've booked your flight on United Airlines, and it's time to pack your bags. You need to know how much luggage you can take on your flight, both carry-on and checked luggage, and how much it will cost you. What is the United Airlines baggage allowance? You can learn more about United Airlines baggage policies by contacting customer service here, and below is an outline of the baggage policies.
Carry-On Luggage
United Airlines allows passengers to bring on one carry-on bag and one personal item for free with some restrictions. Carry-on restrictions are:
- Your carry on-bag cannot be more than 22 inches (55.88 centimeters) high, 9 inches (22.86 centimeters) deep, and 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) wide.
- The personal item you bring in the cabin cannot be more than 17 inches (43.18 centimeters) high, 9 inches (22.86 centimeters) deep, and 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) wide. Your personal item must fit under your seat for take-off and landing.
- In addition to these items, you are allowed to bring items from the following list:
- Coat or jacket
- Umbrellas
- Reading materials such as a book or magazine
- Food or items you have purchased in a shop at the airport
- FAA approved child safety seat or restraint
- Diaper bag
- Breast pump
- Devices such as a wheelchair or oxygen tank or other health-related items
- Pet carriers once a reservation for the pet has been confirmed.
- There are no extra fees for carry-on or personal items except for pet carriers/pets.
An exception to the carry-on policy applies to individuals flying Basic Economy. Basic Economy passengers are only allowed to bring one personal item instead of a personal item and a carry-on bag.
Checked Luggage
If you have more than one bag, or your luggage is over the size limits, you must check your baggage when you arrive at the airport. All bags must be no larger than 62 inches (157.48 centimeters) total measuring length + width + height. Weight limits depend on the class of service you purchase when you make your reservation. Weight limits are:
- 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for United Economy, Premium Economy and Star Alliance (Economy)
- 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for United Business, United First, United Polaris Business Class, Premium (Silver, Gold, Platinum and 1k), and Star Alliance (Business).
Fees can be calculated online and are based on weight and destination. For example, a flight from Jacksonville, North Carolina to Dallas, Texas carries no fee for the first two bags checked as long as they are not oversized or over the weight limit. The third bag has a fee of $150 for the traditional size, and $200 for an oversized bag. If your two bags are overweight or oversized, you can be charged an additional $100 to $200.
Your bags will be weighed at check-in, so it's a good practice to weigh your luggage before you go to the airport and remove unnecessary items accordingly. For more information on United Airlines luggage policy, contact customer support here.
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