United Airlines is the best to travel to any destination. You can book affordable flights with the best comfort. However, you can also save more on flights after knowing how much to pack and how to pack. Let’s delve into the United Airlines Baggage Policy wherein you can learn about every detail of carrying your belongings as per the guidelines.
United Baggage Policy in Detail to Carry Your Bags with Comfort
It is very crucial to know about United Baggage Policy to spend less while flying and also get the best comfort when on the flight. So let’s begin with the important points without any waiting.
- At United Airlines you can fly with one carry-on bag, one personal item and one checked bag.
- You can keep the carry-on bag at a size that can fit comfortably in the overhead bin whereas personal items are with you at the seat.
- You can take along with you one United Airlines checked baggage for free.
- The size of the carry-on baggage should be in the dimensions— 9”x14”x22” or 23x 35x 56 cm in total dimensions including wheels and handles.
- For personal items, you can maintain the size to 9”x 10”x 17” or 22 25 43.
- The personal items include common things such as laptop bags, handpurses, and small backpacks.
- If you are at the airport and have no idea about your bag size you can measure it with the bag sizers.
- Any addition on the carry-on bags or personal items you need to add under the checked bag and there is a dedicated United Airlines checked baggage fee. You can know the United Airlines baggage fees once you are booking your UA flight.
- If you make a check-in process by paying for the checked baggage before the flight there is a good discount available.
- If you are traveling within the U.S. you can pay using miles.
- Checked baggage allowance on United Airlines depends upon the type of fares.
- In your personal items, you can carry a jacket or coat, laptops, umbrella, food items or other things bought at the airport, mobility devices which include wheelchairs, crutches and canes, child safety harness or stroller, car seat, a diaper bag and breast pump or camera.
- United Airlines rules on baggage vary from time to time. Check the best updates on the official website of United Airlines.
Checked Baggage Allowance on United Airlines
|
Maximum Weight Per Bag |
Weight Per Cabin Class |
|
50 lbs / 23KG |
Premium Economy® |
|
70 lbs / 32KG |
United Business® |
|
50 lbs / 23KG |
United Economy® |
|
70 lbs / 32KG |
United First® |
|
70 lbs / 32KG |
United Polaris® Business Class |
United Airlines checked baggage allowance varies depending on factors such as fare type, MileagePlus status and route. However, as a general guideline, here's the standard checked baggage allowance for United Airlines:
Economy and Premium Economy
- Travelers who travel in Premium Economy or Economy cabins on United typically receive one United economy baggage as a checked bag on complimentary.
- The maximum weight per checked bag is 50 pounds or 23 kg, and the maximum linear dimension by combining length, width, and height is 62 inches or 158 cm.
Business and First Class
- Travelers traveling in Business or First Class cabins on United Airlines usually receive two complimentary checked bags.
- The weight and size restrictions are the same and each bag should not weigh more than 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.
- The maximum linear dimension should be 62 inches or 158 cm for United Airlines checked baggage.
MileagePlus Premier Members
- United Airlines MileagePlus Premier members, including Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K members, may receive additional checked baggage allowances based on their status level.
- Checked baggage allowance on United Airlines generally varies based on the status level of the member and the type of fare.
Specialty Items
Certain specialty items, such as musical instruments, sports equipment, and certain medical devices, are typically considered United Airlines checked baggage but may be subject to special handling requirements or additional United Airlines checked baggage fee. It's advisable to check United Airlines' website or contact customer service for specific guidelines regarding the transportation of specialty items as checked baggage.
It's important to note that United Airlines checked baggage allowance and fees may vary based on the specific fare type, route, and destination. Additionally, excess baggage fees may apply if you exceed the standard checked baggage allowance or weight restrictions. Travelers are encouraged to review the United baggage policy and fees on the United Airlines website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information regarding checked baggage allowances on United Airlines for their specific itinerary.
Carry-on baggage weight in United Airlines
United Airlines carry-on baggage weight limit is not specified by the maximum weight restriction for standard carry-on items. However, travelers need to stay within the size limitations and make sure that their carry-on items fit within the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them.
United Airlines rules on baggage typically enforce the following carry-on baggage size restrictions. However, you can carry around 22 kg or 50 pounds on the airline.
Standard Carry-On Bag
The maximum dimensions for a standard carry-on bag on United Airlines flights are typically 9” x 14” x 22” or 22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm, with handles and wheels. The size restrictions apply to hard-side and soft-side carry-on baggage.
Personal Item
Further to a standard carry-on bag, travelers can bring one personal item onboard, such as a laptop bag, small purse, or small backpack. The upper dimensions to carry a personal item are typically 9” x 10” x 17” or 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm.
There is no specified limit for Carry-on baggage weight in United Airlines. However, if you follow the size the weight automatically remains limited. The travelers should remain within the weight limit to stow it in the overhead bin or carry it easily on the flight. Additionally, United Airlines may enforce weight restrictions for safety reasons or if a carry-on item is deemed excessively heavy by airline staff.
It's important to note that carry-on baggage allowances and size restrictions may vary depending on the route, fare type, and destination. Travelers are advised to check United Airlines carry-on baggageweight policies on the United Airlines website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information regarding carry-on baggage allowances for their specific itinerary.
United Airlines Lost Baggage: How to Claim
If you find that your baggage is lost after the arrival of a United Airlines flight, you need to take the following steps:
- Report the United Airlines Lost Baggage: Report your lost baggage directly at the United Airlines baggage service office or representative at the airport, after knowing that you have lost it. Give the details of your flight to them, baggage tags and the description of all the missed items.
- File a Baggage Claim: You need to complete a United Airlines lost baggage claim form after consulting with the representative at the airport. Ensure to also add details which are needed about the lost baggage which includes its content, description, tag and other distinguishing features.
- Get a File Reference Number: As per the United Airlines baggage policy, you will get a file reference number for your lost baggage claim from the airline. Keep this number in your record as you would require this in future for claiming the United Airlines lost baggage. Keep this number handy as you may need it for future communication regarding your claim.
- Check Baggage Tracing Status: You can track the status of your United Airlines lost baggage claim through its official website. Make use of the file reference number to check the update on the progress of baggage location.
- Provide Contact Information: Ensure to give United Airlines the right information about your lost baggage with phone number and email address. This will allow them to reach out to you with updates or if the airline finds your baggage.
- Follow Up Regularly: Remain in touch with the United Airlines customer service department to ask about the status of the lost baggage claim. Be active in the follow-up process until your baggage is located or you get any resolution.
- Claim Compensation if Necessary: If your baggage is not located within a reasonable time frame, you may be entitled to compensation from United Airlines for the value of the lost items. Follow United Airlines' procedures for filing a claim for compensation for lost baggage.
It's crucial to act quickly and provide detailed information when you report your United Airlines lost baggage to enhance the chances of locating and finding it. United Airlines' customer service team is there to guide and assist you through the whole process, so don't hesitate to reach out to them for help and guidance.
United Airlines Baggage for Military
There are some special norms and relaxations in the United baggage policy for military discounts and extra baggage.
United Airlines offers special baggage allowances and benefits for active U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders, as well as for military dependents. Here's an overview of United Airlines' baggage policy for military personnel:
Active U.S. Military Personnel
- Active U.S. military personnel traveling on official orders are usually eligible for special baggage allowances on United Airlines flights.
- These allowances typically include additional checked baggage at no extra charge, further with the standard United Airlines checked baggage allowance. The specific baggage allowance differs based on the fare type, route and destination.
- Military personnel traveling in uniform on official business may also be eligible for pre-boarding privileges, allowing them to board the aircraft ahead of other travelers.
Military Dependents
- Dependents of active U.S. military personnel traveling on the same itinerary may also receive similar baggage allowances, provided they are traveling with the military member on official orders.
- The specific United Airlines checked baggage allowance for military dependents differs based on the circumstances and the criteria of eligibility.
Identification Requirements
- To qualify for the special United Airlines checked baggage allowance for military personnel, travelers are typically required to present valid military identification or orders at the airport check-in counter.
- This documentation confirms their status as active U.S. military personnel or military dependents traveling on official orders.
United Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
The specific baggage allowances for military personnel and their dependents may include additional checked baggage allowances, typically beyond the standard United Airlines checked baggage allowances for other travelers. These allowances may vary depending on factors such as the fare type, route, and destination of flying.
Additional Benefits
Further to baggage allowances, United Airlines may offer other benefits and services for military personnel and their dependents, such as flexibility with ticket changes or refunds in some of the cases.
Military personnel and their dependents must check the website of United Airlines or contact customer service directly for the most up-to-date information on baggage allowances and other benefits available to them. By offering valid military identification or orders and following the necessary procedures, eligible travelers can take avail of the special benefits offered by United Airlines for military travel.
MileagePlus Rules for United Airlines Baggage
The use of miles and Premier qualifying credits, provision and redemption of the awards through the United MileagePlus program, which includes the Premier Program, are based on the rules of the MileagePlus program. View the complete details and rules of the MileagePlus program for United Baggage policy with miles.
- In case you make the voluntary changes to the trip. This is why you fly with a different airline on the first leg and the policies of the airline follow. In case of traveling with any other airline, you need to pay a different fare.
- Premier member travel companions also get the same exemptions as the Premier members who can avail of the benefits. This is applicable if they travel on the same booking. There are no exemptions to group reservations of 10 or more members.
- United Airlines Checked Baggage allowance is subject to change and in some cases there is a limit to the checked bags.
- MileagePlus program also applies to United Business, United First and United Polaris business classes.
- United Economy tickets can accommodate Premier Gold members with two checked baggage as complementary and 70 pounds or 32 kg each for travel between the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Premier Gold members can check three complimentary bags at 70 pounds or 32 kg each to travel within select international markets.
FAQS About United Airlines Baggage Rules
Q1. How much is checked baggage on United Airlines?
The cost of United Airlines checked baggage depends on various factors such as the route, fare type, and MileagePlus status. United Airlines typically offers different United Airlines checked baggage fees for domestic and international flights, with additional fees for overweight or oversized bags. Travelers are encouraged to check the website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information on baggage fees.
Q2. Does United Airlines compensate for delayed baggage?
Yes, United Airlines may provide compensation for delayed baggage. Travelers whose baggage is delayed upon arrival may be eligible for reimbursement of essential expenses incurred as a result of the delay, such as clothing or toiletries. United Airlines baggage policy also has guidelines for delayed baggage compensation which can vary, so travelers should contact customer service for assistance and information on the claims process.
Q3. What bags are included with the United Basic Economy?
With United Airlines Basic Economy fares, travelers can bring one personal item onboard, such as a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. However, United Airlines Basic Economy fares usually do not include a complimentary carry-on bag, and travelers may need to pay an additional fee to bring a full-sized carry-on bag.
Q4. Does United Airlines allow a backpack and carry-on?
Yes, United Airlines baggage policy typically allows travelers to bring both a backpack (as a personal item) and a carry-on bag onboard, subject to size and weight restrictions. The backpack should fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin.
Q5. How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?
The number of free United Airlines checked baggage allowance depends on factors such as the fare type, route, and MileagePlus status. Travelers with standard Economy tickets usually receive one complimentary checked bag, while travelers with premium cabin tickets may receive additional allowances. The website of United or customer service can provide specific information on baggage allowances for your itinerary.
Q6. Do you get a free checked bag with Basic Economy?
No, United Airlines Basic Economy fares typically do not include a free checked bag. Travelers traveling on Basic Economy tickets may need to pay an additional fee to check a bag, and they may be restricted to bringing only a personal item onboard, such as a small backpack or purse.
Q7. Can you bring a purse and a backpack on a plane?
Yes, United Airlines generally allows travelers to bring both a purse (or small handbag) and a backpack onboard as carry-on items. The purse would typically be considered a personal item, while the backpack would be considered a carry-on bag. These items should comply with United Airlines size and restrictions on Carry-on baggage weight in United Airlines.
Q8. What items are not allowed on United Airlines?
United Airlines prohibits certain items from being transported on their flights, including explosives, flammable liquids, and hazardous materials. Additionally, certain items may be restricted or require special handling, such as sharp objects, firearms, and sporting equipment. Travelers should see the list of prohibited items and United Airlines baggage policy on their website or contact customer service for clarification.
