United Airlines Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1931, United Airlines (UA), is a major flag global carrier from the United States. They operate globally, with hubs across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, offering flights to 300+ destinations.

United Airlines' baggage policy is rather complex, with your specific allowance and fees primarily determined by three core factors: your purchased fare type, your route of travel, and any applicable Elite status or co-branded credit card holder waivers.

Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for United Airlines, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 56 x 35 x 23 cm.
• The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

United Airlines carry-on allowance

The carry-on has a size limit of 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) and is only free on flights to South America, across the Atlantic or to international destinations across the Pacific. In addition to the carry-on, one small personal item is permitted free of charge for all passengers. The personal item must fit beneath the seat in front of you and should not exceed 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).

United Airlines checked baggage allowance

United Airlines primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

The maximum size for a checked bag is 30 x 20 x 12 inches (76 x 52 x 30 cm) or 62 total linear inches. As for specific piece allowance, the baggage allowance is highly route-dependent, and extra baggage fees are calculated per bag and per flight segment. You can easily check the specific fees using their online baggage calculator.

United Airlines extra baggage fees

United Airlines charges separate fees for both oversized and overweight bags; if a single bag qualifies as both, the fees will be applied cumulatively. These charges apply to any bag that exceeds the passenger's free allowance, with the final fee depending on the route and the sequence of the bag (e.g., first excess bag, second excess bag). Bags over 115 inches (292 cm) and 100 lbs (45 kg) are not accepted as checked luggage, with the exception of assistive devices and musical instruments.

United Airlines special baggage policy

• Active U.S. Military Personnel: Active U.S. military personnel traveling on orders (and dependents) can check up to 5 complimentary bags. The bags must not exceed 100 lbs (45 kgs) or 115 in / 292 cm in total linear dimensions. Those on personal travel can check up to 3 complimentary bags at 70 lbs (32 kgs).
• Sporting Equipment: Most equipment (e.g., golf, skis, fishing) counts as one checked bag and is subject to standard checked bag fees if under 50 lbs/62 in. Oversize bag fees are waived for certain items, such as skis/snowboards (one bag set), surfboards, and windsurfing equipment, up to 115 in / 292 cm (on United-operated flights) but overweight fees may still apply.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may be checked, with a maximum checked size of 150 in / 381 cm and weight of 165 lbs / 75 kgs, with standard overweight fees. A passenger can also purchase an extra seat for a bulky, fragile instrument (max 165 lbs / 75 kgs) which costs the applicable adult fare plus taxes and fees.
• Children and Infants: Diaper bags, breast pumps/coolers, car seats, child safety harnesses, and strollers are carried for free and do not count toward the carry-on or personal item allowance.

Pack the Wise card with you to save on international spending

Flying abroad with United Airlines soon? Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, or extra baggage, the Wise card has you covered.

You can spend like a local in 150+ countries with this clever contactless card. It automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend, with no foreign transaction fees and only a small conversion fee.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.

Get your Wise card 🚀