United Airlines Baggage Fees

As of February 2024, United Airlines has made changes to its baggage fees for economy-class passengers on domestic flights. Under the new policy, the checked bag fee has increased by $5.

Under the new policy, the fee for the first checked bag is updated to $40 (or $35 if paid online at least 24 hours in advance), while the fee for a second checked bag will cost $50 at the airport (or $45 if travelers pay in advance). 

These changes in the United bag policy apply to tickets purchased on or after Saturday, February 24. For domestic flights within the United States, any additional bags will incur a fee of $150 each. 

The airline will also continue to offer the option to check a first bag for free on long-haul international flights and charge $100 for a second checked bag.

Note that the maximum size allowed for a checked bag is 30 inches x 20 inches x 12 inches (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm), or a total of 62 inches, including handles and wheels.

United Airlines charges fees for both overweight and oversized baggage, which can accumulate quickly. Overweight bag fees start at $100 for weights between 51 and 70 pounds and increase to $200 per bag for weights between 71 and 100 pounds. 

Bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) are not accepted for check-in. With exceptions for musical instruments and all assistive devices, you can carry musical instruments for up to 165 pounds (75 kilograms), and all assistive devices like baby strollers and wheelchairs are permitted regardless of weight.

You will face a United oversized fee for bags between 63 and 80 inches (including wheels and handles). The Airlines charge up to $200 each way in addition to the standard baggage fees.

United Airlines cannot accept bags that exceed 115 inches (292 centimeters) in total dimensions (length + width + height). If your bag exceeds this size, it will not be accepted for check-in due to space limitations.

These fees apply to both domestic and international flights. If a bag is both oversized and overweight, passengers will be charged both fees, resulting in a total fee of $400 per bag.

Economy passengers, non-elite members, Star Alliance Gold elites, or travelers with specific United credit cards with one free checked bag benefit, including United Explorer Card and United Business Card have a baggage allowance of 50 pounds.While United Premier Elite members or passengers in premium cabins, including those traveling in business/first class with elite status, can check in a bag of up to 70 pounds for free.

The checked bag fees are relatively straightforward for United Airlines flights within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. If you prepay for your bags at least 24 hours before departure, you’ll save $5 on each of the first two checked bags, except for flights to Canada.

Economy class passengers need to pay $40 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second checked bag at the airport. Business and first-class passengers are allowed up to two checked bags free of charge.

These baggage fees are subject to change and may have exceptions for elite status or certain credit card holders. It’s best to pay online in advance for bags to leverage the discount and ensure compliance with United’s baggage weight limits to avoid additional fees.

United Airlines international checked bag fee is charged based on your route and fare class. Fees may vary for regions like Asia or South America. You can save by paying for your bags online or being MileagePlus members with elite status.

Here is a breakdown of different baggage policies for passengers traveling to various international destinations with United Airlines:

Remember that these fees and policies are subject to change, so it’s always recommended to check directly with United Airlines or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information regarding baggage fees and allowances.

United Airlines has a change fee policy that varies based on the type of ticket purchased and the destination. Flight change fee is waived for Economy, Economy Plus, and Premium Cabin tickets for:

• Domestic flights within the U.S.
• Flights between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean
• International flights originating in the U.S. 

However, Basic Economy tickets do not allow changes unless upgraded to Economy or a Premium Cabin. International flights that do not originate in the U.S. can be changed, but change fees still apply.

With exceptions for certain situations, such as for military personnel on active duty, a 24-hour booking policy allowing free changes within 24 hours of booking, or passengers with premium cabin tickets or elite status in the United MileagePlus program may receive waivers or reduced fee for changing their flights.

The exact change fees applicable will depend on the specific ticket and route, and if the change is made within 24 hours of booking the flight, there may be no change fee.

For domestic flight, the fee is typically $200 per person, and for international flight it is $400.

For accurate information on United Airlines change fee, contact 1–888–682–0666 directly or review the terms and conditions associated with your ticket.

You can conveniently change your flight with United Airlines through the United website or mobile app. Just go to ‘My Trips’ and select ‘Change flight.’

From there, click ‘Edit’ to update your flight details and choose a new flight that meets specific criteria. It can also be done over a phone or at the airport using a kiosk or speaking to an agent.

Most sporting equipment like skis, snowboards, hang gliding gear, parachutes, and other items can be counted as a checked bag on United Airlines, or in some cases, a carry-on, provided they meet specific requirements.

Generally, there are no additional fees beyond standard checked bag fees, except for scuba tanks. However, United Airlines does not accept kayaks or canoes. 

Remember that oversized, overweight and extra items will be subject to additional fees. For detailed information on the requirements and any applicable fees for checking sports equipment, you can refer to United’s website.

United Airlines offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing passengers to cancel their flights within 24 of booking without penalty.

However, cancellations made after 24 hours may incur fees depending on various factors like type of ticket purchases and seat availability. 

Whether it’s a non-refundable or refundable ticket, the airline provides options for cancellations based on fare type and individual circumstances, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Wanna Get Away tickets are reusable but not refundable, while Business Select and Anytime fares are fully refundable and reusable. 

Refunds are issued in the original form of payment or as travel funds, valid for up to one year from the purchase date. The cancellation fee can be up to $200 for domestic flights and up to $750 for international flights, if not canceled before 24 hours. 

However, there are exceptions where this United Airlines cancellation fee may be waived, such as in cases of bereavement, military orders, or severe weather disruptions.

It is important to review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or contact the airlines directly for the most up-to-date information on cancellation fees.

You can easily cancel your United Airlines flight through the United website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service.

Simply, navigate to ‘My Trips,’ select ‘Cancel flight,’ and confirm your cancellation. After confirming, you’ll be given options for a travel credit or a refund, depending on your preference.