United Airlines baggage allowance varies by fare and route. Call 1-888-843-5587 for details on carry-on, checked baggage, overweight fees, and international policies.

Carry‑On & Personal Items

1. Standard Economy (non‑Basic): One carry‑on bag (max 22 × 14 × 9 inches including wheels/handles) plus one personal item (up to 9 × 10 × 17 inches) allowed free of charge on most domestic and international flights.

2. No weight limits are applied to carry‑ons or personal items, but you must be able to lift and stow your bag in the overhead bin yourself.

3. Basic Economy tickets (fare class “N”) typically include only a personal item, except on trans‑Atlantic, trans‑Pacific, Canada, Central/South America routes, where a carry‑on is permitted. If you bring a full‑size carry‑on but your fare doesn’t include it, you’ll be required to check it and pay a handling fee (typically $35 at the gate).

4. On United Express (partner regional flights), overhead bin space is limited—oversize items may be gate‑checked for free, but with restrictions and removals for things like e‑cigs.

5. Additional small items allowed regardless of fare: jacket, umbrella, medical devices, duty‑free goods, infant items (diaper bag, breast pump, child seat, if lap infant) etc..

Checked Baggage Rules & Fees

Dimensions & Weight

1. Maximum checked bag dimensions: 62 linear inches (total length + width + height) or about 30 × 20 × 12 inches (~158 cm total).

2. Weight limits:

   1. Economy / Basic Economy: up to 50 lb (23 kg)

   2. Business / First class and active US military: up to 70 lb (32 kg)

   3. Military on official orders: up to 115 inches/292 cm overall size allowance.

 Get More Info about - https://flyrules.com/blog/united-airlines-baggage-allowance-rules-policy/

Fees (U.S. Domestic Flights)

1. Economy (non‑Basic):

   1. 1st checked bag: ~$40–35

   2. 2nd bag: ~$50–45

2. Basic Economy: similar checked‑bag fees apply; if you add a carry‑on fee, that’s separate.

Fees (International)

1. Economy routes to/from Europe:

   1. First checked bag: typically, free

   2. Second bag: ~$100

2. Basic Economy international:

   1. First bag: ~$75

   2. Second bag: ~$100

3. A third and further bags can cost around $200 each.

Overweight / Oversize Fees

1. Overweight (51–70 lb / 24–32 kg): around $200 extra per bag

2. Oversize (63–115 inches / 160–292 cm): also ~$200 extra per bag

3. Extremely overweight or oversized baggage (over limits) may not be accepted.

 Special Items & Exceptions

1. Musical instruments :may be brought onboard as carry‑on plus personal item if space allows. For Basic Economy, the instrument can count instead of the personal item; oversize instruments may require check and handling fee (~$35).

2. Infants (lap child): may bring additional items like diaper bag, breast pump, child seat (FAA‑approved) on top of standard allowances.

3. Pets: small domestic pets in carriers allowed in cabin (with fee, e.g. ~$150 one‑way), in addition to carry‑on allowance. Carrier size requirements apply.

 Check‑In Timing

As of June 3, 2025, all domestic passengers whether checking bags or not must check in at least 45 minutes before departure. Previously, those without checked bags had up to 30 minutes. For international flights, the check-in deadline remains 60 minutes before departure.

Missing the window may result in denied boarding, cancellation, or loss of baggage option, although United may attempt to accommodate affected travelers.

  Basic Economy allows carry‑on only on trans‑Atlantic, Pacific, Canada, Central/South America routes or for certain elite/MileagePlus cardholders.

  Final Tips

1. Confirm your fare class (Economy vs. Basic Economy) on your itinerary.

2. Measure your luggage to ensure it meets the size caps (carry‑on: 22 × 14 × 9 in; personal item: 9 × 10 × 17 in).

3. Avoid surprises at the gate carry-on baggage that doesn’t fit under the seat on Basic Economy routes will cost extra if gate‑checked.

4. To avoid check‑in cutoff issues, check in no later than 45 minutes before domestic departure, ideally earlier.