United charges $35 for the first checked bag on most domestic U.S. flights, $60 for the second, and $100 for the third or more. These fees apply unless you have a qualifying fare, elite status, or credit card benefits.
Baggage fees are based on route, ticket class, and passenger tier. Domestic flights within the U.S. follow a standard pricing model, while international routes may differ. United allows one carry-on bag free for all passengers, but only if it meets size requirements (22 x 14 x 9 inches).
For travelers using United's MileagePlus program, elite members receive free checked bags based on their status level. Gold and Platinum members get two bags free, while Premier members receive unlimited checked bags. These benefits apply to both domestic and international travel.
United uses a tiered system for checked bags. The first bag on a domestic flight costs $35. The second bag increases to $60, and each additional bag beyond that is $100. This structure applies to most economy and coach tickets unless upgraded or purchased with a premium fare.
Fees are assessed per bag, not per passenger. A family of four flying together could pay $35 for one bag, $60 for the second, and $100 each for the third and fourth, totaling $295. This cost rises quickly with multiple bags.
International flights vary. For example, a flight from New York to London with a single checked bag costs $100 for the first bag, $150 for the second, and $200 for the third. These prices reflect higher handling and fuel costs associated with long-haul travel.
United allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free for all passengers. Carry-ons must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Personal items include small backpacks, purses, or laptop bags that fit under the seat.
Checked bags must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) for domestic flights. Exceeding this limit incurs a $100 overweight fee. Bags over 62 linear inches (length + width + height) are subject to a $100 oversized fee. The combined dimensions of a bag must stay under 62 inches.
For example, a suitcase measuring 28 x 20 x 14 inches totals 62 inches-exactly the maximum. A bag measuring 30 x 22 x 15 inches exceeds the limit and triggers an oversized fee. Always measure your bag before checking it.
| Bag Type | Domestic Fee (USD) | International Fee (USD) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | $35 | $100 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Second checked bag | $60 | $150 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Third+ checked bag | $100 | $200 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Overweight (over 50 lbs) | $100 | $150 | - |
| Oversized (over 62 in) | $100 | $150 | - |
Several groups receive free checked bags automatically. United Premier members (Platinum and above) get unlimited checked bags on all flights. United's MileagePlus Gold members receive two free bags on domestic and international flights.
Passengers flying in business or first class on United or United Express flights also get two free bags. These benefits apply regardless of the destination. Even if you book a basic economy ticket, upgrading to a premium class grants free bag privileges.
Certain credit cards offer baggage fee waivers. The United Explorer Card and United MileagePlus Reserve Card waive checked bag fees for the primary cardholder and up to four companions. These cards cover up to two bags per person on domestic flights.
Many travelers assume that booking a "discount" fare includes free bags. That's false. Basic economy tickets do not include free checked bags, even if they're sold through United's website. You must purchase bags separately or qualify for a waiver.
Another error is assuming that connecting flights reduce fees. United applies the same bag fee regardless of layovers. A flight from Chicago to Los Angeles via Denver still charges $35 for the first bag. The number of stops doesn't affect pricing.
A lesser-known rule: if you check a bag at a United airport counter and later discover it's overweight, you'll be charged the fee at check-in. There's no refund or adjustment after the fact. Always weigh your bag before reaching the counter.
Four adults fly from Chicago (ORD) to Miami (MIA) on a domestic United flight. They each have one carry-on. Two passengers check one bag each. One checks two bags. The third checks none.
Bag fees: $35 × 3 bags = $105. The fourth bag is the second bag for one passenger, so it's $60. Total: $165. If they had booked a United credit card, the first two bags would have been free. The third bag would still cost $60.
One traveler forgot to weigh their bag. It came in at 55 lbs. The airline charged $100 for overweight. The total bill rose to $265. This mistake cost $100 more than expected.
Purchase bags online before check-in. United offers a $10 discount on the first bag if bought in advance. The second bag saves $15. Booking early reduces stress and avoids last-minute surcharges.
Use United's mobile app to track baggage fees during booking. The app shows real-time pricing and lets you add bags during checkout. You can also view your bag's status after check-in.
If you're unsure whether your bag qualifies, visit United's official baggage policy page. The site includes a calculator tool that estimates fees based on route, number of bags, and passenger tier. Always verify details before arriving at the airport.
When traveling with children, remember that infants under two years old don't count toward bag allowances. A family of five with two infants can still check four bags without exceeding the standard limit.
I once flew from Denver to San Francisco with a 28-inch suitcase. It passed through security but was rejected at the gate because it exceeded 62 linear inches. The airline charged $100 for oversized. I learned to measure bags before packing.