United Airlines Baggage Policy and Updated Rules

One of the major airlines in the United Airlines with its headquarters in Chicago. They fly  around 175 million passengers each year to across 350 destinations. It has flights to more than six continents. This blog provides a clear insight into United Airlines’ baggage policy. We have provided you with their checked and carry-on baggage allowance and other aspects as well. Read on to know more: 

What is United Airlines’ Checked Baggage Allowance?

The airline has a strict checked baggage policy. It has a fixed size, and dimensions shouldn’t exceed 30 x 20 x 12 inches, or 62 inches total, including wheels and handles. 

• The weight limit, however, depends on the Mileage Plus Status and cabin class. Let us check it out. 
• Check the table below to know the weight limit by cabin class in the table given below: 

Cabin class	Maximum weight/bag
Premium EconomyUnited Economy	50 pounds / 23 kg
United BusinessUnited Polaris United First	70 pounds./32 kg

MileagePlus status	Maximum weight/bag
Premium Gold Premium Platinum Premium Silver Premier 1K®	70 pounds/ 32 kg
Star Alliance™ Gold	70 pounds/ 32 kg (Business)50 pounds / 23 kg

How Do You Check Your Bags?

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding checking your bag: 

• Check your bags on time to avoid inconvenience. Check the cut-off time for your airport beforehand. 
• Get your claim check at the airport kiosk for every bag you check. The claim check is nothing but a receipt. Keep the receipt until you reclaim all your bags at your final destination. 
• If you have connecting flights, you must recheck your bags between stops. 

United Airlines’ Bag Drop Shortcuts

Drop-and-go services let you check your bags quickly. During check-in, you must check your bag on United Airlines’ official website or app. After that, you should go to the drop-off area to drop off your bag. 

Tips For Checking In Your Bag on a United Airlines Flight Hassle-Free

Check out some of the tips below to prevent your bags from getting lost during the course of your travel: 

• Remove all your old bag tags before leaving for the airport.
• To check bags, arrive early.
• Take a photograph of your bag as well as the receipt.
• You may use United Airlines’ bag tracker or another device, such as an AirTag, to keep an eye on your bag. 
• Put your medicines, valuables, and any other important items in your carry-on. 
• Liquids should go inside a resealable bag. Liquids greater than 3.4 oz must go into your checked bag. 

United Airlines’ Rules For Traveling With A Carry-on

The airline lets you bring a personal item and a carry-on for free on most domestic and international flights. However, you must follow certain rules. 

• Your carry-on bags should be a reasonable size to fit in the overhead bin. They shouldn’t exceed 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches, including wheels and handles. 
• The personal items shouldn’t be more than 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches. 
• If you are carrying any bags other than cabin bags and personal items, or if any bags are oversized, they’ll need to be checked, and a fee may apply (if applicable). 

You cannot bring small bags or purses apart from your carry-on. However, you can carry certain other items for free. Check the list below: 

• Coat/jacket
• Books or anything to read
• Umbrella 
• Food or any item you purchased at the airport. 
• Mobility devices like crutches, wheelchairs, and canes
• Breast pump and a diaper bag (irrespective of whether you are traveling with kids or not)
• Child safety harness/ stroller / a car seat
• Camera

Know More About Packing Special Items In Your Carry-On Bags

There are additional rules for certain items. They can go as  a carry-on provided you follow the TSA-specified rules and regulations. 

• When carrying smart bags with lithium batteries, remove the batteries before bringing them on the plane. 
• TSA permits gels, sprays, and liquids in your carry-on. Remember, the container shouldn’t exceed 3.4 ounces/100 ml.  Also, place the contents in a clear, sealable bag. 
• Per TSA, powders should go in checked luggage. However, you may bring up to 12 ounces in your carry-on if you are flying within the United States. 
• You may carry small musical instruments on the flight, provided you pack them properly in a hard case. If you keep it in the overhead bin, your instrument counts as a carry-on. It is considered a personal item if placed below the seat  which is to your front. 
• For fragile and bulky items that may be too delicate to check, purchase a separate seat, especially if they require special handling. 

Some attachment and comfort devices cannot be carried onboard because they may block seats, tray tables, or aisles. We have listed some of them below: 

• Inflatable bed for kids 
• Seat recline blockers
• Tents 
• Helmets (which are full-faced)
• Attached leg/foot rests (brought for non-medical purposes)
• Travel pods (used for non-medical purposes) 

Carry-on Bag Limits for Basic Economy Flights

Basic Economy passengers are allowed only a personal item onboard. You are allowed a carry-on for the following destinations: 

• South America 
• Across the Pacific 
• Across the Atlantic

For all other destinations, you must check all other bags. 

The carry-on may be gate-checked under the following conditions: 

• If there isn’t much space overhead on the plane. 
• Your bag is oversized. 
• You are carrying more than your cabin baggage allowance. 

Gate-check rules vary for United Express carriers. Check the My Trips section on united.com to see whether you’re flying on United Express. 

Rules for Special Items On United Airlines Flights

Do you plan to bring your wheelchair, sports equipment, fragile items, or media bags? Each has separate rules, which we will discuss separately. We also have distinct rules for dangerous and restricted items, which we will explain in detail. 

United Airlines’ Baggage Policy – Oversized and Overweight Bags 

United Airlines flights have limited space. Additional charges apply for oversized, overweight, and extra bags. However, bags more than 115 inches and /or 100 pounds aren’t allowed on United Airlines flights. Assistive devices are accepted regardless of weight, as well as musical instruments weighing up to 165 pounds are also permitted. Extra bags are accepted based on space availability, except for assistive devices. Some destinations do not permit overweight/oversized/extra bags onboard. Check the list on United Airlines’ official website. 

What Is Regarded As A Bag On A United Airlines Flight?

The following requirements must be met for your item to qualify as a bag on a United Airlines flight: 

• It should be fully enclosed.
• The material of the bag must be such that it can bear normal handling.
• It has to comply with the weight and size limits. 
• You cannot combine many bags into a single item.
• Your bag must not protrude and must not have sharp points. Also, there shouldn’t be any removable straps. 
• It can’t contain lithium batteries or any other items not allowed in cargo. 

Checked Bag Rules for Connecting Flights

In most cases, your checked bags will automatically be transported to your last stop. However, you will have to head to the baggage claim and re-check your bag in the following cases: 

• If there is a layover 
• You have a connection and have to stay overnight.
• If your connecting flight departs more than 12 hours after you reach the airport. 
• You are going to an international destination but have to connect with a domestic flight. 

What Do You Do When You Lose An Item On A United Airlines Flight?

Losing an item can be tormenting and stressful. A dedicated team can help passengers if they lose an item onboard. 

• If you’ve left any belongings on the plane, act immediately. Fill out the lost item form on their official website. Describe your lost items in detail to help them find them easily. 
• If you left an item at the TSA security checkpoint, call 1-866-289-9673 or visit tsa.gov. 
• If your bags are damaged or missing, submit a claim. This will help you recover your belongings quickly. 

The steps to report your lost item are quite simple:

• You must report the item you lost with a sufficient description. 
• Wait for email updates. Based on the details you gave, the United Airlines team will search for your lost items for 30 days. 

Conclusion

This is a detailed overview of United Airlines’ baggage policy. This will help you understand the rules in detail and avoid inconvenience. Check United Airlines’ official website for more details. Always keep track of your baggage limits to avoid oversized and overweight fees.

Frequently Asked Questions