You can book cheap flights, availing of all the promo codes and offers, but one unfortunate expense while traveling is baggage fees. Every airline has set a specific charge for baggage allowance, depending on the length and weight of your luggage. Due to the surge in baggage charges, people have come up with many innovative ideas to save on the extra fee one has to pay for extra baggage. Some prefer a carry bag, while others put on layers to reduce the luggage weight. These tricks might have helped people, but they are not the best way to avoid extra charges for luggage.
United Airlines also has specific guidelines that determine the baggage charge. The airlines have categorized the baggage charges as per the dimensions or weight. Let us dive into details to understand excess baggage charges for United Airlines.
Before we move ahead, we highly encourage you to check United Airlines’ baggage policy as the airline can change their policy, allowance limit and the fees without any further notification.
United Airlines Baggage Charges
Traveling with United Airlines can cost you a lot when it comes to baggage allowances. Here is a detailed guide to the baggage charges for passengers planning to travel with United shortly.
Carry Bags
Carry bags can be taken free of charge while traveling. The cost is generally included in the airfare, allowing passengers to carry their items without worrying about extra baggage. However, your carry bag must meet the dimension guidelines set by the airlines for the convenience of every passenger onboard. The bag should not exceed 9 inches X 14 inches X 22 inches. Here are the basic terms and conditions set by the airlines, stating that:
- Passengers holding basic economy tickets will be charged for checked baggage and assessed an additional $25 handling fee if they bring a standard-sized carry-on bag to the gate.
- Passengers flying on basic economy tickets will be allowed a carry-on bag free of charge only if they are traveling to South America, across the Atlantic, or the Pacific.
Note: To save on your carry-bag allowance, you can either be a member of MileagePlus Premier or a Star Alliance Gold member.
Checked Baggage
The checked baggage policy solely depends on the weight and dimension of the luggage. In general, United Airlines has set the standard size of a checked bag to be 30 in x 20 in x 12 in and a weight of 50 pounds for Basic Economy or Premium Economy. For business class and higher cabins, the luggage must not weigh more than 70 pounds. Now if you are carrying more than one bag, you have to pay for the extra luggage. However, airlines can deny extra bags if there is no space available. The price for baggage check-in starts at $35.00 for the first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third bag. This is the standard baggage price for domestic passengers, which also depends on the weight and size categories.
Anyone flying outside North America and Latin America has to pay approximately $65 for the second bag. This price may vary as per the arrival destination. United Airlines has introduced a baggage calculator to calculate and prepay the amount or fee.
Note: If you are an elite member, your second checked bag will be free. You can also apply for a United credit card and get a free second checked bag.
Checked Baggage Fee Guidelines for United Airlines
The policy for checked-in luggage varies depending on factors like overweight or oversized luggage. Bags that exceed the standard size or weight can cost you more than the normal baggage charges. Here is a brief explanation of how the size or dimension of your luggage can be categorized as overweight or oversized, increasing the standard fee.
Oversized Baggage Fee
United Airlines strictly says no to an oversized bag, especially if you are flying internationally. If the bag exceeds the dimensions of 115 inches (292 cm), it won’t be allowed on the plane. Any bag that meets the size limitation and exceeds the standard size will cost USD 200.00.
Overweight Baggage Fee
United Airlines has also set a limitation on the weight allowed on the flight. Any luggage that weighs more than 100 pounds (45 kg) is not permitted during check-in. However, there is an exception for assistive devices and musical instruments. The extra baggage fee for overweight luggage is approximately $100.00 to $200.00 per bag for 51 to 70 pounds, and $400.00 per bag if your luggage exceeds 71 pounds.
The United Airlines baggage policy can be complicated, but it is beneficial for all passengers. You can always save on extra baggage fees by subscribing to their Elite memberships, which offer multiple benefits to users. Remember, these baggage charges are subject to change; therefore, do refer to the official website of United Airlines for current information on extra baggage policies.
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