United Airlines baggage allowance and fees
Updated September 2026
United's checked bag fee looks like a simple fare-class question, but two other factors — MileagePlus elite status and certain co-branded credit cards — can waive the fee entirely regardless of fare. Worth checking before you assume you have to pay.
Carry-on and personal item
Every fare includes one carry-on (9 x 14 x 22 in / 23 x 36 x 56 cm including wheels and handles) and one personal item (9 x 10 x 17 in / 22 x 25 x 43 cm) that fits under the seat. Basic Economy on many domestic routes restricts you to the personal item only — no carry-on — so check your specific fare's rules before you pack a full-size bag. Check your bag against this and 52 other airlines with our carry-on checker.
Checked bags: fare class is the starting point, not the whole story
On most North American routes, a first checked bag costs around $35 online ($40 at the airport) and a second around $45 online ($50 at the airport) on standard Economy fares — checked bags are not automatically included the way they sometimes are internationally. Premium Plus and above (Polaris, Business, First) typically include checked bags as part of the fare.
Standard checked-bag limits: 50 lb (23 kg) in Economy, up to 70 lb (32 kg) in premium cabins; 62 linear inches (158 cm, L+W+H including wheels and handles) maximum size.
How elite status and credit cards change the math
MileagePlus Premier elite tiers can include free checked bags — often for the member and companions traveling on the same reservation — regardless of the fare class booked. Several United-branded credit cards also waive the first checked bag fee for the primary cardholder (and sometimes companions) on eligible tickets. If you fly United regularly, this is worth factoring into whether elite status or a co-branded card pays for itself faster than you'd expect from the flight discounts alone.
Bottom line
Don't assume your checked bag fee from fare class alone — check whether MileagePlus status or a co-branded credit card on your reservation already covers it before you pay at booking or the airport. See our checked luggage guide for what to look for once you know your weight budget.
Sources
LuggageSearch is reader-supported. This page may contain affiliate links — see our disclosure. Airline policies change: always confirm on the airline's own site before flying.
