United States 
Star Alliance About United Airlines
United Airlines is a major U.S. carrier and a founding Star Alliance member, with an extensive domestic and international network. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | $35 (domestic), Varies (international) | $45 (domestic), Varies (international) | 50 pounds (23 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| Business/First | Free | Free | 70 pounds (32 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Additional bags: $150+ each
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official United Airlines baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
Chicago → London (Economy)
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), 18 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 50 pounds (23 kg) — $35 (domestic), Varies (international)
2nd bag: $45 (domestic), Varies (international)
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
Chicago → Paris (Business Class)
Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), 18 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 70 pounds (32 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | $15 per kg (varies by route) | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Save up to 40% when prepaying online | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | $100-400 for bags over 50 lbs | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through United Airlines's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join MileagePlus: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
United Airlines accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Pet carriers: Subject to specific dimensions
Pets in cabin for small animals with carrier.
Health certificate required; book minimum 72h ahead
Mobility devices: Free of charge
Wheelchairs and mobility aids transported free.
Notify airline 48h ahead; battery wheelchairs need approval
Sports equipment: Special rules and fees apply
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference
Musical Instruments
- Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
- Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
- Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
- Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight
Sports Equipment
- Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
- Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
- Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
- Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length
Hub Airports
Compare United Airlines With Broader Baggage Charts
Use these comparison guides to benchmark this airline against broader cabin, personal item, and checked baggage patterns before you book.
United Airlines Baggage Booking Watchouts
These notes are here to highlight where this airline usually creates the most baggage confusion before checkout.
Who this page helps most
Best for travelers pricing U.S. domestic Economy tickets where baggage fees can materially change the real trip cost.
Where travelers misread the rules
United can look inexpensive at the fare level, but domestic first- and second-bag charges add up quickly if you do not plan for them up front.
What to verify before paying
Review the route-specific baggage price, MileagePlus benefits, and whether any partner-operated segment follows different baggage rules.
United is a classic example of why baggage policy matters as much as the headline airfare. The rules are not especially unusual, but the final price changes fast once domestic checked bags are added back into an Economy booking.
Cabin setup in practice
The cabin side is familiar for a major U.S. airline: a standard overhead bag plus a smaller personal item. Travelers rarely get surprised by the size rule itself unless they are crossing between fare types or carriers.
How checked baggage usually works
Economy usually starts with a 23 kg / 50 lb checked-bag baseline, while Business and First step up to 32 kg / 70 lb and stronger included allowances.
Where the cost usually changes
The pain point is the domestic baggage ladder: first bag, second bag, and extra-bag fees stack quickly, which can change whether the cheapest fare is actually the cheapest trip.
Smart booking checklist
- Price the ticket again after adding the first and second checked bag you realistically need.
- Check whether MileagePlus status or cabin class changes the allowance before buying bags separately.
- Verify that partner-operated segments are not using a different baggage rule set.
Taiwan 
Thailand 
Germany 
Turkey