Suitcase Rules: United Airlines Travel Guide

can i bring a suitcase on airport united

United Airlines allows passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item on board for free. The carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the personal item must be no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches. These items can include backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and approved pet carriers. There are no weight restrictions for carry-on bags, but the bag must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. United Express flights and Basic Economy tickets have different allowances, with Basic Economy passengers only permitted to bring one personal item. United's baggage fees vary depending on the region, weight, and other factors, and passengers can use the airline's `Baggage Calculator' to determine the exact fees for their route.

Characteristics Values
Number of carry-on bags allowed 1
Number of personal items allowed 1
Carry-on bag dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm
Personal item dimensions 17 x 10 x 9 inches or 41 x 28 x 20 cm
Weight restrictions No weight restrictions for carry-on or personal items; checked bags must not exceed 70 pounds (32 kg) for domestic flights or 50 pounds (23 kg) for international flights
Additional items allowed Jacket, umbrella, food purchased at the airport, mobility devices, car seat, diaper bag, camera
Fees for checked bags $35-$50 for the first bag and $45-$50 for the second bag for domestic flights; fees vary for international flights depending on the destination
Overweight bag fees $100-$200 for bags over 50 pounds (23 kg) but under 70 pounds (32 kg); $200 for bags over 70 pounds (32 kg) but under 100 pounds (45 kg)
Fee avoidance United's MileagePlus program offers free checked bags for members depending on their tier; active U.S. military members with ID and their dependents can check up to two bags for free for personal travel and up to five bags for free when travelling on military orders

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Carry-on luggage rules

United Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. The carry-on bag must be able to fit in the overhead bin and should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or backpack, must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (41 x 28 x 20 cm). It is important to note that these policies are subject to change over time, so it is recommended to check with United Airlines directly to ensure your carry-on luggage meets their current requirements.

There are some exceptions to the carry-on rules. For instance, if you are travelling on a United Express flight or with a Basic Economy ticket on a non-transatlantic flight, you may only bring one personal item without any carry-on luggage. In this case, your personal item must fit under the seat, and you will not be allowed to bring any carry-on-sized bags. If you do bring a carry-on bag to the gate, you will be required to pay a checked bag fee and a gate handling charge.

United Airlines has specific guidelines for certain items. For example, small musical instruments like guitars and violins can be brought on board if they are packed in a hard case and there is available space in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Lithium batteries must be removed from their devices, insulated, and protected against crushing or puncturing. Additionally, items such as liquid nitrogen in vented bags and powered air-purifying respirators with batteries removed are permitted as long as they comply with TSA regulations.

United Airlines has a baggage fee structure for checked bags, with fees varying based on factors such as the number of bags, weight, destination, and the passenger's fare class and loyalty program status. The standard checked baggage policy allows two bags with maximum dimensions of 62 inches (157 cm), and fees apply for additional or oversized bags. The airline provides a “Baggage Calculator” on their website to help determine the exact fees per route. It is worth noting that United's baggage policy discourages passengers from bringing a third checked bag, with fees starting at $150 for domestic U.S. flights.

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Personal item allowance

United Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed the dimensions 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 35 x 43 cm). This includes items such as backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and approved pet carriers. It's worth noting that items like jackets, umbrellas, diaper bags, duty-free items, and assistive devices do not count towards your carry-on allowance.

If you are travelling on a United Basic Economy ticket, you are only permitted to bring one personal item that fits under the seat, and any carry-on-sized bags must be checked. This also applies to United Express flights, which typically use smaller aircraft with less overhead space. In these cases, you can check your bag for free at the gate and it will be returned to you just outside the aircraft at your destination.

It's important to note that carry-on policies can change over time, so it's recommended to check with United directly to ensure your luggage meets their current requirements. Additionally, United's baggage fees vary based on factors such as your destination, fare type, and membership in their MileagePlus rewards program.

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Weight restrictions

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board free of charge. The carry-on bag dimensions must not exceed 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), while the personal item dimensions must not exceed 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (41 cm x 28 cm x 20 cm). These dimensions include any handles and wheels.

There is no maximum weight allowance for carry-on bags. However, the bag must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

For checked bags, the weight restrictions depend on the passenger's fare class and MileagePlus status. Economy and premium economy passengers, United non-elites, Star Alliance Gold elites, or passengers who book with a United credit card that allows a free checked bag have a bag allowance of 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. If the bag exceeds 50 pounds but is less than 70 pounds, an additional fee of up to $100 per bag may apply. Bags weighing more than 70 pounds but less than 100 pounds may incur a fee of up to $200 per bag. United will not accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds.

Premier Silver members of United's MileagePlus program can check one bag for free, with a maximum weight of 70 pounds. Premier Gold members can check up to two bags for free, also with a maximum weight of 70 pounds per bag. Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members can check three bags of up to 70 pounds each.

United's standard checked baggage policy allows two bags with maximum dimensions of 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height). Fees for checked bags vary based on the region, fare type, and the passenger's status with United or an affiliated carrier.

United's baggage fees start at $150 for domestic U.S. flights and vary depending on the number of bags and their weight. For example, the first checked bag for domestic travel within the U.S. costs $40, while the second bag costs $50. Internationally, the fees vary by destination, with flights to Canada and Mexico costing the same as domestic travel.

United's website provides a “Baggage Calculator” to determine the exact fees per route. It is recommended to check this calculator to understand the weight restrictions and associated fees for your specific itinerary.

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Baggage fees

United Airlines allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, etc.) per passenger free of charge. The carry-on bag must not exceed 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels, and it must fit in the overhead bin. The personal item must not exceed 36 linear inches (16 x 11 x 8 in) or 89 cm (41 x 28 x 20 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

If you are travelling on a United Express flight or flying Basic Economy on a non-transatlantic flight, the rules are different. Basic Economy passengers are only allowed to bring a personal item—no carry-on bag. If you bring a carry-on bag with you to the gate, you will have to pay the checked bag fee and a $25 gate handling charge (some sources state this as $35). On United Express flights, if your carry-on bag does not fit in the overhead bins of the smaller aircraft, you will have to check your bag for free at the gate, and United will return it to you just outside the aircraft at your destination.

United Airlines' standard checked baggage/hold luggage policy allows 2 bags standard (fees apply for Economy Class fares). The maximum dimensions are 62 inches or 157 cm (length + width + height). Fees are determined by the type of fare purchased, your destination, your status with United Airlines' frequent flyer program, and other factors. For U.S. domestic flights, overweight bags (over 50 pounds or 23 kilograms) will be charged an additional $100.00 to $200.00 USD. For bags over 70 pounds (32 kilograms), you may have to pay up to $200 per bag. United will not accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds (46 kilograms). For international flights to and from the U.S., overweight bag fees range from $200.00 to $400.00 USD.

United Airlines has a Baggage Calculator on its website where you can enter your destination, travel date, cabin class, credit card, and elite affiliations to determine checked bag fees.

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Exemptions

Carry-on baggage

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board free of charge. The carry-on bag must fit within the overhead bin, with maximum dimensions of 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), including handles and wheels. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger, with maximum dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (16 x 11 x 8 inches or 41 x 28 x 20 cm).

However, there are some exceptions to the carry-on baggage allowance:

  • Basic Economy tickets: Passengers with Basic Economy tickets are only allowed to bring one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. The size limit for these items is 9 x 10 x 17 inches. Carry-on bags are not included in the Basic Economy fare, and if passengers bring a carry-on bag to the gate, they will be charged a checked bag fee and a $25-$35 gate handling fee.
  • United Express flights: These flights typically use smaller aircraft with less overhead space. If your carry-on bag does not fit in the overhead bin, you will need to check it for free at the gate and it will be returned to you at your destination.

Checked baggage

Checked baggage fees for United Airlines vary depending on the destination, fare type, and the passenger's status with the airline or affiliated programs. Here are some exemptions to the standard checked baggage fees:

  • MileagePlus members: Members of United's MileagePlus rewards program with Premier status can check at least one bag for free, with the number of free bags depending on their tier. For example, Premier Silver members receive one free checked bag, while Premier Gold members can check up to two bags for free.
  • Military personnel: Active U.S. military members with ID and their dependents can check up to two bags for free for personal travel and up to five bags for free when travelling on military orders.
  • Credit card holders: United Explorer Card credit card holders and their companions get one free checked bag when purchasing plane tickets with the card.
  • International flights: The checked baggage fees for international flights vary by destination. For example, the first checked bag for flights to and from Canada and Mexico costs $40, while the second bag costs $50.
  • Sports equipment: Skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and other sports equipment can often be checked as regular baggage or carry-on, depending on the item, as long as they meet the size and weight requirements.

Prohibited items

While United Airlines allows passengers to bring a variety of items on board, there are some restrictions and prohibited items to be aware of:

  • Liquids: Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100ml) are not allowed in carry-on luggage and must be checked.
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices: These items are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be removed if the carry-on bag needs to be checked at the gate.
  • Lighters and matches: Lighters and matches are prohibited from carry-on luggage for flights departing from Beijing.

It is recommended to check the TSA's website for a comprehensive list of prohibited items and to ensure that your carry-on items comply with their regulations.

Frequently asked questions

The maximum size for a carry-on bag is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels.

The maximum size for a personal item is 17 x 10 x 9 inches or 41 x 28 x 20 cm. Personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop bags and approved pet carriers.

The cost to check a bag on a United Airlines flight depends on various factors such as the type of fare purchased, your destination, and your membership status. For domestic U.S. flights, the first checked bag costs $40, and the second bag costs $50. For international flights, the cost of checking bags depends on the destination.

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