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United Airlines allows passengers to check their luggage at the airport up to 24 hours in advance. However, some sources suggest that you can only check your bags 4 hours before your flight. The cost of checking bags for international travel depends on the destination. For example, the first bag costs $40 and the second bag costs $50 for travel to and from Canada and Mexico. For domestic travel within the U.S., the first checked bag costs $40 ($35 if paid online at least 24 hours before the flight) and the second bag costs $50 ($45 if prepaid online).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 4 hours before the flight. However, some sources suggest 24 hours in advance. |
| Checked bag fees | $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag for flights within the U.S. |
| Checked bag fees (online) | $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag if paid online 24 hours before the flight. |
| Checked bag fees (international) | $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag for travel to and from Canada and Mexico. |
| Checked bag fees (military) | Free for active U.S. military members with ID and their dependents for up to two bags for personal travel and five bags when traveling on military orders. |
| Checked bag weight allowance | 50 pounds for economy and premium economy passengers. Fees for overweight bags start at $200. First class, business class, and MileagePlus Premier members can check up to 70 pounds. |
| Carry-on allowance | One carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Carry-on bags must not exceed 22" x 14" x 9" in dimension. |
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What You'll Learn
Checked bag fees
United Airlines charges fees for checked bags, and these can be calculated using the airline's baggage fee calculator. This tool allows you to input your destination, travel date, cabin class, credit card, and elite affiliations to determine the checked bag fees for your specific journey.
There are ways to avoid paying checked bag fees. For instance, active-duty U.S. military personnel and their accompanying dependents qualify for free checked bags. Up to five bags can be checked for free per person while travelling on official business, and three bags for personal travel. This benefit also applies to dependents when travelling without the military member for relocation or on official orders.
Additionally, certain credit cards may cover checked bag fees. For example, holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express receive an annual $200 airline fee credit. To redeem these airline incidental credits, you must designate United as your preferred airline. Subsequently, you will receive a statement credit when paying for checked bags with these credit cards.
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Bag weight allowance
United Airlines' (UA) baggage allowance differs depending on your route, ticket type, and class of service. Passengers can take one carry-on bag and one small personal item on board. The carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) and must fit in the overhead lockers. The small personal item should not be larger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and must fit under the seat. This personal item could be a laptop bag, backpack, or handbag. Passengers travelling on a Basic Economy ticket are only permitted to bring one personal item on board.
United Airlines has specific weight restrictions for checked baggage. For U.S. domestic flights, bags over the standard weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) will incur extra charges. For bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kilograms), the extra charge is $100 to $200 USD per bag. For bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds (33 to 46 kilograms), the extra charge is $400 USD per bag. Bags exceeding 100 pounds (46 kilograms) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
International flight fees differ. For example, International Basic Economy checked baggage fees are $60 USD for the first bag and $100 USD for the second. Some routes allow two checked bags as standard. United Airlines recommends using their "Baggage Calculator" on their website to determine the exact fees per route.
It is important to note that there are restrictions on baggage size and certain destinations do not accept overweight or extra baggage. Additionally, there are separate guidelines for sports equipment and musical instruments.
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Carry-on allowances
When travelling with United Airlines, your baggage allowance may differ depending on your route, ticket type, and class of service. However, as a general rule, passengers can take one carry-on bag and one small personal item on board.
Carry-on bags should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) and must fit in the overhead lockers. This could include a small suitcase or a larger laptop bag, backpack, or handbag. Your carry-on bag should be stowed in the overhead compartment above your seat or in a designated area in the cabin.
In addition to your carry-on bag, you can also bring one small personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. This item should not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you. It's important to ensure that your personal item is easily accessible and does not block the aisle or emergency exit.
Passengers travelling on a Basic Economy ticket are only permitted to bring one small personal item on board. This means that they cannot bring a larger carry-on bag that needs to be stored in the overhead locker. Any items that exceed the advised measurements or additional carry-on bags will incur an additional fee.
It's important to note that certain items may be prohibited from being carried on board due to security regulations. These restrictions can vary by country and airline, so it's always a good idea to check the United Airlines website or local regulations for the most up-to-date information before packing your carry-on luggage. Additionally, for travel between specific regions, such as the U.S. and Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are limitations on the number of extra checked bags accepted, which is three in this case.
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Timing of check-in
The timing of checking in your bags on United Airlines depends on the method you choose to check in.
Online Check-in
Online check-in for United Airlines flights is available from 24 hours to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This option is available to passengers with an electronic ticket for a United Airlines flight, who are not special needs passengers, and who are departing from an airport that accepts mobile boarding passes. Passengers can check bags online and then drop them off at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline.
Airport Kiosk Check-in
Passengers can also check in at the airport using a self-service kiosk from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. This option is available at most U.S. airport locations and allows passengers to check bags, pay bag fees, and select or change their seat.
Airport Ticket Counter Check-in
The check-in time at the airport ticket counter is the same as for the self-service kiosk, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours before departure. Passengers can check bags, pay bag fees, and select or change their seats at the ticket counter.
Voice Check-in
United Airlines also offers a voice check-in option, where passengers can call a number and say "check-in" to initiate the process. During voice check-in, passengers can specify the number of bags they want to check and arrange for their boarding documents to be delivered by email or picked up at an airport kiosk.
It is important to note that some sources suggest that United Airlines allows passengers to check their luggage at the airport up to 24 hours in advance, while others mention a minimum check-in time of 4 hours before departure. However, the majority of sources indicate that check-in typically opens 2-4 hours before the flight. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the airline's official website or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding check-in timings.
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Refunds for prepaid luggage
If you have prepaid for luggage and decide not to bring it on your United Airlines flight, you can get a refund. Prepaid bags will be automatically refunded after the flight if they are not used to check in a bag. If you do not receive the refund, you can request it on the United Airlines website. Alternatively, you could request the refund in advance.
If you have accidentally selected and paid for more bags than you need, you may be able to cancel and receive a refund by contacting a phone agent. However, if your bag is already on the trolley to be loaded onto the plane, it is too late to cancel and receive a refund.
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Frequently asked questions
United Airlines allows passengers to check their luggage at the airport up to 24 hours in advance. However, some passengers have reported that smaller airports may not allow check-in more than 4 hours prior to departure.
The cost of checking a bag with United Airlines is $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag for flights within the US. For international flights, the cost depends on the destination. For example, flights to and from Canada and Mexico also cost $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second.
Yes, the weight limit depends on the passenger's fare class and MileagePlus status. Economy and premium economy passengers' checked bags must weigh 50 pounds or less, while first class, business class, and MileagePlus Premier members can check bags weighing up to 70 pounds.
Yes, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches can be checked free of charge, regardless of size and weight.
Passengers can save money by paying for checked bags online at least 24 hours before their flight, which costs $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
