Ruth Haines
United Airlines offers a variety of options for passengers who need to check bags. The fees for checked bags vary depending on the destination and travel class, with domestic economy passengers paying as little as $35 for prepaid bags. It is recommended to pay for checked bags in advance, as it is usually cheaper than paying at the airport. However, passengers can still purchase checked bags at the airport kiosk or check-in desk if needed. Basic Economy fares do not include checked bags, and passengers with these tickets must check in at the airport to verify their onboard bag allowance. United also offers ways to avoid baggage fees, such as achieving elite status or using one of their co-branded cards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you pay for checked bags at the airport? | Yes |
| Can you pay for checked bags online? | Yes, up to 24 hours before your flight |
| Cost of the first checked bag at the airport | $40 |
| Cost of the first checked bag online | $35 |
| Cost of the second checked bag at the airport | $50 |
| Cost of the second checked bag online | $45 |
| Cost of the third bag | $150 |
| Cost of the first checked bag for international routes | Free for economy, $100 for basic economy |
| Cost of the second checked bag for international routes | $100 |
| Cost of the first checked bag for premium economy | Free |
| Cost of the second checked bag for premium economy | Free |
| Cost of the first checked bag for business and first class | Free |
| Cost of the second checked bag for business and first class | Free |
| Maximum weight accepted | 100 pounds |
| Weight of checked bag for free for United Premier Elites | 70 pounds |
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What You'll Learn
Paying for checked bags at the airport
Yes, you can pay for checked bags at the airport with United Airlines. However, it is recommended that you book your checked bag in advance, as it is cheaper to pay online before arriving at the airport. You can pay for your checked bag online up to 24 hours before your flight.
If you are unsure whether you will need to check in a bag, you can opt for the Basic Economy fare, which does not include checked bags. You can then pay for a checked bag at the airport. However, this fare does not allow you to check in online, and you will need to verify your onboard bag allowance at the airport. Additionally, with the Basic Economy fare, you cannot select your seat in advance, and any changes to your booking may incur extra fees.
The cost of checking a bag at the airport varies depending on your destination and travel class. For domestic flights, the first checked bag costs $40, and the second bag is $50. If you prepaid for your bags, the second bag would cost $45. For international routes, economy passengers can check one bag for free, and the second bag costs $100. Premium Economy passengers can check two bags for free. For Basic Economy, the first bag costs $75, and the second is $100.
It is important to note that United Airlines has specific weight requirements for checked bags. If your bag exceeds 50 pounds, you may have to pay up to $100 per bag, and bags over 70 pounds may cost up to $200. United will not accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds.
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Online vs. at the airport: where to pay less?
United Airlines offers a baggage fee calculator on its website, which can be used to determine the cost of checked bags. The calculator takes into account factors such as destination, travel date, cabin class, credit card, and elite affiliations. This tool can be used to compare the cost of paying for checked bags online versus at the airport.
In general, it is recommended to pay for checked bags online in advance, as United Airlines offers a discount for bags prepaid at least 24 hours before departure. This discount applies to the first two checked bags for flights within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, it is important to note that this prepay discount does not apply to flights to Canada.
For economy-class passengers without elite status, the baggage weight limit before incurring fees is 50 pounds per bag. If the bag exceeds 50 pounds but is less than 70 pounds, additional fees may apply, ranging from $50 to $100 per bag. Passengers with elite status or traveling in business or first class have a higher weight limit of 70 pounds per bag.
When traveling internationally, the baggage policy becomes more complicated. Economy passengers traveling to Europe or South America receive at least one free checked bag, but fees for additional bags can be high, ranging from $75 to $100. On the other hand, passengers traveling to Asia can check two bags for free.
To avoid paying checked bag fees altogether, it is recommended to use a credit card that offers a bag-fee waiver or to utilize United Airlines' MileagePlus loyalty program. Additionally, certain exceptions apply, such as for MileagePlus Premier members, primary card members of United MileagePlus credit cards, and flights to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic, or on international flights across the Pacific.
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Basic Economy fare and checked bags
Basic Economy fares are the lowest-price option for travellers. However, they come with restrictions. Basic Economy passengers board last, and overhead bin space is usually full by then. This means that Basic Economy passengers may have to check their carry-on bag and can only bring one personal item on board. Basic Economy fares also do not include free checked bags.
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow eligible credit card members to check one free bag when travelling to domestic destinations. United Airlines also offers a free checked bag in basic economy on Trans-Pacific flights. United MileagePlus Premier members also receive benefits on basic economy fares, including free checked bags for members and their travel companions. The number of free checked bags depends on the member's Premier status level. For example, Premier Silver members receive priority boarding and one free checked bag, while Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members receive priority boarding and three free checked bags.
United Basic Economy passengers can expect to pay $35 ($30 if prepaid) for the first checked bag and $45 ($40 if prepaid) for the second checked bag on domestic flights. Some of the restrictions around United Basic Economy fares are waived for those who carry one of the airline's co-branded credit cards, including priority boarding and free checked bag allowances.
It is important to note that basic economy tickets are not offered on every route. Before purchasing, check if the ticket option is available on a particular flight by looking at the flight search results page on the airline's website or app.
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Bag weight and associated fees
United Airlines has a comprehensive policy regarding checked baggage fees and carry-on guidelines. While the airline allows some customers to enjoy a free first checked bag or two, it depends on factors such as your destination, travel class, and whether you have elite status or carry select United credit cards.
For those travelling to Asia, you can check two bags for free. On international routes, economy passengers can check one bag for free, while a second bag will cost $100. Those travelling on a basic economy ticket will be charged $75 for their first checked bag and $100 for their second. Economy passengers on flights to/from South America will receive at least one free checked bag, but a second bag will incur a fee of between $65 and $100. Economy passengers travelling to Europe also receive at least one free checked bag, but fees for a second bag will be as high as $100.
United Airlines charges both an overweight fee and an oversize fee. The overweight fee starts at $100 per bag for 51-70 pounds and $200 per bag for 70-100 pounds. The oversize fee starts at $200 per bag for 63-80 inches, including wheels and handles.
If you bring a carry-on bag to the gate, you will have to pay the checked bag fee and a $25 gate handling charge. However, there are some conditions under which basic economy tickets allow a carry-on free of charge, including trans-Pacific flights to/from the US, flights to/from Canada, South America, or across the Atlantic or Pacific, and elite members and their companions.
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Checked bag fees by destination and travel class
The checked bag fees for United Airlines vary depending on factors such as the region of travel, weight of bags, and travel class. For flights within North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, passengers who prepay for their bags at least 24 hours before departure receive a $5 discount on each of the first two checked bags. However, this prepay discount does not apply to flights to Canada. The standard weight limit for checked bags in these regions is 50 pounds per bag for economy-class passengers without elite status, and 70 pounds for those with elite status or travelling in business or first class.
When travelling to Asia, United Airlines allows two checked bags for free. However, the airline charges both overweight and oversize fees. The overweight fee starts at $100 per bag for bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds, and increases to $200 for bags weighing 70 to 100 pounds. The oversize fee, on the other hand, starts at $200 per bag for bags measuring 63 to 80 inches, including wheels and handles.
For flights to and from South America, all economy passengers will receive at least one free checked bag. Additionally, passengers travelling in premium cabins, such as domestic first class, international business class, or Polaris business class, are entitled to check at least two bags without any additional charges. Holding certain United credit cards, such as the United Quest Card, United Club Card, or United Club Business Card, also provides benefits, allowing the cardholder and a travelling companion to check their first and second bags for free.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can pay for checked bags at the airport. However, it is cheaper to pay for checked bags online in advance.
The cost of checking a bag at the airport with United varies by destination and travel class. For example, the first checked bag for a domestic economy flight costs $40, while the second bag costs $50.
If you are a "Basic Economy" traveler with no checked bags, you cannot complete check-in online and are required to check in at the airport.
Yes, United will not accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds. Depending on your destination, if your bag exceeds 50 pounds but is less than 70 pounds, you may have to pay up to $100 per bag.
