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A trip on United Airlines can be a effortless experience if you're ready and prepared, however nothing can dampen your trip more than unexpected baggage charges or an over-sized baggage dramas at the airport. In December 2025, United's baggage policies remain a breeze for the majority of passengers, and includes specific guidelines for carry-on luggage allowances, check-in bag limits as well as fees that differ according to the type of fare and travel. When you're traveling for a domestic flight or traveling abroad knowing how to navigate the United Airlines baggage fees and policy is crucial to packing efficiently and also saving money. In this article, we'll go over the most important aspects that apply to carry-ons, such as size limitations for carry-ons as well as fees for checked baggage as well as tips for avoiding typical pitfalls. We'll dive into.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance: Pack Light and Save
One of the greatest benefits that comes with traveling with United is their large carry-on luggage allowance. A majority of passengers can carry only one bag for carry-on and one item of personal belongings to use for free when flying domestically and internationally. The bag you carry on must be not more than 22x14x 9 inches (56 35 cm x 23 centimeters), including handles and wheels. It should allow it to be placed within the overhead compartment. The personal items you carry with you -- such as an purse, backpack or laptop bag -- should not exceed 17 10x9 inches (43 25 x 22 centimeters) and slide easily between the seats before you.
But, Basic Economy flyers face restrictions that are more stringent: you're restricted to a personal item and carry-on is not free other than South America, across the Atlantic or Pacific routes. If you're carrying an item with Basic Economy for other routes, you'll need to pay the cost, which starts at just $35 (or 65 at the gate). There are exceptions to MileagePlus Premier participants, Star Alliance Gold elites as well as United credit card owners with a free carry-on in Basic Economy.
The gate-checking service is available if the space in your bag is short, but you must check your bags before you leave. Liquids over 3.4 ounces? Use the TSA's quart size bag limit. Don't forget that things like umbrellas, coats as well as diaper bags won't add to the limit. The carry-on allowance for baggage keeps everything simple. Just pack your essentials, and stroll through the security.
Checked Baggage Policy: Size, Weight, and Limits
If you require more room the checked baggage policy at United permits bags as large as 60 linear inches (30 20x20x12 inches, or 76 x 52 30cm), including wheels and handles. The weight limits are based on your class of cabin as well as your status: 50 pounds (23 kg) for Economy and Premium Economy. The weight limit increases the limit to 70 pounds (32 kg) in Business, First and Polaris as well as for premium customers including Premier Silver and above. If you exceed these limits, you'll be charged for overweight starting with $100 per bag.
Most Economy customers pay for their first and the second bag and the $5 increase that was implemented on February 20, 2024, and remaining applicable until 2025. Premium cabins such as Premium Economy offer two free checked bags. Active duty military are entitled to three. Basic Economy? Similar fee structure to normal Economy, however there are no gates-checking benefits.
Utilize United's Checked Bag Fee Calculator on their website to obtain exact estimates for your trip. Fees may differ greatly depending on the travel route. Pay online for your bags until 24 hours prior to departure time to save $5 each bag.
Baggage Fees and How to Avoid Them
Let's discuss numbers: On several routes within the domestic U.S. routes in 2025 The first bag checked is 40 dollars ($35 for prepaying), with the next bag at $50 ($45 paid in advance). Third bags beyond? You can expect $150 or more per bag. International flights are a different story. For instance, transatlantic flights or transpacific flights. Economy usually comes with a free checked bag of up to 50 pounds. the additional bags cost between $100 and $200 depending on where you are going. To Europe? Two bags that weigh less than 50 pounds could be free with Premium Economy. However, Economy might add $75 to the initial.
Bags that are too big (over the 62-inch limit) are charged $200. sports equipment like skis are counted as checked bags which could result in additional charges. How can you avoid these charges for checked bags? Choose the United credit card (waives the bag first for the traveler and your companion) or attain elite status, or use a service such as Luggage Forward. Be sure to label your bags with a clearly marked tag. Lost accidents with luggage aren't common, but they can be they can be stressful.
International Travel Considerations
Are you traveling abroad? United's baggage allowance international adjusts according to regions. When flying from Europe there is a free checked bag (50 pounds) is the standard baggage allowance for Economy. Two bags are available for Premium. The Asia-Pacific routes are similarly arranged however some cities like India allow that weigh up to 32 kilograms each in all classes. Latin America? Most often, one bag is free, However, make sure to check specific rules for each country. Keep in mind that carry-on regulations are the same globally. However, powders that exceed 12 ounces need to be checked in the outside of the U.S.
Declarations of customs as well as prohibited items (like certain food items) include layers. Read TSA as well as the destination's guidelines. In 2025, there will be no significant modifications from 2024. However, make sure to confirm this via the United application.
Special Items and Restrictions
Are you sporting an instrument, golf clubs or other baby gear? United will accommodate most of them by allowing sports equipment policies. Golf bags and skis count as the initial checked bags, which are usually free if you stay within the limits. Artwork that is fragile requires an extra packaging. Lithium batteries found in smart bags need to be taken out. Dry frozen ice? up to 5.5 pounds in total. Car seats and strollers fly for free when they are added as an extra.
Hazardous products? There are no hoverboards, or strikes-anywhere matches. Consider carrying on or insurance.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey
Learn how to follow the United Airlines baggage policy:
Measure and weigh in advance Make use of a portable scale so that you don't get gate shocks.
Print and prepay tags save both time and cash.
Status of Leverage to join MileagePlus to enjoy perks such as bag bags for free.
Flexible pack The idea is to roll clothing in order for maximum the space.
Keep track of your bag The app of United shows the current location in real time.
With planning by planning ahead, you'll be focusing on your adventure and instead of the money.
The overall United policies on baggage in 2025 give the flexibility of fees with the limits of carry-on luxury and set aside money for additional checked bags. To get personalized advice about delay, bags that are lost, or claims, talk for experts on MyBaggageInfo.com or call +855-855-510-5187. Have a safe trip!
Also Check: Book Smart: Insider Deals on Flights, Luggage, and Baggage Policies
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