Independent summary, reviewed September 2026. WarBird Flight is not affiliated with United Airlines. Exact fees depend on route and fare; the agent quotes them for your booking.
United Airlines Baggage Allowance and Fees
What United Airlines includes for carry-on and checked bags, where fees apply, and how to add bags at the lowest price. Call (708) 866-8751 to add bags to a booking or to book a fare that includes them.
Carry-on
Economy and above include a carry-on and a personal item. Basic Economy on most domestic and short-haul routes allows only a personal item; a carry-on must be checked for a fee.
Checked bags
First and second checked bag fees apply on domestic Economy; complimentary allowances on many international routes, for Premier members, and with United co-branded cards.
Good to know
Prepaying bags online or with the agent at booking is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Overweight bags (over 50 lb / 23 kg on most carriers) and oversize bags carry extra fees on every airline. Sports equipment, instruments, and medical devices have their own rules; the agent can add them to the booking.
Fare classes and bags on United Airlines
- Basic Economy: Lowest fare. No seat selection before check-in, no changes, and on most domestic routes no full-size carry-on.
- Economy: Standard economy with seat selection, free changes on most fares, carry-on included.
- Economy Plus: Extra legroom seats in the front of economy.
- Premium Plus / First / Polaris: Premium economy on long-haul; domestic First; Polaris lie-flat business class internationally.
Baggage help on United Airlines
Licensed agents at our partner agency handle these by phone, 24/7. No charge for a quote.
Guides on baggage, seats, and special items
Airline policiesChecked Bag and Carry-On Rules Compared Across AirlinesHow the major US and international carriers differ on carry-ons, first-bag fees, and who gets bags free.
Airline policiesFlying with Sports Gear and Musical Instruments: Bags, Fees, and the Cabin RuleHow airlines handle golf clubs, skis, bikes, and surfboards, the rule that lets small instruments in the cabin, and how to protect a fragile item in the hold.
Booking tipsSeat Selection Fees: When You Pay, When You Don't, and Sitting TogetherHow seat fees work on the major US carriers, which fares include a seat, how families get seated together without paying, and when to just pick at check-in.
Airline policiesAirline Pet Policies Compared: In-Cabin, Checked, and CargoWhich airlines take pets in the cabin, size and fee rules, and the shrinking options for larger dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What does United charge for a checked bag?
A first-bag fee applies on domestic Economy and Basic Economy, with a higher second-bag fee. International allowances vary. The agent quotes the fee for your route.
What is United's carry-on size?
22 x 14 x 9 inches for the carry-on; 17 x 10 x 9 inches for the personal item.
Compiled by the WarBird Flight editors from each airline's published contract of carriage and U.S. Department of Transportation consumer rules, not marketing claims. Updated September 2026. Sources: DOT Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, Bureau of Transportation Statistics.