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 federal 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.
United Airlines booking · United Airlines changes and cancellations