United Airlines bag policy: What you can carry on and how much it costs to check luggage

Following the lead of American Airlines, United Airlines has raised the cost of checking bags.

Under the updated United Airlines baggage policy, the cost to check a bag is now $40 for the first bag ($35 if paid online at least 24 hours before the flight) and $50 for the second bag ($45 if prepaid online) for flights within the U.S.

United's checked bag fees were previously $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.

The cost of checking bags for international travel depends on the destination. For example, it also costs $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag for travel to and from Canada and Mexico.

Here's what to know about United Airlines' baggage policy.

How much does United charge for checked bags?

For domestic travel, United Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second checked bag. The fees are $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag if you pay online at least 24 hours before your flight.

The fees are the same for international destinations in the Americas such as Canada and Mexico, as well as the Caribbean. However, The Arizona Republic found there was no discount to prepay for checked bags for flights to and from Canada when we used United's Bag Fee Calculator to price the cost of checking luggage for Phoenix-Toronto and Phoenix-Calgary itineraries.

Does United Economy include a checked bag?

United Economy fares do not include a checked bag.

Can I bring a carry-on with United Economy?

United's Economy and Economy Plus fares include one free carry-on that can go in the overhead bin plus a personal item. United Basic Economy fares permit one personal item that fits under the seat. Carry-on sized bags must be checked.

Are prepaid baggage fees refundable on United?

Passengers may be able to get refunds for checked luggage if they prepay for more bags than they check, or if their flight is cancelled, according to United.

How can I get a free checked bag on United Airlines?

Certain fare classes and loyalty program tiers include free checked bags on United.

Members of United's MileagePlus rewards program who have MileagePlus Premier status can check at least one bag for free, and the number of free bags depends on their tier. To reach the minimum Premier level, Premier Silver (one free checked bag), passengers must either take 12 qualifying flights and earn 4,000 qualifying points or earn 5,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.

United Explorer Card credit card holders, plus a companion, get one free checked bag when they purchase their plane tickets with that card. The credit card has an introductory annual fee of $0, which increases to $95 annually after the first year.

Active U.S. military members with ID and their dependents can check up to two bags free for personal travel and up to five bags free when traveling on military orders, according to United.

What is United Airlines' baggage allowance?

The baggage weight allowance on United depends on a passenger's fare class and MileagePlus status. For economy and premium economy passengers, checked bags must weigh 50 pounds or less. Fees for overweight bags start at $200.

First class passengers, business class passengers and MileagePlus Premier members can check bags that weigh up to 70 pounds.

Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes and crutches are free to check regardless of size and weight.

How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?

United Airlines passengers may board with one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.

What is the carry-on size restriction for United?

Carry-on bags can measure no more than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels.

What is the personal item size restriction for United?

The size limit for personal items, which include purses, small handbags, backpacks and laptop bags, is 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.

Does United allow a backpack and carry-on?

If you have a carry-on bag, you can also bring a backpack as long as it meets the size limit for a personal item, which is 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high. Passengers may not bring two carry-on size bags.

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?

No weight limits for carry-on bags are noted in United's carry-on bag policies. Carry-on bags and personal items within the size limits can fly regardless of weight as long as the carry-on can fit in the overhead bin and the personal item can fit under the seat.

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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: United Airlines baggage policy: What's free and what you pay for