United Airlines® Baggage Fees
Airline baggage fees can feel like hidden landmines, especially when you’re trying to avoid surprise costs at the airport. United Airlines lets most passengers bring one carry-on and one personal item free of charge, but checked bag fees typically start around $35–$45 per bag, each way on domestic flights. Add weight or size violations and those charges grow fast.
Let’s take a closer look at United’s baggage fees, policies, and restrictions and how you can skip airport hassles and save money by shipping your bags with LugLess.
United baggage fees - domestic
Here are typical United checked bag fees for many domestic routes. Fees vary by fare type, elite status, route, and when you purchase.
| Baggage category | Fee | Max Weight | Max Size (L+W+H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LugLess carry-on | $14-$39 | 25lbs | Calculate |
| First checked bag | $40 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Second checked bag | $50 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Third checked bag | $150 | 50lbs | 62" |
| Fourth(+) checked bag | $200 | 50lbs | 62" |
| LugLess checked bag | $25-$45 | 50lbs | Calculate |
| Overweight bag | +$100 | 51-70lbs | 62" |
| Overweight bag | +$200 | 71-100lbs | 62" |
| Oversized bag | +$200 | 50lbs | 63"-115" |
| LugLess oversized bag | $28-$55 | 75lbs | Calculate |
Even when checked bag fees start in the mid-$30s, the total cost adds up quickly for families, multiple bags, or heavier luggage.
LugLess vs. United Checked Bag Fees
Wondering if LugLess can save you money? For many travelers, the answer is yes — especially with multiple bags or heavier luggage.
| Option | Cost | Hassle | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Checked Bag | $35–$55+ | Airport lines & baggage claim | Airport |
| LugLess | From $25 | None | Door-to-door |
With LugLess, you skip the airport stress and often pay less than United’s baggage fees — especially when you’re traveling with more than one bag.
How to avoid United baggage fees
Smart packing can save you real money:
- Weigh luggage at home before leaving
- Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
- Use packing cubes to compress clothing
- Add checked bags online in advance when possible
If you have a travel card, check the baggage perks some cover a bag per passenger.
Another option? Skip airline baggage fees entirely. LugLess ships your bags to your destination, and it’s often less than what airlines charge for checked luggage (especially with multiple bags). Bonus: you avoid check-in lines, weigh-ins, and baggage claim.
United Airlines checked baggage fees
To stay within United’s standard checked-bag rules:
- Maximum weight per checked bag: 50 pounds
- Maximum size: 62” total linear inches (length + width + height)
- Fees depend on fare type, status, route, and when you add baggage
You may qualify for waived checked bag fees if you’re:
- A United Premier elite member
- Flying Business/First Class
- Using certain co-brand credit cards
Special rules can apply to sports equipment and musical instruments, and overweight/oversize fees may still apply depending on the item.
United Airlines carry-on baggage fees
Planning to fly with just a carry-on? Know the rules, or you could end up checking your bag at the last minute (and paying for it).
United typically allows most passengers:
- One carry-on bag (free)
- One personal item (free)
Carry-on size limit:
- 22” x 14” x 9” (including wheels and handles)
Personal items include:
- Purse
- Briefcase
- Small backpack
- Laptop bag
United also allows certain medically necessary or assistive devices at no extra charge. If your bag doesn’t meet size limits or doesn’t fit in the overhead bin, you may be required to check it.
United Airlines overweight baggage fees
United enforces weight limits on checked luggage, and overweight charges are added on top of the standard checked bag fee.
-
Overweight (51–100 lbs): +$100 per bag
Example: If your first checked bag weighs 60 pounds, you could pay:
-
$35–$45 checked bag fee
-
$100 overweight fee
Total: $135–$145 each way
Round trip? That’s where it starts to sting.
United Airlines oversized baggage fees
To stay within United’s standard checked-bag rules:
- Maximum weight per checked bag: 50 pounds
- Maximum size: 62” total linear inches (length + width + height)
- Fees depend on fare type, status, route, and when you add baggage
You may qualify for waived checked bag fees if you’re:
- A United Premier elite member
- Flying Business/First Class
- Using certain co-brand credit cards
Special rules can apply to sports equipment and musical instruments, and overweight/oversize fees may still apply depending on the item.
United baggage fee exceptions & waivers
Want to dodge checked bag fees on United? You may qualify for free checked bags if you:
- Fly in United Business or First Class
- Have United Premier Gold, Platinum, or 1K status
- Hold certain United co-brand credit cards
- Travel with military benefits that include baggage waivers
Depending on your eligibility, you might get one free bag or multiple. If you’re flying standard Economy with no perks, baggage charges can stack up quickly.
United Airlines Baggage FAQs
How much does United charge for checked bags?
Checked bag fees vary by route, fare type, and when you add baggage. On many domestic routes, the first checked bag often starts around $35–$45 each way.
Does United charge for carry-on bags?
Most passengers can bring one carry-on and one personal item for free, but some fare types (like certain Basic Economy tickets) may have different rules.
What is United’s carry-on size limit?
United’s typical carry-on size limit is 22” x 14” x 9” (including wheels and handles).
What is United’s checked bag size limit?
Standard checked bags are typically limited to 62” total linear inches (length + width + height).
What is United’s checked bag weight limit?
Standard checked bags are typically limited to 50 pounds. Bags over the limit may incur overweight fees.
Can I check more than two bags on United?
Yes, but additional bag fees generally increase significantly starting with your third checked bag.
Is shipping luggage cheaper than checking on United?
Often yes — especially with multiple bags, overweight luggage, or longer trips. Shipping can also save time and stress by avoiding baggage lines and baggage claim.
More information on United's baggage fees
The actual fees charged for checked luggage will vary depending on your specific fare class, loyalty status, and other factors. For additional information on United Airlines checked baggage fees, please visit United’s website. United Airlines® is a registered trademark of United Airlines, Inc. This page was last updated on February 17, 2026. Neither LugLess, nor its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained herein.