United Airlines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
United Airlines gives every fare one free personal item, and Economy and above also include a free full-size carry-on — but Basic Economy is limited to a personal item only. After the April 2026 fee increase, the first checked bag on most domestic routes is $45 prepaid online ($50 at the airport) and the second is $55 online ($60 at the airport). Premier elites, United-branded Chase cardholders, military, and premium-cabin flyers can check bags free.
The bottom line on United Airlines baggage
United Airlines looks like a standard full-service carrier, but it hides a catch: Basic Economy gives you only a personal item, not the free full-size carry-on that every higher fare includes. The trap is showing up with a roller bag on a Basic Economy ticket — it gets gate-checked for a fee.
If Basic Economy tempts you, price the upgrade to standard Economy against that gate-check charge. When you do check bags, prepay online to save $5 each, or carry a United Explorer card, which gives you and one companion a free first checked bag.
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Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- Basic Economy gives you ONLY a personal item — show up with a full-size roller bag and it's gate-checked for a fee. This is United's single biggest baggage trap.
- The $45 / $55 prices are the online prepaid rate; paying at the airport adds $5 per bag, so always add bags at least 24 hours ahead.
- Overweight escalates fast: 51–70 lb is +$100 but 71–100 lb jumps to +$200, and an oversize (+$200) charge stacks on the very same bag.
United Airlinesbaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One free personal item (small backpack, purse, or laptop bag) on every fare, including Basic Economy. Must fit under the seat, max 17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 22 cm). |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | One free carry-on bag (max 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 35 x 23 cm including handles and wheels) is included on Economy and all higher fares. Basic Economy does NOT include a full-size carry-on — those passengers may only bring a personal item (exceptions for transatlantic/transpacific routes and elites). |
| 🧳 First checked bag | $45 |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | $50 |
United Airlines checked bag fees
| 1st checked bag (domestic, online) | $45 |
| 1st checked bag (domestic, at airport) | $50 |
| 2nd checked bag (domestic, online) | $55 |
| 2nd checked bag (domestic, at airport) | $60 |
| 3rd checked bag (domestic) | $200 |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what United Airlines will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$45
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
United Airlines vs Delta Air Lines vs American Airlines: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| United Airlines | Delta Air Lines | American Airlines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $45 | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | $55 | $55 |
| Overweight surcharge | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying United Airlines abroad?
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🔁 Change & cancellation
United has no change fees on standard Economy and above for domestic and most international flights; you pay only any fare difference. Basic Economy is non-changeable and generally non-refundable. All tickets booked directly with United include a 24-hour risk-free cancellation with full refund when booked at least 7 days before departure.
United Airlines flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a US-departing United Airlines flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| In-cabin pet (carrier) | $150 |
| Economy seat selection | From $9 |
| Overweight bag (51–70 lb, domestic) | $100 |
| Overweight bag (71–100 lb, domestic) | $200 |
| Oversize bag (63–115 linear in, domestic) | $200 |
What stops you paying these fees on United Airlines
- An overweight bag costs +$100 here over 23 kg, each way. A scale costs about $10 — the maths on that →
How to avoid extra fees
- Prepay checked bags online (24+ hours ahead) to save $5 per bag versus the airport price.
- If you fly Basic Economy, remember you can only bring a personal item — a full-size carry-on will be gate-checked for a fee, so pack light or upgrade to standard Economy.
- The United Explorer Card (and most United-branded Chase cards) gives the cardholder and one companion a free first checked bag on United flights.
- MileagePlus Premier Silver and above, active-duty military, and premium-cabin (first/business) passengers get free checked bags automatically.
- Keep each checked bag at or under 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches — a bag of 51–70 lb adds $100 (71–100 lb is $200) and one over 62 inches adds $200, and both fees stack on the same bag.
United Airlines baggage — FAQ
＋ − Can I bring a carry-on on United Basic Economy?
Generally no. On most domestic United Basic Economy fares you may only bring one personal item that fits under the seat; a full-size carry-on is not included and will be checked at the gate for a fee. Elites, eligible cardholders, and certain long-haul international routes are exceptions.
＋ − How much is a checked bag on United in 2026?
On most domestic routes the first checked bag is $45 if you prepay online (or $50 at the airport) and the second is $55 online ($60 at the airport), following United's April 2026 fee increase. International and some routes differ.
＋ − How much are United's overweight and oversize bag fees?
A checked bag weighing 51–70 lb costs an extra $100 (71–100 lb is $200), and a bag measuring 63–115 linear inches costs an extra $200 on domestic routes. United applies overweight and oversize charges separately, so a bag that is both incurs both fees on top of the standard checked-bag fee.
＋ − Does United offer a free cancellation window?
Yes. Tickets booked directly with United at least 7 days before departure can be canceled within 24 hours for a full refund, regardless of fare type, including Basic Economy.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with United Airlines. Figures here reflect United Airlines's published US fares as of 2026-07-12.