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United Airlines 2025 Baggage Allowance For Carry-On And Checked Baggage

Have you ever found yourself in very long queues at the airport, trying to be on time, and afterward feared that your bag is too heavy or the carry on bag is too big to fit in the overhead baggage? The confusion in baggage is also experienced by many travelers on the airline. The actual information on what you can bring and its price can save time, money, and anxiety.

To be able to travel without any hassles next time, here is a clear outline of the baggage allowance of United Airlines in 2025 regarding the carry-on as well as the checked baggage.

What is United Airlines Baggage Policy?

All airlines have their baggage policies; the United Airlines baggage policy is the same, where the passengers of the airline can pack their baggage without any form of worry; however, they will be required to follow the following. You are on a weekend trip or you are about to have a long adventure journey, and you are already loaded with your baggage, the baggage policy of United will enable you to pack the baggage more prudently, and not be caught unawares by the airport policy.

United Airlines also offers carry-on baggage and checked baggage shipment to its customers with the size of the space assigned to each type of baggage depending on the kind of ticket, the location, and the level of MileagePlus.

Carry-On Baggage

The personal item that the airlines will allow is a laptop bag, purse, or backpack and a carry-on.

Checked Baggage

When it comes to luggage that is to be checked, the quantity of free bags and the weight are conditional on the type of fare and the route. Economy passengers may be forced to pay baggage weight, except in most cases, which is free for Premium and Business Class passengers.

Weight and Size Limits

United will find it easy to allow Economy, Premium, or Business Class 50 lbs (23 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg) respectively, for the number of bags checked.

Extra and Oversized Bags

You pay extra charges when you carry more than the permitted number of bags or when the size/weight is exceeded, hence it is always prudent to weigh your baggage before going to the airport.

United Airlines International Baggage Fees Explained

There are baggage fees with United Airlines when traveling abroad, and these will vary depending on your fare and destination. Here are the key points for 2025:

Carry-On Baggage

The carry-on bag should not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm), including wheels and handles; it must be in the overhead bin. Basic Economy passengers are only allowed to carry one personal item, and a full carry-on bag will almost always cost them extra money on a long flight. The united hand baggage weight doesn't matter, but make sure it will fit under the bin.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Most flights to Economy class offer a free first bag on numerous destinations. The bag weight should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kg), and the summed up dimensions should not be greater than 62 inches (158 cm). The second bag to be carried usually costs a charge, which is usually approximately $100.

Basic Economy Checked Bags

Basic Economy customers usually spend between $60 and $75 on their initial checked bag, and $100 on the second bag on long-haul flights.

Premium Cabins

Another aspect of the increase in allowances is on higher fare classes, including Business and First class, where allowances generally rise to include checked bags with a weight limit of up to 70 pounds (32 kg) and free checked bags depending on the route.

Oversized Fees and Overweight

The overweight charges on bags that have a weight of 51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg) cost around $200 per bag. Fees of approximately 200 are also charged on oversized bags 63 to 115 (160 to 292 cm).

Excess Bags and Third Bags

Bags that are greater than the allowance usually cost between $150 and $200, depending on the route, and $200 is usually the price of third and subsequent bags on most international flights.

Restrictions

Bags larger than 115 inches (292 cm) or more than 100 pounds (45 kg) do not have any chance to be handled as checked baggage unless there are some special allowances, such as musical instruments or assistive devices.

How Much is the United Airlines Overweight Baggage Fee?

United Airlines will impose overweight baggage charges if the weight of your bag is above the usual weight limit. The following is the explanation that considers the baggage charges of United Airlines:

  • United Airlines economy baggage size and Premium Economy passengers have a maximum of 50 pounds (23 kg) of weight per checked baggage.
  • A bag weighing between 51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg) will attract an overweight baggage fee of $100 per bag.
  • In different scenarios where the bag weight range is between 71 and 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg), the overweight fee increases to 200 USD per bag.
  • United Airlines does not carry checked baggage to the extent that it weighs more than 100 pounds (45 kg).
  • Business or First Class passengers, along with passengers having elite status, can carry a cumulative weight of 70 pounds (32 kg) per bag without any additional overweight fees.
  • Both charges are applied separately when a bag is overweight and oversized.

United Airlines Checked Baggage Weight Limits: What You Need to Know

United airlines has simple, straightforward guidelines on the United checked bag weight based on the ticket type, cabin, and frequent flyer status that enable it to ensure that its travel is hassle-free and prevent unnecessary bills.

Economy and Premium Economy: The passengers in these classes should be permitted to carry some 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of baggage each way. The bags that are heavier than this will attract a baggage overweight charge.

Business Class, First Class and Polaris: Premium passengers are given an enhanced weight limit in their checked baggage of up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms). This increased limit implies more room during packing of long or business trips.

MileagePlus Elite Members: Elite status baggage is also enhanced in the case of the United frequent flyers who are elite (Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K). Popular members usually have the ability to carry the baggage of up to 70 pounds (32 kg) irrespective of the cabin class, which is very convenient and a saving feature.

Size Restrictions: The total length, width and height of each bag should not exceed 62 linear inches (i.e. the total length of the bag + width and height) and this is approximately 158cm when the bag is fitted with wheels and handles. Bags, which are bigger than this size, are considered overweight and they would be charged extra.

Overweight Bags:

  • A weight that lies between 51 and 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg) usually incurs a surcharge of approximately $100.
  • The overweight fee of approximately $200 is charged on bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg).
  • Any baggage above 100 pounds (45 kg) is not normally accepted to be checked in.

Oversized Bags: Oversized bags that are bigger than 62 linear inches and smaller than 115 linear inches (292 cm) may attract a fee of up to $200.

Special Cases: This is an exception where musical instruments and assistive devices can have more liberal size and weight limits.

Through the right method of arrangement, prior weighing of your luggage, and being aware of what you are allowed to carry, there will be fewer struggles with your luggage on your trip.

United Airlines Carry-On Baggage Size and Restrictions

United Airlines permits travelers to have one carry-on bag and one personal item on the plane, but the size limitations and regulations have to be followed to make the trip manageable.

Carry-On Bag Size: The overhead bin carry-on bag limit is as narrow as 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm). These measurements touch upon the wheels and handle of your bag. In case your bag is more than these sizes, you will have to have it checked at the gate, and the gate handling fee and any other checked bag fees might be paid.

Personal Item Size: Besides the carry-on bag, you are allowed to carry one personal item, e.g., purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. The box should fit in the front seat and should not be more than 9x10x17 (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

Weight Restrictions: United Airlines has no maximum weight for a carry-on bag; however, think about how easy and convenient it is to carry and store your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment alone.

Basic Economy Restrictions:

  • Basic Economy passengers are given free transport of one personal item.
  • They are not permitted a full-sized carry-on bag except when flying to South America, across the Atlantic, or the Pacific.
  • When a carry-on bag is carried on such restricted flights, then it should be checked at the gate with a charged-up fee.

Special Cases: Other personal objects, such as an umbrella, child restraint, or diaper bag can also be bought.

United Express Flights: You might be requested to have carry-on bags checked at the gate, regardless of size restrictions, on a small number of regional United Express flights because of the smaller aircraft.

What Items Are Prohibited on United Airlines Flights?

The following are the generic names of the list of prohibited items on the United Airlines flights:

  • Firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives things
  • Sharp objects
  • Self-defense sprays
  • Lithium batteries
  • Flammable liquids and gases
  • Radioactive materials
  • Poisonous substances
  • Sporting goods
  • Matches and lighters
  • Stun guns and tasers

How to Avoid Baggage Fees on United Airlines?

To prevent baggage charges at United Airlines, you may buy unnecessary fare classes that offer free carry-on, such as Premium Economy or Business. It can also be acquired by becoming a member of the MileagePlus program of United and achieving elite status, which provides a free checked bag allowance. The charge on the first bag is often waived when traveling using a United credit card, as well as a companion.

Online bag payment is cheaper than payment at the airports. By carrying on luggage that fits the size and weight restrictions, one will avoid the checked bag charges altogether. Also, always check the United baggage weight and size limits of the airline in order not to be charged the above-normal fees for carrying oversized or heavy luggage.

Tips for Packing Smart When Flying United Airlines

  • Toiletries should be carried in travel-sized containers in order to save space and abide by liquid limits.
  • Fold your clothes instead of rolling to get as much space in the suitcase as possible.
  • The heaviest things should be placed at the bottom of your bag to make it easier to carry and not to be wrinkled.
  • Use compression bags or packing cubes to store and compress the clothes.
  • Stuff empty gaps and spaces, such as in shoes, with little objects like a charge or a sock.
  • Place your electronics at the end of the packing, which will be easy at the time of the security check and boarding the plane.
  • The United baggage policy allows carry-ons (9 x 14 x 22 inches), and you should verify that your bag will fit in the overhead compartments.
  • In the case of Basic Economy, it is just that you can carry one personal item free of charge, so make sure you pack it.
  • Pre-plan the outfits, and wear clothing that is versatile to reduce the volume of the packed items.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the baggage policy of United Airlines 2025 can significantly improve your traveling experience. One way to reduce the number of extra charges is by following the size and weight restrictions of both carry-on and checked luggage and guarantee an easier trip. It is not difficult to avoid the unnecessary complications at the airport by planning and packing intelligently.