In order to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses while checking in or traveling, it is essential to follow the United Airlines Baggage Allowance 2025 rules. These rules include the size and weight of both checked and carry-on bags of this air carrier. Special items, sports equipment, medical assistive equipment, and others are also involved. Travelers can plan and pack hassle-free for their domestic as well as international flights when they are aware of these allowances beforehand.
What is the United Airline Carry on Baggage Allowance?
Most domestic and international flights of United Airlines allow passengers to bring 1 carry-on, as well as 1 personal item, on board for free. However, there are some weight and size limits that they must adhere to.
- The carry-on bag must be kept in the overhead bin.
- The maximum United Airline carry on baggage allowance is:
- 9 inches * 14 inches * 22 inches or 23 cm* 35 cm* 56 cm.
- Handles and wheels are included in these specifications.
- Unless they are traveling to South America, the Atlantic, or the Pacific, they are not permitted to bring carry-on bags.
- Further, personal items should be fit to slide beneath the seat in front of fliers.
- The maximum United Airlines international baggage allowance is:
- 9 inches * 10 inches * 17 inches or 22 cm* 25 cm* 43 cm.
- Laptop bags, backpacks, and handbags are some examples of personal items.
- When traveling in Basic Economy, passengers are only allowed to bring 1 personal item.
- Every other bag needs to be examined or checked.
- Further, travelers will be assessed the regular bag price of only an extra USD 25 when they check carry-on bags at their gates.
A passenger can bring 1 complimentary carry-on bag when he or she is a Star Alliance Gold member, a MileagePlus member with Premier Status, is flying with a Premier status, or is the principal cardholder of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card.
Remember that the Basic Economy, the United MileagePlus® Select Card, and the United GatewaySM Card are not eligible for a complimentary United Airline carry on baggage allowance.
Bags Checked at the Gate
Sometimes, a plane quickly runs out of overhead space or is too small to accommodate carry-on luggage. In such situations, travelers can pick up their bags when they exit the aircraft instead of at baggage claim.
Also, it will be a gate checked for free. Most frequently, this occurs on flights operated by United Express®. Further, travelers are permitted to bring 1 personal item on CommutAir flights. Although they have limited space, the other United Express airlines do permit carry-on luggage.
What is the United Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance?
United Airlines checked baggage allowance can be no larger than 30 inches * 20 inches * 12 inches or 76 cm* 52 cm* 30 cm or 62 inches overall. Handles and wheels are included in these dimensions. The maximum weight for a checked bag is determined by a passenger’s MileagePlus status and cabin.
Cabin Specific Weights
| Cabin | Maximum Weight (Per Bag) |
| United FirstUnited Airlines baggage allowance business classUnited Polaris Business Class | 70 pounds or 32 kg |
| Premium Economy United Economy | 23 kg or 50 pounds |
MileagePlus Status Weights
| MileagePlus Status | Maximum Weight (Per Luggage) |
| Star Alliance Gold | 50 pounds or 23 kg in Economics 32 kg or 70 pounds in Business |
| Premier GoldPremier 1KPremier Silver Premier Platinum | 32 kg or 70 pounds |
Check Here: United Cancellation Policy
Seasonal Baggage Restrictions on United Airlines
During popular travel times, such as spring break or the holidays, several locations restrict the number of overweight, oversized, and additional checked bags. Therefore, it is important to verify whether there are seasonal United Airlines baggage allowance 2025 restrictions at the airports where passengers are arriving, departing, or stopping over when they are flying on any of the dates listed below:
Note: 3 checked baggage are available to passengers at these airports. The weight of each bag cannot exceed 100 pounds. Moreover, larger bags are not permitted.
April to 28 April
- Mexico: Cancun or CUN: At this airport, fliers are permitted to check 1 additional bag. Here, it accepts oversized bags.
- EL Salvador: San Salvador or SAL: At these airports, travelers are permitted to check 1 additional bag. The United Airlines international baggage allowance shall not exceed 100 pounds. Larger bags are not permitted as well.
| Aruba : Oranjestad (AUA) | Honduras: San Pedro (SAP) and Roatan (RTB) |
| Belize: Belize City (BZE) | Mexico: Mexico City (MEX), Aguascalientes (AGU), Cozumel (CZM), Acapulca (ACA), Ciudad Del Carmen (CME), Ixtapa (ZIH), Manzanillo (ZLO), Monterrey (MTY), San Luis Potosi (SLP), Los Cabos (SJD), and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) |
| Colombia: Bogota (BOG) | Nicaragua: Managua (MGA) |
| Dominican Republic: Puerto Plata (POP), Santo Domingo (SDQ), and Punta Cana (PUJ) | Guatemala: Guatemala City (GUA) |
| Antigua: Antigua-St. John’s (ANU) | Jamaica: Montego Bay (MBJ) |
| Bahamas: Nassau (NAS) | Netherlands Antilles: St. Maarten (SXM) and Bonaire (BON) |
| Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman Island (GCM) | – |
01 June to 31 August
Cancun, Mexico (CUN) airports allow their customers to check 3 bags. The United Airlines baggage allowance 2025 must be no more than 100 pounds in each bag. Bringing heavy baggage is prohibited.
| Antigua: Antigua-St. John’s (ANU) | Aruba: Oranjestad (AUA) |
| Bahamas: Nassau (NAS) | Belize: Belize City (BZE) |
| Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman Island (GCM) | Costa Rica: SJO Airport and LIR Airport |
| Dominican Republic: Puerto Plata (POP) and Punta Cana (PUJ) | Honduras: Roatan (RTB) |
| Jamaica: Montego Bay (MBJ) | Mexico: Acapulco (ACA), Chihuahua (CUU), Guadalajara (GDL), Leon/Gunanajuato (BJX), Manzanillo (ZLO), Mexico City (MEX), Morelia (MLM), and more |
| Netherlands Antilles: Bonaire (BON) and St. Maarten (SXM) | Panama: Panama City (PTY) |
| Trinidad: Port of Spain (POS) |
19 November to 15 January
On these dates, passengers are allowed to carry 1 additional checked luggage at the same airports mentioned above.
What are the Exceptions to Checked Baggage Fees?
Some fliers are exempt from paying for United Airlines international baggage allowance. Only flights operated by United and United Express are covered in this. The largest exemption will be applied when they qualify for more than 1.
- Members of MileagePlus Premier: A traveler and up to 9 others on the same route can check luggage for free when they are Premier members. To see what each status level offers, the following table is useful:
| Route and Cabin | Premier Gold | Premier Silver | Premier 1K | Premier Platinum |
| Economy travel between Continental U.S.Alaska HawaiiCanada Mexico Central America Caribbean And United States | 2 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 1 bag (70 lbs or 32 kb each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (32 kg or 70 lbs each) |
| All premium cabin travel | 3 bags (32 kg or 70 lbs each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | 3 bags (32 kg or 70 lbs each) | 3 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) |
| Economy travel between the United States and South AmericaAsiaAustralia New Zealand AfricaEuropeMiddle East | Three bags (32 kg or 70 lbs each) | 2 bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) | Three bags (32 kg or 70 lbs each) | Three bags (70 lbs or 32 kg each) |
United Airlines Baggage Allowance for Military Members
Active members of the US military members and their dependents are allowed to take advantage of United Airlines international baggage allowance. This can be granted when they have flights operated by United and United Express.
| Trip Type | Service Class | Number of Luggage (Without Service Charges) | Maximum Weight Per Bag | Medium Size |
| Personal Travel | All service classes | 3 bags | 70 lbs or 32 kg | 62 inches or 158 cm |
| Military Orders | Every service | 5 bags | 100 lbs or 45 kg | 115 inches or 292 cm |
| Military dependent with travel orders | All class of service | 2 bags | 32 kg or 70 lbs | 62 inches or 158 cm |
Fees for Media Equipment on United Airlines Flights
According to the United Airlines baggage allowance 2025 rules, fliers with media equipment entail a set fee for media representatives. In relation to the same, passengers must go to the airport ticket counter to pay for media bags. There are fees for bags on both sides of the journey.
All bags, including oversized ones, weigh up to 99.9 pounds, the cost can be:
| Region | Fees |
| Outside of North America | USD 70 |
| Within North America (Including Canada, United States, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean | USD 50 |
Electronic Devices on United Airlines Flights
During the trip, flight attendants of United Air can urge passengers to turn off their small and light electronic gadgets, when they are allowed to use them in airplane mode. With the exception of takeoff and landing, fliers can use their authorized devices. As per the United Airlines baggage allowance, only at altitudes above 10000 feet can laptops and airplanes power ports be utilised.
The following safety guidelines must be adhered to when they intend to use electronic devices during the flight:
| Devices that can be Utilised When Flying | Devices that are Prohibited During Flight |
| Laptop (above 10000 feet) | Personal humidifiers |
| Music players | TVs |
| Calculators | Remote-control toys |
| Cameras | Air purifying respirators |
| Handheld gaming consoles | E-cigarettes and vapes |
| DVD players | Bottle warmers, things that heat up, and blow dryers |
| Shavers (in bathrooms only) | Radio receivers and transmitters |
| Seat charging points (above 10000 ft) |
Traveling with Lithium Batteries
When traveling with lithium batteries, it is crucial to abide by these safety precautions:
- All lithium-ion battery-powered electronics in checked baggage should be fully turned off.
- Passengers need to protect the battery connectors to avoid short circuits.
- The manufacturer’s packaging can be used according to the United Airlines baggage allowance 2025.
- Also, it can be taped over and put in a different bag.
- Keep extra batteries in the carry-on luggage.
- The maximum capacity of the same is 100 watt hours.
- Further, the maximum weight of lithium material batteries is 2 kg.
United Airlines Allowance for Medical Equipment
In most cases, passengers are allowed to bring medical equipment on their United flights. Certain medical equipment must be used and transported according to certain guidelines.
- Wheelchair: In addition to checked luggage, fliers can check their wheelchair or other mobility aids for free. This covers canes, crutches, scooters, walkers, and electric/manual wheelchairs. They can be collapsible, folding, or non-folding. Most airplanes allow wheelchairs weighing less than 250 pounds to be stored in cargo. However, based on the kind and size of aircraft, United Airlines may not be able to fly flier chairs when it weighs more than this limit.
Note: In case the wheelchair weight poses operational or safety risks, the airline’s agents have the right to refuse boarding.
- Dialysis Equipment: Using portable dialysis equipment while flying is prohibited. Fliers can bring one as United Airline carry on baggage allowance for free and it fits in the overhead bin. However, for the same, it is important to follow TSA requirements.
Prohibited Items on United Airlines Flights
It is important to know about the prohibited items prior to traveling on United Airlines flights. This is because it has stringent restrictions on guns, sharp objects, and others. Non-compliance can lead to fines or boarding denial as per United Airlines international baggage allowance.
| Mace | Pepper spray |
| Flare guns | Tear gas |
| Novelty items | Shock absorbers |
| Tasers | Fireworks |
How to Calculate Fees for United Airlines Baggage Allowance?
The procedure of calculating United Airlines baggage allowance fees is simple. Passengers can find out the precise costs for their checked and carry-on bags by using the baggage fee calculator accessible on the Airlines website. While doing so, it is important to keep flight information handy.
- Initially, head to the official website of United Airlines.
- At the bottom of the page, click on the “Baggage” feature.
- Fliers will be directed to the new page.
- Here, hit on the “Calculate Bag Fees” option.
- Now, 2 options are available, including
- “Any Flights”
- “My Flights”
- Use the “Any Flights” tab when fliers are making travel arrangements.
- Enter information to calculate United Airlines baggage allowance fees, including:
- “From”
- “To”
- “Dates”
- “Cabin”
- “Status or Membership”
- Click on the “View Bag Charges”.
- In case of already booked tickets, passengers should click on the “My Flights” feature.
- Sign in for the MileagePlus number or enter information, such as
- “Confirmation Number”
- “Last Name”
- Press on the “View My Bag Charges” option.
Conclusion,
It is critical to comprehend United Airlines baggage allowance 2025 guidelines in order to prevent any inconveniences throughout the trip. To check in on this air carrier without any hassle, travelers have to adhere to the rules on specified bag weight, size, and prohibited items. After knowing all the allowed dimensions, they can avoid paying extra costs.
Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Baggage Allowance 2025
Hoverboards are not permitted in checked or carry-on luggage for the protection of passengers and staff.
Yes, every aircraft of United Air has a designated area for the folded or collapsed storage of at least 1 adult-sized manual wheelchair within the cabin. In case, it does not fit adequately, it can be stored in the cargo section.
Passengers can save money on checked baggage fees by prepaying on United Airlines flights traveling inside the United States. Additionally, there are discounted flights between the United States and the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada.
Passengers cannot pay for their bags in advance over the phone. Instead, they can pay online through the official website of United or the United App.
All knives, safety razors, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, etc., are prohibited in a United Air carry-on bag.
Basic Economy: 1 personal item only (free, max 17 x 10 x 9 in).
Standard Economy & above: 1 carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 in) + 1 personal item (free).
United MileagePlus® elites, Premier® members, and cardholders: Additional allowances may apply.
First checked bag: $35–$40 (online pre-pay) | $40–$50 (airport).
Second checked bag: $45–$55 (online) | $50–$60 (airport).
Weight limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag (overweight fees apply).
51–70 lbs (23–32 kg): $100–$200 extra.
71–100 lbs (32–45 kg): $200–$400 (must call in advance).
Oversized (62–115 linear in / 158–292 cm): $200+.
Premier Silver: 1 free checked bag.
Premier Gold & above: 2–3 free checked bags.
United Explorer Cardholders: 1 free checked bag.
Yes! Standard checked baggage fees apply.
Bicycles: Must be under 50 lbs (23 kg) and boxed ($30–$50 fee).
Surfboards/Skis: Up to 115 linear in (292 cm) allowed.
1 stroller + 1 car seat per child fly free (can be checked at the gate or counter).
Small instruments (fits in overhead bin) are free carry-ons.
Larger instruments can be checked (standard fees) or purchased a seat (must call in advance).
No weapons, explosives, hoverboards, or lithium batteries >160Wh.
Yes! Add bags via “My Trips” online (cheaper) or at the airport (higher fees).
Active U.S. military (with ID) get 5 free checked bags (up to 100 lbs / 45 kg each).