Does united charge for luggage on international flights

Short answer: Expect fees applied to checked bags on cross-border itineraries; many long-haul tickets include at least one complimentary checked piece depending on fare class and route, while deeply discounted basic fares usually require payment per piece. Verify the allowance printed on your ticket using the confirmation number prior to departure.

Key limits: Standard checked piece must not exceed 62 linear inches (157 cm). Typical weight allowance is 50 lb (23 kg) in economy and 70 lb (32 kg) in premium cabins; oversized and overweight surcharges commonly begin around 100 USD and can reach 200–400 USD per direction depending on excess.

Fare impact: Basic Economy generally excludes complimentary checked pieces and may restrict carry-on to a personal item only; Main Cabin may include one piece on many transborder or overseas itineraries, while Premium Plus, Business and First usually include two pieces checked at up to 32 kg each.

Status and payment options: Elite members typically receive one or more waived fees depending on tier, and several co-branded credit cards grant at least one complimentary checked piece to cardholder and a companion on the same reservation; adding checked pieces online via Manage Reservations commonly costs less than paying at the airport.

Practical steps: Check the carrier’s baggage allowance in your booking, weigh bags at home using a scale, keep checked items under 50 lb/23 kg when possible, pay added pieces online via Manage Reservations, and consider a co-branded card or elite status if you travel frequently across borders.

Checked-bag rules on transborder UA routes

Recommendation: select a fare that explicitly includes checked-bag allowance when booking cross-border travel with UA; Basic Economy almost always includes zero free checked items, while Main Cabin, Premium Plus and premium cabins usually include one or more checked pieces.

• Allowance by fare category:

  • Basic Economy: 0 checked pieces included.
  • Main Cabin (standard economy): commonly 1 checked piece included on many transborder routes; ticketing country and route can alter this.
  • Premium Plus / Business / First: typically 2 checked pieces included, weight limit per piece up to 32 kg (70 lb).

• Size and weight limits:

  • Maximum linear dimensions per checked piece: 62 in / 158 cm (length + width + height).
  • Standard weight allowance: 23 kg / 50 lb in economy; premium cabins usually permit up to 32 kg / 70 lb.
  • Pieces exceeding size or weight thresholds incur overweight/oversize fees or may be refused at gate.

• Typical fee ranges (route- and fare-dependent):

  • First checked piece: $0–$100.
  • Second checked piece: $100–$200.
  • Overweight (50–70 lb / 23–32 kg): commonly around $100 per piece.
  • Oversize (over 62 linear inches / 158 cm): commonly around $200 per piece.

• Carry-on policy:

  • Most paid fare classes include one carry-on bag plus one personal item; Basic Economy may restrict carry-on on select itineraries–verify at booking.

• Benefits and exemptions:

  • MileagePlus elite status holders receive checked-piece allowances based on level; check the specific status table associated with your account.
  • Primary cardholders of the carrier’s co-branded credit products typically get first checked bag waived on eligible itineraries; confirm card terms prior to travel.
  • Active-duty military and certain award tickets may carry different allowances; review ticket documentation.

• Practical recommendations:

  1. Weigh and measure bags at home to avoid surprise airport fees.
  2. Prepay checked pieces during online check-in when available; web prices often beat airport counter rates.
  3. When booking, compare total ticket cost including expected bag fees rather than base fare alone.
  4. Consider consolidating items into one compliant piece to avoid second-piece penalties.
  5. Purchase travel insurance with baggage protection and liability coverage; see best and cheapest umbrella policy as one option to evaluate.

• Final action items:

  • Check the carrier’s baggage rules specific to your itinerary immediately after ticketing.
  • Store proof of elite status or eligible credit product in the reservation record to ensure automatic allowance application at check-in.

Checked baggage fees by route and fare class

Recommendation: Buy Main Cabin, Premium Plus, Business or First on transoceanic and cross-border itineraries to secure at least one included checked bag; Basic Economy includes zero unless elite status or a qualifying co-branded card applies.

Route categories and typical allowances

Domestic U.S.: Basic Economy – 0 included pieces; Main Cabin – first piece typically subject to a standard first-checked-bag fee on most itineraries; Premium cabins – one or two included pieces with higher weight limits.

Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and nearby Central America: Short cross-border sectors often follow domestic pricing on lower fares, while higher economy buckets commonly include one free piece. Basic fares usually carry 0 included pieces.

South America and long-haul overwater sectors: Standard economy purchased in regular fare buckets frequently includes one checked piece (23 kg / 50 lb). Premium Plus, Business and First usually include two pieces with 32 kg / 70 lb maximum each.

Transoceanic segments (Atlantic, Pacific): Many standard economy fares sold on long-haul itineraries include one piece; deeply discounted basic fares exclude included pieces. Size limits: 158 cm (62 in) linear measurement per piece is widely enforced.

Practical tips to reduce outlay

Use a carrier-branded credit card or elite status to secure one or more included pieces across most route categories. Add checked pieces during online reservation or before airport check-in to access lower rates than counter prices. Consolidate items into one compliant piece to avoid overweight and oversize penalties: 23 kg (50 lb) limit for economy, 32 kg (70 lb) limit for premium cabins. When itinerary mixes fare classes, the most generous checked-bag allowance tied to the most premium segment usually governs the entire ticket; verify the booking confirmation to confirm allowance specifics.

Carry-on rules, exceptions and when fees may apply at the gate

Bring one standard carry-on plus one personal item; measure and weigh both at home to prevent gate fees.

Standard overhead bag dimensions commonly accepted: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles. Personal item size that fits under seat: roughly 9 x 10 x 17 inches (23 x 25 x 43 cm).

Weight limits vary: many North American carriers set no carry-on weight cap, while some regional and European services limit carry pieces to 7–10 kg (15–22 lb). Low-fare ticket types often restrict overhead bin access.

Exceptions that expand allowance: premium cabin travelers, elite-status members, active-duty military, families with infants, and passengers with certified mobility or medical devices. These passengers frequently receive an extra bag allowance or waived size/weight limits.

Special-item rules: musical instruments that fit overhead may travel onboard; instruments needing their own seat require prior purchase. Strollers and car seats are commonly gate-checked at no extra fee. Large sporting equipment typically requires advance notice and may incur excess-dimension fees.

When gate fees may apply: agents can require gate-check when overhead bins reach capacity or when carry exceeds the allowance tied to a passenger’s ticket type. If a low-tier fare prevents onboard stowage, the traveler might be asked to pay the applicable checked-bag fee at the desk or gate. Some airlines waive payment when gate-check is mandated by the carrier; others apply standard counter rates.

Practical steps to avoid surprise charges: confirm permitted dimensions and weight on the specific ticket, prepay checked allowance online to save about $10–30 versus airport payment, carry valuables plus medications in the personal item, use soft-sided bags to ease bin fitting, board with priority when included by ticket or status, and present medical or military ID when requesting exemptions.

How MileagePlus status and the airline’s co‑branded cards waive baggage fees

Hold Premier Gold or higher and carry an airline co‑branded credit card to eliminate the first checked‑bag fee and often the second piece as well.

Typical MileagePlus Premier allowances: Silver – one complimentary checked bag (up to 50 lb / 23 kg); Gold – two complimentary checked bags (each up to 50 lb / 23 kg); Platinum – three complimentary checked bags; 1K – three complimentary checked bags plus expanded weight allowance on many routes.

Co‑branded consumer cards usually waive the first checked bag to the primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation; premium co‑branded cards commonly waive two checked bags to the primary cardmember and may extend a second waived piece to companions depending on product terms.

Basic Economy fares generally receive no elite or co‑branded card baggage privileges; segments operated by partner carriers follow the operating carrier’s baggage rules rather than the mileage program’s benefits.

When status and a co‑branded card both apply, the larger piece allowance governs; they do not combine into additional pieces beyond the highest eligible allowance on the ticket.

Waived allowances apply within standard size and weight limits: 50 lb / 23 kg and 62 linear inches / 157 cm is the common threshold; overweight or oversized items incur surcharges that elite status and most co‑branded cards do not remove.

Before travel, add the MileagePlus number and the co‑branded card number to the booking, save a photo of the physical card, and confirm the itinerary summary shows the waived checked‑bag allowance; at airport check‑in present both membership and card to the agent if the benefit is not displayed.

If an agent applies a baggage surcharge, request an immediate correction and retain the receipt; if not corrected, submit a post‑travel claim through the mileage program website with boarding pass image, receipt, and the card statement used to purchase the ticket.

Corporate bookings and award tickets may carry different entitlements; verify the ticketed carrier, fare class, and booking code prior to departure to ensure status and co‑branded card benefits apply.

Overweight, oversize and excess bag fees: limits, costs and how to pay

Immediate recommendation: Prepay overweight, oversize and extra-piece assessments via the carrier’s Manage Booking page at least 24 hours prior to airport arrival; weigh and measure every checked item at home and keep main bags at or below 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm) when possible to avoid penalties and handling delays.

Limits and typical penalties

Weight thresholds: 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) – typically USD 100 per bag; 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) – typically USD 200 per bag; items above 100 lb generally are not accepted as standard checked items and must move via cargo/ freight channels.

Size thresholds: up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) – considered standard; greater than 62 linear inches commonly assessed an oversize fee (typical amount USD 200); extremely large items (well beyond ~115 linear inches) usually require freight handling and incur substantially higher rates plus special handling charges.

Excess-piece range: additional- piece assessments vary widely by route and ticket type; expect a broad band from about USD 150 up to USD 400 per extra bag on many long-haul segments; always verify the exact dollar amount during online check-in or Manage Booking as route-specific rules apply.

Special-item notes: bicycles, surfboards, skis and musical instruments often sit under separate rules – they may trigger oversize and/or overweight assessments even when within the piece allowance; properly box or pad these items to reduce risk of damage and unexpected handling fees.

How to pay and practical actions

Payment channels: Manage Booking on the carrier website, the airline mobile app, kiosk check-in, airport ticket counter and gate agent workstation all accept card payments; receipts are issued electronically when prepaid via web or app, which simplifies reimbursement or expense reporting.

Practical steps to avoid fees: use a digital luggage scale and measuring tape, redistribute weight into a second bag or personal item, wear heavy clothing during travel, swap bulky items for compact alternatives such as best shed rain umbrellas, and compare courier shipping rates against excess-piece assessments when transporting heavy household goods – see best fully automatic washing machine for hard water as an example of bulky-item dimensions to expect.

If prepaying online is not possible, be prepared to settle assessments at the airport counter or gate; carry a credit card that supports online and airport swipe/EMV payments and save screenshots of payment confirmations until travel is complete.

FAQ:

Do I have to pay for checked luggage on United international flights?

It depends on your fare, route and status. United allows a carry-on bag plus a personal item on most international routes at no extra charge, but checked bag rules vary. Basic Economy fares are the most limited and may not include a free checked bag; standard economy, premium economy and business/first fares often include one or more checked bags. Frequent flyer status or certain United credit cards frequently include free checked bags as a benefit. Size and weight limits are commonly 62 linear inches (158 cm) and either 50 lb (23 kg) for economy or 70 lb (32 kg) for premium cabins; overweight and oversized pieces will incur additional fees. For the exact fee for your trip, check your reservation details or United’s baggage information before departure.