United baggage fees

Domestic Economy sample (SFO–ORD calculator, 2026-09-10): 1st checked $45 prepaid / $50 standard; 2nd $55 prepaid / $60 standard; 3rd+ $200 each way. Standard checked bags: ≤50 lb (23 kg) and ≤62 linear in (157 cm). Basic Economy on most routes is personal-item only; a forced cabin check at the gate is $75 for tickets on/after Apr 3, 2026. International fees vary — use United’s calculator, never a blog table.

Domestic Economy / Basic Economy sample (SFO–ORD, official calculator 2026-09-10). Piece fees are each way. Confirm itinerary-specific amounts in United’s live calculator.

Always free (size-compliant): personal item on every fare; carry-on on most non–Basic Economy fares.

Basic Economy most routes: cabin = personal item only. Checked 1st/2nd piece prices match Economy on the domestic sample unless a status, card, or military waiver applies. Forced overhead / failed under-seat check at the gate is $75 (Apr 3, 2026+ tickets) — prepaid $45 or lobby $50 is cheaper if you decide early.

BE exceptions with free carry-on: South America, transatlantic, transpacific (+ Canada tickets before 5/28/2025). Premier / eligible MileagePlus card / Star Alliance Gold may restore one free BE carry-on — confirm the card (Gateway & Select do not qualify).

Status / card / military: use the table notes. Companions on the same PNR (United publishes up to 9 for Premier) can share the Premier exemption — confirm official wording. Military dependents on the same reservation share benefits; alone without orders → normal fees.

Contrast Delta: Delta’s official domestic table shows flat $45 / $55 for 1st/2nd with no prepaid split; Delta Basic still includes a free carry-on. United’s prepaid vs standard split and BE personal-item-only rule are the traveler traps blogs often flatten.

• Prepaid saves $5 per bag vs airport/lobby on the domestic sample — buy online ≥24 hours before departure.
• BE gate $75 is the trap many blogs miss. It is not a free planeside check (unlike many Delta Connection gate-checks for non-BE).
• Overweight + oversize stack, and the piece fee still applies.
• Ticket purchase date can lock older fee tables (pre–Apr 3 BE ladder; Asia post–Jul 21, 2026).
• International free-bag markets and card matrix: confirm on united.com — route “1st bag free” claims and co-brand grids vary.
• United Express: limited bin space; CommutAir is personal-item-only onboard — short note on the carry-on size sibling.

1. Prepaid online ≥24h before departure when the prepaid/standard split applies.
2. Stay ≤50 lb / ≤62 linear inches (Economy) to avoid overweight and oversize add-ons.
3. Avoid Basic Economy if you need a free overhead bag on domestic — or use Premier / an eligible co-brand card (confirm current terms).
4. On BE, prepaid-check ($45) beats gate ($75).
5. Use military / Premier / co-brand benefits when eligible — confirm on united.com.
6. Run the official Checked Bag Fee Calculator for every international itinerary.

No Amazon product cards on this page (amazon: none). For published cabin dimensions, see United carry-on size (9 × 14 × 22 in / 23 × 35 × 56 cm) and United personal item (9 × 10 × 17 in / 22 × 25 × 43 cm). Measure including wheels and handles before you fly.

How much is a checked bag on United?

Domestic Economy sample: 1st $45 prepaid / $50 at the airport; 2nd $55 / $60; 3rd+ $200. Confirm on United’s calculator — international and ticket-date rules vary.

Does United charge for carry-on?

Not on most Economy and above fares. Basic Economy on most domestic routes does not include a free overhead bag — personal item only; gate check $75 if you bring a full carry-on (tickets on/after Apr 3, 2026).

What is United’s overweight bag fee?

+$100 for 51–70 lb; +$200 for 71–100 lb. Bags over 100 lb are generally not accepted (exceptions: instruments ≤165 lb; assistive devices). Fees stack with piece and oversize charges.

What is United’s oversize bag fee?

+$200 for 63–115 linear inches. Over 115 in is not accepted (same exceptions as weight).

Is a personal item free on United?

Yes — 9 × 10 × 17 in (22 × 25 × 43 cm) under the seat on every fare, including Basic Economy.

What’s free on United Basic Economy vs Delta Basic?

United BE (most domestic): personal item only; no free overhead; gate $75 if you try. Delta Basic includes a free carry-on (plus personal item). Checked 1st/2nd: United prepaid/standard split vs Delta’s flat $45 / $55 on the official domestic table.

Fees and rules change by ticket date and itinerary. Confirm on united.com and the Checked Bag Fee Calculator before travel. BagRule is not affiliated with United Airlines.