United Airlines · Bags & fees
United Airlines bags, fees & check-in
What you'll actually pay United before you board: checked and carry-on bags, weight and size limits, Basic Economy rules, change fees and check-in deadlines. Plain numbers, stated assumptions, and a date you can trust.
Unless noted, prices are for domestic U.S. economy, per bag, prepaid online 24h+ before departure. Airport prices are $5 higher per bag. International allowances, elite status, and co-branded cards change these numbers, and each is flagged below.
Checked bag fees
United charges per checked bag, and the price climbs with each bag. Booking bags online at least 24 hours before departure saves $5 per bag versus paying at the airport.
| Bag | Prepaid online | At airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $50 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | $60 |
| 3rd+ checked bag | $200 | $200 |
Standard allowance applies up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Heavier or larger bags add the surcharges in the next section.
Carry-on & personal item
Every fare except domestic Basic Economy includes one free carry-on plus one free personal item. The carry-on must fit the sizer including handles and wheels.
On a domestic Basic Economy ticket you get the personal item only, with no free carry-on. Bring one to the gate and it's a $75 charge ($50 bag fee + $25 gate handling). See Basic Economy rules below.
Overweight & oversize fees
These surcharges stack on top of the standard checked bag fee, so a heavy first bag at the airport can run well over $150. Bags above the top tier aren't accepted.
| Bag exceeds | Surcharge (added) |
|---|---|
| 51–70 lbs (overweight) | +$100 |
| 71–100 lbs (overweight) | +$200 |
| Over 100 lbs | Not accepted |
| 63–115 linear inches (oversize) | +$200 |
| Over 115 linear inches | Not accepted |
A bag both overweight and oversize can incur both surcharges. MileagePlus elite members and premium cabins get a higher weight allowance (up to 70 lbs).
Basic Economy rules
United's cheapest fare gives up flexibility and the free carry-on. It's worth comparing: if you need a full-size carry-on, standard Economy is almost always cheaper than the $75 gate fee.
| What you get | Basic Economy | Standard Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | Free |
| Full-size carry-on | Not included* | Free |
| Advance seat selection | Paid, from 7 days out | Free |
| Flight changes | Not allowed | No change fee |
| Same-day standby | Not eligible | Free standby |
*Free carry-on is restored on Basic Economy for international flights, MileagePlus Premier members, eligible United credit cardholders, and Star Alliance Gold members.
Changes, cancellations & seats
United charges no change fee on standard Economy and above for most domestic and international flights. You pay only the fare difference. Basic Economy is the carve-out.
| Action | Standard Economy+ | Basic Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Change fee | $0 + fare diff. | Not allowed (dom.) / up to $400 intl. |
| Same-day confirmed change | Fee applies | Not eligible |
| Same-day standby | Free | Not eligible |
| Advance seat selection | Free (paid for extra-legroom) | Paid, from 7 days out |
Standard seat selection is free for standard Economy; Economy Plus and other extra-legroom seats are paid and priced by route and seat. Basic Economy seats are otherwise assigned at check-in.
Check-in & bag-drop deadlines
Miss these cutoffs and United can deny boarding. They apply whether or not you're checking a bag.
| Flight type | Check-in / bag-drop by |
|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S.) | 45 min before departure |
| International | 60 min before departure |
| Select intl. airports (e.g. Paris, Dubai) | 75 min before departure |
| Toronto, Lagos | 90 min before departure |
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure; airport bag drop typically opens 2–4 hours before, depending on the airport.
Onboard experience
What the seat and service actually look like, by cabin. Pitch is the legroom measure (front-to-back); most of these specs vary a little by aircraft type.
| Cabin | Seat pitch | Seat width | What's notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 31″ | 16.1–17.3″ | Standard seat. Free non-alcoholic drinks. |
| Economy Plus | 34″ | 16.1–17.3″ | ~3″ extra legroom, closer to the front, priority boarding. |
| Premium Plus | 38″ | 18.5–19″ | 6″ recline, power + USB, amenity kit, upgraded meals. |
| Polaris (business) | 78″ bed | 20–22″ | 180° lie-flat, direct-aisle access, AC power. |
Basic Economy is a fare type, not a separate seat. You sit in the standard Economy cabin. In 2026 United also added cheaper "Base" tiers to Premium Plus and Polaris that include the seat but charge extra for advance selection.
Where United flies
United runs one of the world's largest route networks from eight U.S. hubs, so most itineraries connect through one of these airports.
Best time to fly United
These are seasonal patterns, not bookable fares. Sign in to search live United fares for your exact dates.
Seasonal patterns are typical for U.S. routes and vary by destination; they're guidance for planning, not bookable prices.
How to skip the fees
United baggage FAQ
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