United checked bag fee starts from $35 prepay, $40 at the lobby, or $65 at the gate. Learn the rules for Basic Economy and other fares.
United checked bag fee starts from $35 if you prepay online, $40 at the airport lobby, or $65 at the gate. Basic Economy passengers must check all bags except one personal item. Fees vary by route and fare.
| United Airlines | |
|---|---|
| Personal item | 9 x 10 x 17 in (22 x 25 x 43 cm) |
| Cabin bag | 9 x 14 x 22 in (23 x 35 x 56 cm) |
| Cabin bag weight | — |
| Checked bag included | — |
| First checked bag | from $35 prepay, $40 lobby, $65 gate (tickets purchased before April 3, 2026) |
| Second checked bag | — |
| Checked bag weight | — |
| Overweight bag | — |
| In-flight wifi | — |
| Fare | Personal item | Cabin bag | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | One personal item | Not allowed (except to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific) | All other bags have to be checked |
For tickets purchased before April 3, 2026, the first checked bag fee is from $35 when you prepay online, $40 at the airport lobby, or $65 at the gate. Basic Economy passengers can only bring one personal item on board; all other bags must be checked. Carry-on bags are not allowed in Basic Economy except on flights to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific.
On most domestic and international flights, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. The personal item must fit within 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm), and the carry-on bag must fit within 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm). When measuring your bag, include the handle and wheels. Small purses or bags are not allowed in addition to your personal item and carry-on.
If you are a MileagePlus member with Premier status, traveling with a Premier member, the primary card member of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or a Star Alliance Gold member, you can bring one free carry-on bag. Place medication, vapes, e-cigarettes, keys, and other essentials in your personal item in case your bag is gate-checked. An eSIM can keep your data working on landing without roaming charges.
For tickets purchased before April 3, 2026, the first checked bag fee is from $35 if you prepay online, $40 at the airport lobby, or $65 at the gate.
No, carry-on bags are not allowed in Basic Economy except on flights to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific. You can only bring one personal item.
The personal item must not exceed 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm). Be sure to include the handle and wheels when measuring.
Yes, on most domestic and international flights you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free, unless you are in Basic Economy.
MileagePlus members with Premier status, those traveling with a Premier member, primary card members of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, and Star Alliance Gold members can bring one free carry-on bag.