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Airlines · USA

United Checked Bag Fee: What You Need to Know

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.

Quick answer

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 item9 x 10 x 17 in (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
Cabin bag9 x 14 x 22 in (23 x 35 x 56 cm)
Cabin bag weight—
Checked bag included—
First checked bagfrom $35 prepay, $40 lobby, $65 gate (tickets purchased before April 3, 2026)
Second checked bag—
Checked bag weight—
Overweight bag—
In-flight wifi—

By fare type

FarePersonal itemCabin bagChecked bag
Basic EconomyOne personal itemNot allowed (except to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific)All other bags have to be checked

United Checked Bag Fee: The Basics

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.

Carry-On and Personal Item Rules

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.

Ways to Avoid or Reduce Checked Bag Fees

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.

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Questions

How much is a checked bag on United?

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.

Can I bring a carry-on bag on a United Basic Economy ticket?

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.

What size personal item is allowed on United?

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.

Do I get a free carry-on bag on United?

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.

Who gets a free carry-on bag on United?

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.

Sources. Checked against the official pages on 28 September 2026: united.com · united.com · united.com

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