The Guide to United Luggage Weight Limits

On United Airlines, the weight limits for checked bags vary based on your fare type. Standard checked bags shouldn't exceed:

• 50 pounds per bag for economy class passengers.

• 70 pounds for business and first class or for those with elite status with the airline.

• 62 inches per bag (when adding length plus width plus height).

Fees for checking bags vary depending on your fare type and route. For checking a standard bag on a domestic flight in economy, you can expect to pay these rates:

• First bag: $35 in advance, $40 at the airport.

• Second bag: $45 in advance, $50 at the airport.  

United also has a baggage calculator that will allow you to figure out how much you’ll need to pay.

Except for basic economy flights, you’re also able to bring a full-size carry-on and a personal item with you for free.

» Learn more: A quick guide to airlines with free baggage

United overweight baggage

United allows you to check more than two bags, extra heavy bags or oversized bags for additional fees. The cost will vary based on where you’re going.

• Oversized bags: Up to 115 inches (length plus width plus height).

• Overweight bags: Up to 100 pounds. 

• Musical instruments: Up to 165 pounds. 

For travel within the U.S., expect to pay the following for extra luggage:

• Three or more bags: $150 per bag.

• Oversized bags: $200 extra per bag.

• Overweight bags: $100 extra per bag (51 to 70 pounds), $200 extra per bag (71 to 100 pounds). 

Specialty items such as sports equipment also can be checked, though each sport has different requirements and fees.

» Learn more: 7 ways to avoid paying checked baggage fees

There are quite a few ways to get free checked luggage when flying United.

Destinations with free checked bags

Even when booking an economy ticket, most international destinations will include one free checked bag. This includes destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa. Basic economy tickets may still be charged to check a bag, however.

Some destinations include an additional luggage allowance and a higher checked bag weight limit. This means travelers can check two bags of up to 70 pounds each for free.

• San Salvador (SAL).

• Havana (HAV).

• Santo Domingo (SDQ).

• Managua (MGA).

• San Pedro Sula (SAP).

• Tegucigalpa (XPL).

• Guatemala City (GUA). 

Elite status

Your United checked bag weight limit will increase if you have elite status with the airline. Even at the lowest tier of elite status, Premier Silver, you’ll be able to check a bag for free. Plus, your checked bag weight limit increases from 50 pounds to 70 pounds.

At the highest levels of elite status, including Premier Platinum and Premier 1K, you’ll be able to check up to three bags at 70 pounds each without being charged.

Co-branded credit cards

United has several co-branded credit cards for businesses and regular travelers. Most of these cards allow you to bring a checked bag for free:

• United℠ Explorer Card: One free checked bag.

• United Quest℠ Card: Two free checked bags.

• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Two free checked bags. 

Or, use a travel credit card that comes with a travel credit each year.

Military

Service members and their dependents are entitled to free checked luggage no matter when they’re traveling. If traveling on orders, they’re able to bring up to five bags, 100 pounds each and up to 115 inches.

For personal travel, they can bring up to three bags, 70 pounds each and up to 62 inches.

Family members on orders can bring up to two bags, 70 pounds each and up to 62 inches.

» Learn more: The best travel credit card welcome bonus offers right now