United Airlines Checked Bag Fee 2026 — Complete Guide
United Airlines is one of the "Big Three" US carriers, operating hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Their checked bag fees are competitive with Delta and American, but the details — especially around Basic Economy and route-specific pricing — can make a big difference in what you actually pay. Here is everything you need to know about United's checked bag fees in 2026.
United Airlines Baggage Fees at a Glance
| Item | Fee (Domestic) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | Free |
| Carry-On (Standard) | Free | Free |
| Carry-On (Basic Eco) | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| 1st Checked Bag | $35–$40 | Free–$75 |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $45–$50 | $100–$150 |
| Oversized/Overweight | $100–$200 | $100–$200 |
* Domestic fees apply to flights within the 50 US states and Puerto Rico. Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean routes follow international pricing.
First Checked Bag: $35–$40
United's first checked bag fee for domestic flights is $35–$40 depending on the route. Most standard domestic routes (like New York to Chicago or Los Angeles to Denver) are $35, while some longer routes or peak-season flights may be $40. Unlike Spirit and Frontier, United does not offer a discount for prepaying online — the price is the same whether you add it at booking or at the airport kiosk.
For international travel, the first checked bag is often free on transatlantic and transpacific routes. On flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, fees range from $30 to $75 depending on the specific destination and fare class.
Second Checked Bag: $45–$50
The second checked bag on United costs $45–$50 domestically and$100–$150 internationally. For a round trip with two checked bags, you would pay $160–$180 in baggage fees ($35 + $45 each way). That is significant — and a strong argument for getting a United credit card or earning status.
Third and subsequent checked bags cost $150+ per bag regardless of route. If you are traveling with three or more checked bags, you are almost certainly better off shipping some items ahead via ground freight.
Carry-On Policy: The Basic Economy Catch
United's carry-on policy differs by fare class. Standard Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Business, and First Class all include one full-size carry-on and one personal item free of charge. Carry-on dimensions must not exceed 22″ × 14″ × 9″.
⚠️ United Basic Economy — The Strictest Policy
United has the strictest Basic Economy baggage policy of the Big Three. Basic Economy passengers are limited to one personal item only — no full-size carry-on allowed in the overhead bin. If you bring a carry-on to the gate, you will be charged the checked bag fee ($35–$40) plus a $25 gate handling fee. Unlike Delta, which still allows carry-ons in Basic Economy, United is uncompromising on this rule. If you need a carry-on, upgrade to a Standard Economy fare or factor the checked bag fee into your cost comparison.
Oversized & Overweight Bag Fees
United's oversized and overweight fees are similar to American and Delta:
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $100 additional (domestic), $100–$200 (international)
- Overweight (71–100 lbs): $200 additional (all routes)
- Oversized (63–115 linear inches): $200 additional (domestic), $200–$400 (international)
- Bags over 100 lbs or 115 inches: Accepted as cargo only — must be shipped via United Cargo
United is known for strict enforcement of size and weight limits at check-in counters. A bag that looks "close enough" may still trigger the additional fee.
Sports Equipment & Special Items
United handles sports equipment with a dedicated fee schedule:
- Golf clubs: $35 domestic (counts as a checked bag)
- Ski/snowboard equipment: $35 domestic (counts as a checked bag)
- Surfboards: $50–$150 depending on size
- Bicycles: $35 domestic (must be in a hard-sided case or box)
- Musical instruments: Carry-on if fits in overhead or under seat; otherwise $35+ as checked item
As with checked bags, United Explorer Card holders and Premier elite members get sports equipment fees waived as part of their first checked bag benefit.
How to Save on United Checked Bag Fees
Six Ways to Get Free Checked Bags on United
- 1. United Explorer Card. First checked bag free for you + one companion on the same reservation. $0 intro annual fee (then $95). Also includes 2 United Club passes per year and priority boarding.
- 2. United Club Infinite Card. First and second checked bags free for you + one companion. $525 annual fee, but includes unlimited United Club lounge access.
- 3. Premier Elite Status. Premier Silver: 1 free checked bag. Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K: 2 free checked bags. Also includes complimentary Economy Plus at booking.
- 4. Star Alliance Gold Status. If you hold Gold status with any Star Alliance carrier (Lufthansa, Singapore, ANA, etc.), you get 1 free checked bag on United flights.
- 5. Fly Premium Cabins. United Premium Plus, Business, and Polaris Business all include 2 free checked bags. First class on domestic routes includes 2 free checked bags.
- 6. Active Military. Active US military on personal travel get up to 5 free checked bags (70 lbs each). On official travel, baggage is unlimited and free.
United vs. Delta vs. American
United's checked bag fees are in the same range as Delta and American, but there are important differences:
- Checked bag pricing: United ($35–$40) is slightly more expensive than Delta and American ($35 flat) on some routes.
- Basic Economy: United is the strictest — no carry-on allowed at all. Delta allows carry-ons, and American charges $45 for one.
- Credit card value: The United Explorer Card ($95 annual fee) covers you + 1 companion. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select ($99) covers you + 4 companions. Delta SkyMiles Gold ($150) covers you + 8 companions.
- International coverage: All three include a free first checked bag on most transatlantic and transpacific routes.
For credit card value, American's Citi AAdvantage card offers the best companion coverage, while United's Explorer Card is a solid mid-range option. Use our Baggage Fee Calculator to compare your total trip cost across carriers. Compare all airlines side by side →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a checked bag on United Airlines in 2026?
The first checked bag costs $35–$40 domestically. The second checked bag costs $45–$50. International routes vary: transatlantic/transpacific typically include the first bag free, while Canada/Mexico/Caribbean routes may charge $30–$75.
Does United Explorer Card give free checked bags?
Yes. United Explorer Cardholders get their first checked bag free on United-operated flights, plus a free checked bag for one companion on the same reservation. The annual fee is $95 (waived first year).
Can I bring a carry-on with United Basic Economy?
No. United Basic Economy only includes a personal item that fits under the seat. Full-size carry-on bags are not allowed. If you bring one to the gate, it will be checked for a fee of $35–$40 plus a $25 gate handling charge.
How can I avoid United baggage fees without a credit card?
Earn Premier Silver status (1 free checked bag), fly Business or First Class (2 free bags), or travel with only a personal item. Active military members also get free bags. Read our complete guide →
The Bottom Line
United Airlines charges $35–$40 for the first checked bag and$45–$50 for the second on domestic flights — competitive with Delta and American. The biggest differentiator is United's strict Basic Economy policy: no carry-on bags allowed at all. If you fly United more than once or twice a year, the United Explorer Card pays for itself quickly with the free checked bag benefit. See United's latest baggage fees →