United Checked Baggage: Size, Weight and How to Check Fees

United's standard checked-bag limit is 62 linear inches, including wheels and handles. The usual weight allowance depends on cabin and status. A bag within those limits can still have a fee: check the allowance and price for each traveler in the reservation.

Size and weight at a glance

Source: United checked bags — Size and weight. United also illustrates a 30 × 20 × 12 inch case. These are outside measurements, not the suitcase body's advertised size. For example, a fully measured 28 × 19 × 10 inch bag totals 57 inches; weigh it separately.

How much will my checked bag cost?

Use United's official bag fee calculator with your itinerary and traveler details. A June-era $35 quote is not a reliable universal price. United records these ticket-purchase cutoffs:

The calculator determines the actual amount; these dates alone do not establish your entitlement. Check the return flight too. Premier and eligible card benefits have conditions, and a partner-operated segment may use different rules. See the Exceptions to checked bag fees section of the official policy for tier, route and companion details.

Basic Economy: decide whether you need to check the bag

The default includes one 17 × 10 × 9 inch personal item. A 22 × 14 × 9 inch suitcase needs an applicable carry-on entitlement. United lists exceptions for specified long-haul routes, Premier travelers and companions, qualifying primary cardholders, and Star Alliance Gold. Read the Basic Economy guide and confirm the exception in your booking.

For Basic Economy tickets bought from 3 April 2026, the carry-on policy lists bag charges starting at $45 prepaid, $50 in the lobby and $75 at the gate. These are starting prices for that published scenario, not a quote for every checked bag.

Check your cabin-bag dimensions. CarrySizer checks cabin size and the selected fare's default allowance; it does not price checked baggage or confirm membership exceptions.

Oversized, overweight or additional bags

United can charge for both excess size and excess weight on the same bag. Its ordinary acceptance ceiling is 115 total inches and 100 lb; musical instruments and assistive devices have exceptions. Extra bags depend on available space, and destination or seasonal embargoes can be stricter.

Before paying, open the Oversized, overweight, and extra bags section of United's policy. Sports equipment has item-specific rules; do not treat a surfboard, bicycle or instrument as an ordinary suitcase without checking its category.

Before departure

• Measure the packed bag, including protrusions, and weigh each piece separately.
• Confirm the allowance, price and bag-drop cutoff in your booking.
• Check rules for every operating carrier and ask whether a connection requires collecting and rechecking bags.
• Keep medication, valuables and travel documents in the bag you retain in the cabin.

Related: United cabin rules, checked-bag size measurement, and compare the cabin allowance across your route.