2026 airline guide
United Airlines: check-in, bags & seats
Check-in & Cutoffs
Online window, airport check-in cutoffs, and bag-drop deadlines
Baggage Fees & Size Limits
Carry-on rules, checked bag fees, oversize and sports equipment
Seats & Upgrades
Economy seat pitch and width, upgrade options, seats to avoid
Routes & hubs
Top routes, hub airports, and where this airline flies
Fees & policies
Seat selection, change, cancel, pet, and phone booking fees.
Miles & loyalty
Earn rates, elite tiers, best redemptions, and partner airlines.
Upgrades
How to get upgraded — elite status, miles, bid upgrades, and gate upgrades.
International
International routes, baggage fees, passport requirements, and check-in rules.
United Airlines quick facts
What to know before you fly
- United raised domestic checked bag fees for tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026: first bag is now $45 prepaid ($50 at airport) and second bag is $55 prepaid ($60 at airport), up from $35/$40 and $45/$50 respectively.
- Basic Economy includes only one personal item (no carry-on); carry-on bags must be checked and cost $45 prepaid, $50 in the airport lobby, or $75 at the gate on domestic flights (post-April 3, 2026 tickets). Free carry-on exception applies to flights to South America, across the Atlantic, and trans-Pacific.
- MileagePlus co-branded Chase credit cards (Explorer, Quest, Club) waive the first or first-and-second checked bag fees and also grant a free carry-on in Basic Economy.
Related guides
Know exactly when to leave home
The Leave-By calculator factors in your drive time, parking, check-in, bag drop, and security — so you hit the gate with time to spare.
Calculate my leave-by time →Data verified 2026-06-28. Always confirm times and fees on the United Airlines website before you fly.