Airline baggage guide
United Airlines baggage fees, size limits & special items (2026)
United Airlines's standard checked bag limit is 50 lbs / 23 kg and 62 linear inches. The first bag costs $45 prepaid / $50 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) and the second $55 prepaid / $60 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) on main-cabin fares. Overweight, oversize, and sports equipment fees are covered in full below.
For check-in cutoffs and online check-in windows, see the United Airlines check-in guide →
What is United Airlines's checked bag weight and size limit?
Every bag on United Airlines must weigh 50 lbs / 23 kg or less and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) to avoid surcharges. Both limits apply independently — a light bag that is too large still triggers the oversize fee.
| Fare | 1st bag | 2nd bag |
|---|---|---|
| Main cabin | $45 prepaid / $50 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) | $55 prepaid / $60 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) |
| Basic economy | $45 prepaid / $50 airport lobby / $75 at gate (carry-on must be checked; domestic, tickets on or after April 3, 2026) | $55 prepaid / $60 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) |
Fees shown are for online pre-payment where applicable. Paying at the airport counter or gate typically runs higher.
What does United Airlines charge for oversize or overweight bags?
Overweight fees
| Weight | Fee (per bag, per direction) |
|---|---|
| 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg) | $100 |
| 71–100 lbs (32–45 kg) | $200 |
Oversize fees
| Dimensions | Fee (per bag, per direction) |
|---|---|
| Over 62 linear in (up to 115 linear in) | $200 (bags 63–115 linear in) |
Both fees stack — a bag that is simultaneously overweight and oversize is charged both surcharges on the same bag in the same direction.
Does United Airlines charge extra for sports equipment?
| Item | Fee / policy |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | free if within 50 lbs/62 in; otherwise $200 oversize fee applies |
| Skis / snowboard | $150 |
| Bicycle | $150 |
| Surfboard | $150 |
| Fishing gear | $150 |
Strollers and car seats are always free to check on all airlines. Gate-check your stroller at the jetway — it is returned at the aircraft door on arrival.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat on United Airlines for free?
- Strollers: free (gate-check)
- Car seats: free
- Military: 3 free checked bags (active duty)
Wheelchairs and all other mobility aids always travel free on every US carrier under DOT regulations — no fees, no size limits, no exceptions, no advance arrangements required.
How do bag fees affect my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 20–30 minutes to your airport buffer compared to carry-on only. You need time to join the bag-drop queue, hand off the bag, and collect your receipt before you can head to the TSA checkpoint. That window sits before security — not inside it — so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Use the Leave-By Time calculator — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the bag-drop counter step so you leave home with exact numbers instead of a rough guess.
Skip the fee with the right card
These co-branded credit cards waive United Airlines's checked bag fees for the cardholder — and sometimes companions — when the card is used to purchase the ticket:
- United Explorer Visa (Chase): 1 free bag for cardholder + 1 companion
- United Quest Visa (Chase): 1 free bag for cardholder + 1 companion
- United Club Infinite Visa (Chase): 2 free bags for cardholder + 1 companion
Things to know before you check a bag on United Airlines
- Oversize ($200) and overweight ($100/$200) fees stack — a bag that is both oversize and overweight is charged both fees on the same bag.
- Bicycles, surfboards, and ski/snowboard equipment each count as one checked bag; the standard oversize ($200) and overweight ($100/$200) fee schedule applies if the item exceeds limits.
- United MileagePlus co-branded Chase Visa cards waive the first or first-and-second checked bag fees on United-operated flights; the card must be used to purchase the ticket.
Related guides
Baggage data verified against United Airlines's official site, . Sources: united.com — checked bags; united.com — special items; united.com — sports equipment.
How early should you leave for the airport?
Bag fees and check-in cutoffs shift your Leave-By Time. The calculator accounts for bag-drop counter time, the TSA queue, and your drive so you leave home with exact numbers, not a rough estimate.
Get your Leave-By Time →