In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to bypass United’s checked baggage fees, highlighting insider tips, travel hacks, and legitimate ways to maximize your savings on flight booking. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, these tactics will help you travel smarter and keep more money in your pocket.
Before finding ways to avoid the fee, it’s important to understand why it exists and how United Airlines implements it.
A United checked bag fee is an extra charge passengers pay when checking luggage beyond the complimentary allowance. On most domestic flights:
The first checked bag costs $35.
The second checked bag costs $45.
Additional bags or overweight bags incur higher fees.
These fees vary depending on your route, fare class, and loyalty status. Many travelers are unaware that the charges apply not just to long-haul flights but also to shorter domestic flights, making it essential to plan ahead.
Many passengers assume their ticket includes baggage or believe only international flights charge for luggage. This misunderstanding leads to last-minute surprises at the airport, extra stress, and unnecessary expenses.
Key takeaway: Avoiding these fees requires both knowledge and strategic planning.
Paying baggage fees repeatedly can frustrate travelers, especially if you travel frequently. Here’s why the problem persists:
Hidden costs in flight booking: Ticket prices often don’t disclose luggage fees upfront.
Inconsistent airline policies: United charges vary based on route, membership, and fare type.
Impulse travel planning: Travelers who book last-minute often fail to anticipate extra charges.
To overcome these pain points, consider the following strategies:
Some United fare classes waive baggage fees entirely:
United Business and First Class: Most premium tickets include at least one checked bag.
United Polaris: Long-haul business flights come with complimentary luggage.
United Economy Plus (certain routes): Some select flights include free checked baggage.
Booking strategically can save you $35–$45 per flight, which adds up over multiple trips.
United rewards frequent flyers with status-based perks. Benefits include:
Premier Silver: First checked bag free.
Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K: Up to two free checked bags.
If you travel often, enrolling in United MileagePlus and reaching elite status not only earns miles but also eliminates baggage fees.
United Airlines co-branded credit cards provide significant savings:
United Explorer Card: First checked bag free on domestic flights.
United Club Card: Similar benefits plus priority boarding.
Business Credit Cards: Often include multiple free checked bags for employees.
Using a credit card strategically for flight booking ensures you avoid baggage fees while earning points for future travel.
Avoiding checked bags altogether is a simple way to escape fees. United allows:
One personal item (e.g., backpack or laptop bag) free of charge.
One carry-on bag within size limits (9x14x22 inches).
Tips for efficient packing:
Use packing cubes to compress clothing.
Wear heavier items onboard.
Opt for multi-purpose gear instead of bulky items.
By sticking to carry-on luggage, you avoid the United checked bag fee completely.
Certain international flights include free checked bags even in economy class. A smart strategy:
Book domestic flights separately from international legs.
Leverage the international segment’s free checked bag allowance.
This approach requires careful planning, but it can save money without sacrificing convenience.
United is part of the Star Alliance network. Some partner airlines have different baggage policies:
Book a segment with a partner airline that offers free checked baggage.
Check alliance rules for connecting flights.
Partner strategies can reduce fees while maintaining your United itinerary.
Occasionally, United runs promotions that waive checked bag fees for specific routes or fare types. Signing up for their newsletter ensures you don’t miss these opportunities.
Booking a checked bag online before your flight is cheaper than paying at the airport.
First bag prepaid: $30–$35
Second bag prepaid: $40–$45
Advance planning reduces fees and ensures smoother airport check-in.
Some United MileagePlus status holders can extend free checked bag benefits to traveling family members.
Check eligibility for spouse or dependent perks.
Book flights under one reservation to maximize benefits.
Q1: Can I avoid checked bag fees entirely on United?
Yes. Strategies include flying with fare classes that include free bags, using MileagePlus status, leveraging United credit cards, and sticking to carry-on luggage.
Q2: How many bags are included with United’s premium tickets?
Most Business and First Class tickets include one to two checked bags, depending on the route.
Q3: Are there size and weight limits for checked baggage?
Yes. Standard checked bags must be under 50 lbs and within 62 inches total (length + width + height). Overweight or oversized luggage incurs additional fees.
Q4: Does prepaying for a checked bag save money?
Absolutely. Booking online before your flight reduces the fee by up to $10 compared to airport rates.
Q5: Do United credit cards always cover checked bag fees?
United co-branded credit cards provide at least one free checked bag on domestic flights; benefits may vary based on card type and route.
Avoiding the United checked bag fee is achievable with informed planning and strategic choices. From selecting fare classes with complimentary baggage to maximizing loyalty perks, credit card benefits, and carry-on efficiency, travelers have multiple ways to keep costs down.
Understanding United’s baggage policies and preparing in advance transforms your travel experience, saving money and stress while ensuring smooth flight booking and enjoyable travel. By applying these strategies, you can fly smarter and avoid unnecessary fees, making every journey more affordable.
For travelers looking to optimize their United flight experience, staying informed and using the tools at your disposal is essential. Whether flying domestically or internationally, these techniques will help you avoid checked baggage fees and maximize the value of your ticket.