The following sports equipment and special items information is for baggage checked for travel within the U.S., and between the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories. To find out specific requirements for checked baggage on other international flights, visit our international baggage information page. Unless otherwise noted, baggage must be checked in the cargo hold.
Special Items fall into three categories:
- As Bags - Treated identically to suitcases and included in passenger’s bag allowance or treated as an excess bag as applicable
- Standard Sized - Handling fee applies regardless of other checked bags
- Large Sized - Handling fee applies regardless of other checked bags
Exceptionally bulky or fragile items will not be accepted as checked baggage, but may ride in a passenger seat in the cabin provided a ticket is purchased for the item and specific seating conditions have been met.
The fee for Standard Sized Special Items is $100, and the fee for Large Sized Special Items is $200.
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As Bags Examples |
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| Archery |
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Allowance/Requirements
Bows and arrows
Free in place of one checked bag.
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
None
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| Backpack |
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Allowance/Requirements
May not contain:
Strike anywhere matches, propane, sterno, flares, coleman fuel, any type of flammable liquid, solid fuel tanks or safety matches
Free when it is within the weight and size limits for either a checked or carry on bag.
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
A backpack can be either checked or carried on as long as it is within the size limits and does not contain any of the restricted items.
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| Bowling |
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Allowance/Requirements
Bowling case with shoes and 2 bowling balls.
Free in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
For safety reasons, we do not accept bags that hold more than 2 bowling balls.
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| Fishing |
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Allowance/Requirements
2 rods
1 reel
1 pair of boots
1 tackle box
1 landing net
Free in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Maximum length
109 inches
Other information:
None
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| Golf |
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Allowance/Requirements
1 golf bag with clubs and 1 pair of shoes.
First set is free in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
Must be enclosed in full-length protective cover (vinyl/cloth/nylon/or hard-sided case).
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| Hockey |
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Allowance/Requirements
Hockey/Lacrosse sticks and one equipment bag
Equipment bag plus up to two hockey/lacrosse stick are free in place of one checked bag.
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
None
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| Skateboard |
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Allowance/Requirements
1 skateboard
Free in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
Accepted as carry-on if within carry-on limits.
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| Snow and Water Ski |
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Allowance/Requirements
*One ski bag, containing one pair of skis and poles, plus:
One boot bag, containing boots and binding only is allowed in the free allowance. If additional ski equipment is checked, excess fees apply.
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Maximum size/weight
If combined weight of ski bag and boot bag exceed 50lb/23kg an overweight fee applies.
Other information:
None
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| Snowboard equipment |
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Allowance/Requirements
One snowboard bag, plus
One boot bag, containing boots and binding only.
If additional snowboard equipment is checked, excess fees apply.
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Maximum size/weight
If combined weight of snowboard bag and boot bag exceeds 50lbs/23kg an overweight fee applies.
Other information:
Boot bag must be separate.
Snowboard acceptable length range = 53-72in./135-184cm.
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Standard Sized Examples |
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| Bicycle |
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Allowance/Requirements
Non-motorized bicycle must be prepared for travel by the customer. United does not provide tools. Handlebars must be turned sideways and protruding pedals and accessories must be removed. The bicycle must be contained in a protective/durable case, bag or box.
Cost
Within U.S./Canada: $100.00 USD
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information
*Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
*If travel includes a United Express flight, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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| Surfboard, Luge board, Wake board |
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Allowance/Requirements
One case holding surfboard, lugeboard or wakeboard. Maximum 2 boards per case.
Cost
Within U.S./Canada: $100.00 USD
per board
If over 109 inches/277cm $200.00 USD (Due to size, accommodated on certain aircraft types).
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds
Maximum length
109in/277cm
Other information:
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Cannot accommodate on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Airbus A319 aircraft.
If travel includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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| Scuba |
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Allowance/Requirements
2 fins
1 mask
1 knife
1 snorkel
1 regulator
1 safety vest
1 spear gun
1 pressure gauge
1 tank harness
1 empty tank - maximum pressure 40 psi
Cost
Charges apply only if tanks are included, otherwise, one bag part of free allowance.
Within U.S./Canada: $100.00 USD
International travel to Central America, South America, Mexico and Caribbean $25.00 USD.
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Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Other information:
None
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| Vaulting poles |
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Allowance/Requirements
One case holding a maximum of two poles.
Cost
$100.00 USD per pole
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Maximum length
16ft/487cm
Other information:
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
If travel includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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Large Sized Examples |
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| Kayak |
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Allowance/Requirements
Consists of shell and paddles
Cost
A kayak is considered two pieces of excess baggage.
$200.00 USD
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Maximum size/weight
110 pounds
Maximum length
109 inches
Other information:
*Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
*Cannot accommodate on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Airbus A319 aircraft.
* If travel includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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| Windsurfer Sailboard |
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Allowance/Requirements
Board
Boom
Sail
Mast
These items are generally packed in a separate bag for each component. Each bag is capable of holding several boards, masts, sails, etc. United will accept a maximum of 2 items per bag for a set of 4 component bags.
Cost
Within U.S./Canada: $200.00 USD per set
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Maximum size/weight
Total weight of 4 component bags cannot exceed 110 pounds.
Maximum length
109 in.
Other information:
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Cannot accommodate on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Airbus A319 aircraft.
If travel includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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