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Baggage FAQs
General baggage questions
Security-related questions
Delayed or damaged baggage

General baggage questions

Where can I find information regarding carry-on and checked baggage requirements?
Reviewinformation on carry-on and checked baggage requirements.

Where can I find information on restricted items for travel?
Reviewinformation on restrictions.

Where can I find information regarding traveling with sports equipment?
Reviewthis chart on sports equipment.

What are the limits of liability?

Domestic
For travel wholly between U.S. points, liability for delay, damage or loss to checked baggage, including carry-on baggage if tendered to the carrier's inflight personnel for storage or otherwise delivered into the custody of the carrier, is limited to a maximum of $2,500 per passenger. Domestic liability is limited to $3,000 per passenger for travel on/after February 28, 2007 ($2,800 per passenger for travel on/before Feb. 27, 2007).

International
For international travelers, including the domestic portions, subject to the Warsaw Convention, the liability limit for delay, damage or loss is approximately $9.07 per pound ($20.00 per kg) for checked baggage and approximately $400 per passenger for unchecked baggage. Where the Montreal Convention applies, the liability of the UA Carrier for the delay, damage or loss to checked and unchecked baggage is limited to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights per passenger.

For both international and domestic travel, liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid. Excess valuation may be declared on certain types of articles. Some carriers, including United, assume no liability for fragile, valuable or perishable articles. Further information may be obtained from the carrier.

What is the charge for excess valuation?
In cases where passengers may be transporting property with a value greater than the limitation, United offers excess coverage for a fee of $5.00 per $100 of extra coverage. It may be purchased at the airport during check-in from a Customer Service Representative.

Who do I contact if I have lost items when traveling?
We are happy to assist you in locating a missing item. If you are at the airport and discover you left an item on the airplane, please go to the baggage service office to file a report. Otherwise, please call 1-800-221-6903. As a courtesy, we can offer you an airport telephone number to leave a voice message. Please have yourphone number, address, flight number and travel date, along with a detailed description of the lost item when calling. Although we are unable to accept responsibility if your item is not recovered, we will do all that is possible to help you locate it.

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Security-related questions

What items are prohibited beyond airport security checkpoints?
Reviewthe list of prohibited items.

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Delayed or damaged baggage

What should I do if my checked luggage doesn't arrive with me?
Please see a United representative before leaving the airport to file a delayed baggage report. The information is entered into United's baggage computer system to begin the search. The system uses a combination of information to locate the bag including claim check number, description of the bag and the customer's name on the bag. United uses the latest bar code scanning technology to record the location of a bag multiple times during the journey. This enables us to locate the bag quickly and minimize your inconvenience. Once located, we will contact you to verify delivery arrangements to your hotel, home or office at no charge and with our sincere apologies.

Who do I contact if my luggage is delayed over 3 days?
If your baggage is delayed over 72 hours, please ask our baggage service representatives at 1-800-221-6903 to provide you with a Baggage Tracing Claim Form. You may also request this form via our website. Timely completion of this form will allow us to perform a comprehensive trace based on your list of items in the baggage.

How do I report damage to my luggage?
Please report any damage to your baggage immediately after retrieving your baggage from the baggage claim carousels. A customer service representative at our Baggage Service Offices will be happy to complete a damage report for you. Please have your passenger ticket receipt and claim check available when filing your claim. All baggage claims must be reported within 24 hours of travel. Please note, baggage is designed to protect the contents. Minor cuts, nicks, scratches, dents or soil may appear despite care in handling. In addition, we trust you will understand that we are not responsible for the following:

  • Protruding parts such as wheels, feet, straps, pull/telescoping handles, hangar hooks, loose flaps, pockets, zippers, removable locks or other attached items.
  • Damage to oversized/overpacked bags.
  • Items that are perishable or fragile.

Who do I contact if I am missing items from my checked luggage?
Please call our baggage service representatives at 1-800-221-6903 to report a claim. Our representatives will provide you with a Missing Property Questionnaire which can be completed and mailed to our Central Baggage Service Office. You may also request this form via our website. Please retain your passenger ticket receipt, claim check, and, if applicable, evidence of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspection.

What are interim expenses?
If your baggage has been delayed and you must make interim purchases, please ask our baggage representatives at 1-800-221-6903 to explain our guidelines. If away from home, United may consider reimbursement of up to 100% on rental items and 50% for purchased necessities, taking into account your ability to use the new items in the future.

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