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U.S./Canada special items
| At United, we understand that all of your baggage is important to you. We realize that no matter what the size or shape, you count on us to treat your item with care and respect. We do our best to make sure that your special items arrive in the same condition that they were in when you checked them. To help us ensure their safety, please take care to follow the specifications and guidelines outlined below. |
The following information relating to special checked baggage items applies only to United travel within the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories. All fees shown below are in U.S. dollars and are for one-way travel only, unless otherwise specified. For information on international travel, visit the International Special Items page.
Special items fall into three categories:
- Checked bag equivalent - treated as checked bags and included in your baggage allowance or checked as excess baggage
- Standard-sized - items charged a handling fee
- Large-sized - items charged a handling fee
Exceptionally bulky or fragile items will not be accepted as checked baggage. These items may ride in a passenger seat in the cabin provided that a ticket has been purchased for the item and specific seating conditions have been met
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| Archery equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
Bows and arrows
Allowed in place of one checked bag.
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
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| Backpack |
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Allowance/requirements
Allowed in place of one checked or carry-on bag if within the weight and size limits for either a checked or carry on bag.
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
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 equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
Bowling case with shoes and 2 bowling balls.
Allowed in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
Other information
For safety reasons, we do not accept bags holding more than 2 bowling balls.
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| Fishing equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
2 rods
1 reel
1 pair of boots
1 tackle box
1 landing net
Allowed in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
Maximum length
109 inches
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| Golf equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
1 standard-sized golf bag with clubs and 1 pair of shoes
Allowed in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum weight
50 pounds (23 kilograms)
Must be enclosed in full-length protective cover (vinyl/cloth/nylon/or hard-sided case).
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| Hockey equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
Hockey/lacrosse sticks and one equipment bag
Equipment bag plus up to two hockey/lacrosse sticks allowed in place of one checked bag.
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
Other information
None
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| Kite boards |
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Allowance/requirements
1 case holding kite boards
Allowed in place of one checked bag
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
Other information
None
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| Musical instruments |
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Allowance/requirements
We understand that the valuable and fragile nature of many instruments requires that they be treated with special care. Please help us to keep your musical instruments safe by following the guidelines below.
You can carry one musical instrument that will not be counted toward your limit of one bag and one personal item provided that it can be stowed properly under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin, and the total linear dimensions (length + width + height) do not exceed 45 inches (114 cm). If total linear dimensions exceed 45 inches, the instrument must be checked.
A musical instrument may also take the place of your carry-on bag, provided that it meets the same requirements as previously stated.
Please make sure that each instrument is securely packed in a sturdy case. We will only accept a musical instrument as checked baggage, if it is protected in a hard-sided case; no soft-sided cases are permitted, for the protection of your instrument.
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
Other information
Checked musical instruments are subject to checked baggage fees and also may be subject to oversized, overweight and excess baggage fees.
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| Skateboard |
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Allowance/requirements
1 skateboard
Allowed in place of one checked bag. |
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
Other information
Accepted as carry-on if within carry-on limits.
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| Snow and water skiing equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
1 ski bag, containing 1 pair of skis and poles, plus 1 boot bag, containing boots and bindings only, are allowed in place of one checked bag.
If additional ski equipment is checked, each piece will count as a standard-sized special item, and the associated fee(s) will apply.
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Maximum size/weight
If combined weight of ski bag and boot bag exceed 50 pounds (23 kg), an overweight fee applies.
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| Snowboarding equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
1 snowboard bag, plus
1 boot bag containing boots and bindings only, are allowed in place of one checked bag.
If additional snowboarding equipment is checked, each piece will count as a standard-sized special item, and the associated fee(s) will apply.
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Maximum weight/size
If combined weight of snowboard bag and boot bag exceeds 50 pounds (23 kg) an overweight fee applies.
Other information
Boot bag must be separate from the snowboard bag.
Snowboard acceptable length range = 53-72 inches (135-184cm).
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| Standard-sized examples |
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| Bicycle |
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Allowance/requirements
Any non-motorized bicycle must be prepared for travel by the customer. United cannot provide tools. Handlebars must be turned sideways, and protruding pedals and accessories must be removed. The bicycle must be contained in a durable, protective case, bag or box.
Cost
For tickets purchased on or after October 2, 2008 for travel on or after November 10, 2008:
$175
View fees for previous ticketing dates.
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Maximum weight
50 pounds (23 kilograms)
Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
If your itinerary includes a United Express flight, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits. |
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| Luge board/surfboard/wakeboard |
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Allowance/requirements
One case holding one or two surfboards, luge boards or wakeboards. Maximum 2 boards per case.
Cost
For tickets purchased on or after October 2, 2008 for travel on or after November 10, 2008:
$175 per board
View fees for previous ticketing dates.
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds (23 kilograms)
Maximum length
109 inches (277 cm)
Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Cannot be accommodated on Boeing 737, Airbus A320 or Airbus A319 aircraft.
If your itinerary 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 (max. pressure
40 psi)
Cost
Charges apply only if tanks are included, otherwise, one bag with equipment will be allowed in place of one checked bag.
Tickets purchased on or after October 2, 2008 for travel on or after November 10, 2008:
$175
View fees for previous ticketing dates.
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Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)
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| Vaulting poles |
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Allowance/requirements
One case holding a maximum of two poles.
Cost
For tickets purchased on or after October 2, 2008 for travel on or after November 10, 2008:
$175 per pole
View fees for previous ticketing dates.
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Maximum length
16 feet (487 cm)
Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
If your itinerary includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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| Large-sized examples |
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| Hang gliding equipment |
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Allowance/requirements
Individual components of hang-gliding equipment can generally be packed in a separate bag for each component. United will accept a maximum of 2 items per bag for a set of 4 component bags.
Cost
Tickets purchased on or after June 13, 2008 for travel anytime:
$250
View fees for previous ticketing dates.
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Maximum weight
Total weight of 4 component bags cannot exceed 110 pounds.
Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Cannot accommodate on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Airbus A319 aircraft.
If your itinerary includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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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.
Tickets purchased on or after June 13, 2008 for travel anytime:
$250
View fees for previous ticketing dates. |
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Maximum size/weight
110 pounds (50 kg)
Maximum length
109 inches (277 cm)
Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Cannot be accommodated on Boeing 737, Airbus A320 or Airbus A319 aircraft.
If your itinerary 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
Tickets purchased on or after June 13, 2008 for travel anytime:
$250
View fees for previous ticketing dates.
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Maximum size/weight
Total weight of 4 component bags cannot exceed 110 pounds.
Maximum length
109 inches (277 cm)
Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Cannot be accommodated on Boeing 737, Airbus A320 or Airbus A319 aircraft.
If your itinerary includes United Express, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
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