Checked bags
Check your bags in just a few easy steps.
Size and weight
Checked bag

The maximum size of a checked bag can be 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 51 cm x 30 cm), including handles and wheels.
Other fees apply for extra checked bags or any bags that go over these limits. Visit the oversized, overweight and extra bags section below for more info.
Baggage Fee Calculator
Depending on where and how you travel, you may have to pay to check your bag. Use our baggage fee calculator to see how much it’ll cost.
Other fees apply for extra checked bags or any bags that go over these limits. Visit the oversized, overweight and extra bags section below for more info.
Weight limit
The weight limit for a checked bag depends on your cabin and your MileagePlus status. If they have different limits, we’ll go by the one that has the larger limit.
Weights by cabin
Cabin | Maximum weight per bag |
---|---|
United Economy® Premium Economy® | 50 pounds
(23 kilograms) |
United Business® United First® United Polaris® business class | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
Weights by MileagePlus status
MileagePlus status | Maximum weight per bag |
---|---|
Premier Silver
Premier Gold Premier Platinum Premier 1K® | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) |
Star Alliance™ Gold | 70 pounds (32 kilograms) in Business 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in Economy |
Common items
Some items have a few extra rules for how they can be packed.
Bag check process


Check your bag on timeCheck your bag on time
There is a time limit for checking bags and we can't check yours if you’re not on time. Find out your airport’s cut off time for checking bags.

Keep your claim checkKeep your claim check
Go to the airport kiosk to get a claim check for each checked bag. A claim check is like a receipt. Keep each one until you reclaim all your bags at your last stop.

Learn about connecting flightsLearn about connecting flights
If you have a connecting flight, you might need to re-check your bags between stops. Visit the connecting flights section below for more information.
Bag drop shortcut
This drop-and-go service lets you check your bags faster. First, check in and check your bag on the United app. Then drop your bag at the Bag Drop Shortcut area in the airport.
Keep in mind that the Bag Drop Shortcut is only available in some airports. Use the terminal guide on the app to find out if it’s in your airport.
Bag tracking
Bag tracking is a feature of the United app that lets you see the status and location of your checked bags.


Bag tracking
Bag tracking is a feature of the United app that lets you see the status and location of your checked bags.