Checked bags

Check your bags in just a few easy steps.

Size and weight

Checked bag

Carry-on bag sizes dimension diagram

The maximum size of a checked bag can be 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm) or 62 total in., including handles and wheels.

Starting February 24, 2024, fees for your first and second checked bag will go up by $5 in most markets. See what the cost for your trip will be with our baggage fee calculator.

Other fees apply for extra checked bags or any bags that go over these limits. Visit the oversized, overweight and extra bags section or the bag guidelines section 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.

Calculate bag fees

Starting February 24, 2024, fees for your first and second checked bag will go up by $5 in most markets. See what the cost for your trip will be with our baggage fee calculator.

Other fees apply for extra checked bags or any bags that go over these limits. Visit the oversized, overweight and extra bags section or the bag guidelines section 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

CabinMaximum 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 statusMaximum 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

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 a bag during check-in on united.com or the United app. Then, drop your bag in the bag drop shortcut area at the airport.

Bag drop shortcut

This drop-and-go service lets you check your bags faster. First, check a bag during check-in on united.com or the United app. Then, drop your bag in the bag drop shortcut area at the airport.

Traveler pro tips

Traveler pro tips

It's unlikely your bags will be lost during travel. But there are a few steps you can take to help reduce this risk:

It's unlikely your bags will be lost during travel. But there are a few steps you can take to help reduce this risk:

  • Before going to the airport, remove all old bag tags.
  • If you're checking a bag, make sure you get to the airport early.
  • Keep your bag tag receipt. You should also take a picture of your bag and bag tag receipt together for your records.
  • Place your phone number or email on a luggage tag or inside the front pocket of your bag so if your bag tag is lost, we can contact you to confirm where to send it.
  • Use our bag tracker or a device like an AirTag to keep an eye on your bag.
  • Place medication, valuables and other essentials, like keys and your wallet, in the bag you plan to bring on the plane with you.
  • Pack all liquids in a resealable bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) should be packed in your checked bag.

Bag tracking

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

Learn more

Bag tracking

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

Learn more

Additional info