United Airlines checked bag fees, size and weight limit
United does not list fixed checked bag prices on its baggage page. It uses a baggage fee calculator because the price depends on your route and when you bought your ticket. What it does publish: a checked bag can be up to 62 total inches and 50 lb (Economy) or 70 lb (Business, First, Polaris).
United checked bag size and weight limit
| Cabin | Maximum weight per bag |
|---|---|
| United Economy, Premium Economy | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| United Business, United First, United Polaris | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| MileagePlus Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| Star Alliance Gold | 70 lb in Business; 50 lb in Economy |
If your cabin and your MileagePlus status give different limits, United goes by the larger one. Size: a checked bag can be 30 x 20 x 12 inches (76 x 52 x 30 cm) or 62 total inches, including handles and wheels.
When United raised its checked bag fees in 2026
- 3 April 2026: domestic flights, short flights between the US and Latin America, and flights between the US and Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico (tickets purchased on or after this date).
- 12 May 2026: many flights between the US and Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
- 21 July 2026: flights between the US and Japan, Hong Kong and the Philippines, and flights between countries in Asia.
United says its fees depend on when you bought your ticket and where you are flying, so use United's own baggage fee calculator for the exact price. Extra, oversized and overweight bags have separate charges listed in the "Oversized, overweight, and extra bags" section of United's checked bags page.
Need cabin bag rules? See United Airlines carry-on size and weight.
Source: Checked bags on united.com. Checked 10 October 2026. Fees change often and depend on when you bought your ticket, your fare and your route: confirm with the airline before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the first checked bag on United?
United does not publish one fixed price. The fee depends on your route and the date you bought your ticket, so use United's baggage fee calculator on united.com.
What is United's checked bag weight limit?
50 lb (23 kg) in United Economy and Premium Economy, and 70 lb (32 kg) in Business, First and Polaris. MileagePlus Premier members get 70 lb.
What is United's checked bag size limit?
30 x 20 x 12 inches (76 x 52 x 30 cm) or 62 total inches, including handles and wheels.
Did United raise bag fees in 2026?
Yes. United increased fees for tickets purchased on or after 3 April 2026 on domestic and nearby routes, on or after 12 May 2026 for many routes to Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, and on or after 21 July 2026 for Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and routes within Asia.
Where do I see my exact United bag fee?
Use the baggage fee calculator on united.com, or check your booking.