United Airlines Checked Baggage Fees Budget Seniors, March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 ✈️🧳 United.com • NerdWallet • DOT • Verified Every fee, every exception, every way to avoid paying — domestic, international, Basic Economy, overweight, and your DOT rights when bags are lost or delayed. Updated from official United and government sources. © BudgetSeniors.com — Independent. Unsponsored. Always in Your Corner. ⚠️ Fees Change Without Notice — Always Verify at United.com United uses a dynamic baggage fee system. Fees vary by route, fare class, how and when you pay, and your loyalty status. Always use United’s official Baggage Fee Calculator at united.com before your flight to get the exact fee for your specific itinerary. Information on this page was verified from official and authoritative sources as of March 2026 and may change. United last raised domestic checked bag fees by $5 in February 2024. 💡 10 Key Things to Know About United Baggage Fees Whether you’re flying domestic or international, in Basic Economy or Polaris Business, what you pay for a checked bag on United Airlines depends on four things: your destination, your fare class, whether you prepay, and your loyalty or credit card status. Here is what every traveler needs to know before packing — and before paying. 1 How much does the first checked bag cost on United for a domestic flight? $35 if you prepay online or in the app. $40 if you pay at the airport. Standard Economy on U.S. domestic routes, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. United raised its domestic checked bag fees by $5 per bag in February 2024 (NerdWallet). Prepaying at least 24 hours before your flight via united.com or the United app saves $5 per bag. The $35 prepaid / $40 airport fee applies to standard Economy passengers on most domestic U.S. routes, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Premium Economy, Business (Polaris), and First Class passengers receive up to two free checked bags. United’s own Baggage Fee Calculator at united.com is the most reliable tool for your specific route — fees can vary by departure airport and destination. 2 What does the second checked bag cost on a domestic flight? $45 if prepaid online. $50 if paid at the airport. A round trip with two bags for two passengers can cost $180–$200 in fees alone. For standard Economy passengers on domestic flights, the second bag costs $45 prepaid or $50 at the airport. For a couple taking a round trip each checking two bags, that totals up to $200 in bag fees before the trip even starts. TravelersUnited noted that “normal round-trip baggage fees will cost between $70 and $80” per person for two bags. This is a significant added cost for budget travelers and is one of the top reasons travel experts recommend United co-branded credit cards for frequent fliers who regularly check bags. 3 What does Basic Economy mean for bags on United? On most domestic and short-haul international routes, Basic Economy passengers get one personal item only. No free carry-on. If you bring a full-size bag to the gate, you pay the checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling fee. United is the only major U.S. carrier (among American, Delta, and United) that does not allow a free carry-on on Basic Economy tickets for most domestic routes, per The Points Guy’s January 2026 analysis. If a Basic Economy passenger arrives at the gate with an unchecked full-size carry-on, they are charged the standard checked bag fee ($35–$40) plus an additional $25 gate handling fee — potentially $65 total. Exception: Basic Economy passengers on trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific long-haul flights are still permitted one free full-size carry-on (AeroXplorer 2026). On Basic Economy for international routes, the first bag costs approximately $75–$80. 4 Are checked bags free on United international flights? Often yes for the first bag on long-haul routes (Europe, Asia, South America). Standard Economy passengers typically get one free checked bag on most international routes outside North America. A second bag costs around $100. United’s international policy is more generous than domestic for standard Economy. Per BaggagePolicies.com’s December 2025 guide, most long-haul international routes (Europe, Asia, South America) include one free checked bag for Economy passengers, with a second bag at approximately $100. Basic Economy on international routes typically charges $75–$80 for the first bag. Premium Economy passengers receive two free checked bags on international routes. Because international fees vary significantly by exact route, United strongly recommends using its online Baggage Fee Calculator to find the precise fee for your itinerary before booking. 5 How much are overweight and oversized bag fees on United? Overweight (51–70 lbs): $100–$200 extra per bag. Oversized (over 62 linear inches): $200 extra. United will not accept any bag over 100 lbs or 115 linear inches. All standard checked bags must weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg) and not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + depth). For Economy and Premium Economy passengers, bags weighing 51–70 lbs incur an additional fee of $100–$200; bags weighing 71–100 lbs incur $200–$400 extra, per NerdWallet’s verified January 2026 data. Oversized bags exceeding 62 linear inches are charged an additional $200. These fees are charged on top of the standard checked bag fee. Business and First Class passengers and Premier elites may check bags up to 70 lbs for free. Pro tip: always weigh your bags at home before leaving for the airport to avoid surprise fees at the counter. 6 Which United co-branded credit cards give free checked bags? The United Explorer Card grants one free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion. United Quest and Club Infinite cards typically grant the first and second bags free. The card must be used to pay for the flight. United co-branded Chase credit cards are among the most practical ways to eliminate checked bag fees without elite status. The United Explorer Card (annual fee applies) gives a free first bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation. The United Quest and Club Infinite cards typically waive the first and second checked bags for the cardholder and a companion. Per UpgradedPoints’ January 2026 review, the MileagePlus number must be on the reservation and the card must be used to pay. For two passengers checking one bag each round-trip, the annual fee may be offset within a single trip. Always confirm current card benefits at chase.com/united before applying, as terms can change. 7 Do MileagePlus Premier elite members get free checked bags? Yes. Premier Silver: 1 free bag (up to 70 lbs). Premier Gold: 2 free bags. Premier Platinum and 1K: 3 free bags. All up to 70 lbs, and the benefit extends to travel companions on the same reservation (up to 9 travelers). MileagePlus Premier status is United’s loyalty tier system. All Premier members benefit from a 70-lb weight allowance per bag (compared to the standard 50-lb limit for Economy), plus free bags based on tier level, per AeroXplorer and UpgradedPoints 2026. The free bag allowance extends to all passengers on the same reservation — up to 9 companions traveling together receive the same baggage benefits as the elite member. Star Alliance Gold members also receive one free checked bag. Active U.S. military members and their dependents receive up to 3 free bags on personal travel and up to 5 on official military travel, with no weight restrictions for standard bags. 8 What are the size limits for carry-on bags and personal items? Carry-on: 9 x 14 x 22 inches (including wheels and handles). Personal item: 9 x 10 x 17 inches. Both are free for standard Economy. Basic Economy allows only the personal item on most domestic routes. United’s carry-on size limit of 9 x 14 x 22 inches is consistent with most U.S. major airlines. The personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) must fit under the seat in front and not exceed 9 x 10 x 17 inches. Both are free for standard Economy passengers. For Basic Economy on most domestic routes, only the personal item is included — the carry-on is not. For long-haul Basic Economy on trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes, both a carry-on and personal item are allowed. Standard Economy bags must not exceed 62 total linear inches for checking. Check-in bags weighing over 50 lbs trigger overweight fees even if you have free bags included. 9 Are strollers, car seats, and medical equipment free to check on United? Yes. Strollers and child safety seats (one per child) are free. Assistive devices and medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, CPAP machines, etc.) are always free and have no liability cap limitation. United does not charge for child-related travel items: one stroller and one child safety seat per child traveling may be checked free of charge, regardless of fare class or status. Assistive devices — manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches, CPAP machines — are always free and are subject to special handling rules that exceed standard baggage protection. Under DOT disability regulations, airlines face heightened liability standards for damage to or loss of mobility equipment. Passengers with power wheelchairs should inform United at booking to ensure proper handling instructions are noted. Lithium battery policies for power wheelchairs may apply — confirm details at united.com or call United’s accessibility desk before travel. 10 What are my rights if United loses or significantly delays my checked bag? Under DOT rules, if your bag is delayed 12+ hours (domestic) or 15–30+ hours (international), United must automatically refund your bag fee. For lost bags, DOT liability is up to $4,700 domestic and approximately $1,700 international. Federal DOT rules give you clear rights for mishandled baggage. If your bag is significantly delayed — 12 hours or more after arrival on a domestic flight, or 15–30 hours on international flights — United must automatically refund your checked bag fee, per AeroXplorer’s 2026 policy overview and DOT’s official refund page. For lost bags, federal law caps domestic airline liability at $4,700 per passenger (AirHelp; NerdWallet) and the Montreal Convention applies for international flights (~$1,700). While your bag is delayed, United must reimburse reasonable documented interim expenses (toiletries, essential clothing). Report a missing bag immediately at the airport’s United baggage service desk and obtain a reference number before leaving. Sources: NerdWallet Jan 7 2026 & Nov 7 2025 (domestic fees $35/$40 prepaid/airport; 2nd bag $45/$50; Feb 2024 $5 increase; oversized +$200; overweight +$100–$200; BE gate carry-on = bag fee + $25; Premium/Business/First 2 free bags; Premier weight tiers); BaggagePolicies.com Dec 21 2025 (all domestic fee tiers; int’l 2nd bag $100; BE int’l $75–$80; overweight 51–70 lbs $100–$200); AeroXplorer 2026 (BE carry-on restriction; $25 gate fee; DOT 12-hr domestic / 15–30-hr int’l auto-refund; Premier tiers; stroller/car seat free); The Points Guy Jan 14 2026 (United only major carrier no BE carry-on; $25 gate handling; Premier tiers 1/2/3 bags); UpgradedPoints Jan 7 2026 (Explorer card 1 free bag; Quest/Club 2 free; MileagePlus # required; card must pay); DOT transportation.gov/refunds (official; 12-hr domestic / 15–30 int’l auto-refund; lost bag 5–14 days); AirHelp ($4,700 domestic DOT max; Montreal ~$1,700 int’l); NerdWallet mishandled bags (12-hr domestic rule; $4,700/$1,700) 📊 United Baggage Key Numbers at a Glance 🧳 1st Bag — Domestic Economy $35 / $40 $35 prepaid online or in the United app (save $5). $40 paid at the airport. Applies to standard Economy on U.S. domestic, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean. Fee raised $5 in February 2024. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class: first 2 bags free. 🧳 2nd Bag — Domestic Economy $45 / $50 $45 prepaid online. $50 at the airport. Two passengers each checking two bags round-trip can pay $180–$200 in bag fees alone (TravelersUnited). Prepaying saves $10 per round trip for the second bag. ⚠️ Basic Economy Gate Fee +$25 penalty If a Basic Economy passenger brings a full-size carry-on to the gate on most domestic routes, they pay the standard checked bag fee PLUS an additional $25 gate handling fee — up to $65 total. Only a personal item (9×10×17 in.) is included free. ✅ DOT Liability — Lost Domestic Bag Up to $4,700 Maximum federal DOT liability per passenger for lost, damaged, or delayed bags on domestic flights. International flights are governed by the Montreal Convention, typically capped at approximately $1,700. Report missing bags at the airport before leaving. Sources: NerdWallet Jan 7 2026 ($35/$40 first bag; $45/$50 second; Feb 2024 increase); TravelersUnited May 2025 (round-trip $70–$80 per person); AeroXplorer 2026 ($25 gate fee; BE restriction); DOT transportation.gov (official refund rules); AirHelp ($4,700 domestic DOT cap; Montreal Convention ~$1,700 int’l) 📋 Complete Checked Bag Fee Schedule 🇺🇸 Domestic U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean (Economy) BagPrepaid OnlinePaid at AirportWho Pays 1st Checked Bag$35$40Standard Economy, no status, no qualifying card 2nd Checked Bag$45$50Standard Economy, no status, no qualifying card 3rd Checked Bag$150$150All passengers (including status holders) Basic Economy 1st Bag$35–$40$40–$65*BE: carry-on not included; gate check = bag fee + $25 Personal ItemFREEFREEAll fare classes, all passengers (9×10×17 in.) Carry-On (standard Economy)FREEFREEStandard Economy, Business, First, Premier *Basic Economy gate carry-on = standard bag fee + $25 gate handling surcharge. Avoid by prepaying for a bag before the gate. 🌍 Long-Haul International (Europe, Asia, South America — Standard Economy) BagStandard EconomyBasic EconomyPremium Economy 1st Checked BagFREE (most routes)~$75–$80FREE 2nd Checked Bag~$100~$100+FREE Carry-OnFREEFREE (long-haul only)FREE International fees vary significantly by exact route. Always verify at united.com/bagcalculator before booking. ⚖️ Overweight & Oversized Bag Fees (Added on Top of Standard Fees) ConditionAdditional FeeNotes Overweight: 51–70 lbs$100–$200Economy/Premium Economy standard limit: 50 lbs Overweight: 71–100 lbs$200–$400Business/First/Premier standard limit: 70 lbs Not accepted: Over 100 lbsRefusedUnited will not check any bag over 100 lbs Oversized: Over 62 linear inches$200 additionalCharged in addition to overweight fee if both apply Not accepted: Over 115 linear inchesRefusedVerify special items (bikes, surfboards) at united.com 🏆 Who Gets Free Checked Bags — No Fee Required Status / CardFree BagsWeight LimitCompanions Covered Business / Polaris / First Class2 free70 lbsTicket-based Premier Silver1 free70 lbsUp to 9 on same reservation Premier Gold2 free70 lbsUp to 9 on same reservation Premier Platinum / 1K3 free70 lbsUp to 9 on same reservation Star Alliance Gold1 free50 lbsVaries by carrier United Explorer Card1st bag free50 lbs1 companion on same reservation United Quest / Club Infinite1st & 2nd free50 lbs1 companion on same reservation Active U.S. Military3 bags (personal)No extra chargeDependents included Stroller / Car SeatFREE (per child)No weight limitAll fare classes Assistive Devices / WheelchairsAlways FREENo weight limitAll fare classes Sources: NerdWallet Jan 7 2026 (all domestic fees; overweight/oversized; Business/First 2 free; Premier 70-lb allowance); BaggagePolicies.com Dec 21 2025 (int’l free first bag; 2nd bag $100; BE int’l $75–$80); AeroXplorer 2026 (Premier Silver/Gold/Platinum/1K tiers; $25 gate fee; long-haul BE carry-on allowed; stroller/car seat free); UpgradedPoints Jan 7 2026 (Explorer 1 free; Quest/Club 2 free; military 3 bags); The Points Guy Jan 14 2026 (Star Alliance Gold; Premier tiers); NerdWallet fees page Jan 7 2026 (Feb 2024 $5 increase confirmed; $150 3rd bag; $200 oversized) 🧮 United Baggage Fee Estimator Answer three quick questions to see an estimated fee for your trip. This is an approximation for planning purposes only — always confirm the exact amount at united.com/bagcalculator before your flight. ✈️ Estimate Your United Bag Fees Where are you flying? — Select destination — Domestic U.S. / Canada / Mexico / Caribbean Long-haul International (Europe, Asia, South America) Fare class — Select fare — Basic Economy Standard Economy Premium Economy / Business / First MileagePlus Premier / Qualifying Card How many bags per person? — Number of bags — 1 bag 2 bags 3 bags How will you pay? Online / App (prepaid, at least 24 hrs before) At the airport counter or kiosk 🧳 Estimate My Baggage Fees ❓ United Baggage Questions Answered Plainly 💡 What is the cheapest way to check a bag on United? Prepay online or in the United app at least 24 hours before your flight. You save $5 per bag versus airport payment. For two bags on a round trip, that’s $20 saved — just from the timing of when you pay. Use the United Explorer, Quest, or Club Infinite co-branded Chase credit card. The annual fee on these cards may pay for itself in a single round trip for a traveler who checks bags. The Explorer card grants one free first bag for you and a companion; Quest and Club Infinite extend to the second bag. Bundle bags during booking. United offers bundle packages during the booking process that combine bag fees and priority boarding at a combined discount compared to purchasing separately. These bundles are typically non-refundable, so confirm your plans before purchasing. Pack everything into your personal item if travel is short. A 17-inch laptop backpack or a small soft bag that fits under the seat (max 9×10×17 inches) always travels free. For short trips with minimal gear, this completely eliminates baggage fees. Never check a bag at the gate in Basic Economy. The gate handling surcharge of $25 on top of the regular bag fee means you could pay $65 total for a bag that would have cost $35 prepaid. If you’re in Basic Economy and need a bag, prepay online before arriving at the airport. 💡 What happens if United loses my bag — what are my rights? If your bag does not arrive, report it immediately at the United baggage service desk before leaving the airport. Obtain a reference number — this is required for all reimbursement claims. Under DOT rules, United must reimburse you for documented, reasonable interim expenses (toiletries, essential clothing) while your bag is located. Keep all receipts. DialHuman’s policy review noted that United typically reimburses up to $50 per day for up to five days for interim expenses, though the DOT does not allow airlines to impose arbitrary daily caps — airlines must cover reasonable documented expenses regardless. Most airlines declare a bag officially “lost” (rather than delayed) after 5–14 days. Once declared lost, DOT liability caps apply: up to $4,700 per passenger on domestic flights (AirHelp; NerdWallet). On international flights, the Montreal Convention governs, typically limiting claims to approximately $1,700. Track your bag via the United app using your reference number, available 24/7. 💡 Is a checked bag fee automatically refunded if my flight is canceled? Yes — if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full cash refund of your ticket price and all fees, including checked bag fees, under the DOT’s now-in-effect automatic refund rules. Per DOT’s official refund page and PIRG’s November 2025 passenger rights update, airlines must issue automatic cash refunds (not just vouchers) within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 business days for other payment forms when your flight is significantly disrupted and you decline alternatives. This also applies if your bag fee is paid and your bag is significantly delayed (12+ hours domestic; 15–30+ hours international) — United must automatically refund the bag fee. Important: if you purchased through a third-party travel agency, the DOT refund must be routed through the agency, which can slow the process. Book directly at united.com when possible to ensure the fastest automatic refunds. 💡 Does United track bags and how does it work? Yes — United offers real-time baggage tracking described by AeroXplorer’s 2026 guide as “package-delivery-style,” showing exactly when your bag is scanned onto the plane and when it reaches the carousel. The tracking is available in the United app using your booking reference. Notably, United also supports Apple AirTag integration: if your bag is mishandled, you can share your AirTag’s location directly with United’s baggage team through the app, helping them locate it faster. This is a practical feature for travelers concerned about bag tracking — a small AirTag placed inside a checked bag can provide peace of mind and accelerate recovery if the bag is misdirected. Always label bags externally with your name and contact information as well, since electronic tags require a smartphone to access. 💡 How do United’s bag fees compare to other major airlines? As of early 2026, checked bag fees across U.S. major airlines have largely converged. ThePointsAnalyst’s January 2026 analysis found that “most airlines now charge for checked bags on standard economy fares, with free bags tied to fare bundles, loyalty tiers, or credit cards rather than being universal.” Southwest Airlines — historically the free-bag airline — began charging for checked bags in 2024, fundamentally changing the competitive landscape. United’s $35 prepaid / $40 airport fee structure is essentially identical to American and Delta for standard Economy. The key differentiator is United’s Basic Economy restriction, which uniquely denies the free carry-on on most domestic routes — something American and Delta do not do. For travelers who regularly check bags, the most cost-effective choice is almost always a co-branded airline credit card rather than which airline you choose. 💡 Are sports equipment or special items charged differently? United has a nuanced policy for specialty items that differs from standard bag fees. Golf clubs: one set in a hard-sided case counts as a standard checked bag (standard fee applies; oversize fee waived). Bicycles: oversize fees are waived for properly packed non-motorized bicycles. Surfboards: the standard $100 specialty fee is waived for flights to or from California for up to two boards. Musical instruments: small instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin; larger ones may be checked with a 165-lb weight limit and applicable fees. Firearms: must be unloaded, in a hard-sided locked case, declared at check-in, and comply with TSA requirements — charged as standard checked bags. For any specialty item, AeroXplorer strongly recommends using United’s online Baggage Calculator and reading the specific policy at united.com before arriving at the airport, as the most-restrictive policy applies on any codeshare itinerary. Sources: AeroXplorer 2026 (prepay $5 savings; bundle; AirTag integration; real-time tracking; specialty items; most-restrictive codeshare rule; golf clubs; bicycle; surfboard California waiver); UpgradedPoints Jan 7 2026 (Explorer/Quest/Club card waivers; MileagePlus # required; bundle packages non-refundable); DOT transportation.gov/refunds (official; automatic refund rules; 7-day credit card / 20-day cash; baggage fee refund on delayed bags); PIRG.org Nov 2025 (automatic refund rules in effect; fee disclosure; DOT definitions); AirHelp ($4,700 domestic; Montreal ~$1,700; no arbitrary daily limit); DialHuman Oct 2025 ($50/day interim expenses; $3,800 domestic DOT limit; 5-day bag hold; united.com/bagclaim); ThePointsAnalyst Jan 20 2026 (Southwest now charges; major airline convergence; BE carry-on uniquely United); NerdWallet mishandled bags (12-hr domestic auto-refund; $4,700 domestic; $1,700 int’l; damage wheels/handles covered) 📍 Find United Airlines Locations & Travel Resources Near You Use these buttons to locate United ticket counters, airport baggage services, TSA assistance for travelers with disabilities, and consumer travel help near you. ✈️ United Airlines Ticket Counter & Baggage Service ♿ TSA Cares — Disability & Accessibility Assistance 🔒 Airport Luggage Storage — Short-Term Lockers 📋 DOT Aviation Consumer Protection — File a Complaint Locating airports near you… ✅ Smart Packing Checklist — Before You Get to the Airport Weigh every checked bag at home before leaving. A standard kitchen or bathroom scale is accurate enough. Bags over 50 lbs on standard Economy trigger overweight fees of $100–$200 on top of the bag fee. Redistribute weight between bags if needed. Premier elites are allowed 70 lbs per bag free. Measure oversized items before you pack them. Add length + width + depth. If the total exceeds 62 inches, a $200 oversized fee applies in addition to any overweight fee. Common culprits: large wheeled suitcases, golf travel cases, car seat travel bags. Prepay for bags online at least 24 hours before your flight. Save $5 per bag versus airport payment. If you’re in Basic Economy, prepaying keeps you from facing the $25 gate surcharge. Use the United app or united.com — the process takes less than two minutes. Photograph the contents and exterior of every bag you check. If your bag is lost or damaged, photographs of the bag’s exterior condition and its contents can significantly strengthen your reimbursement claim with United and help establish value for the DOT liability process. Store photos in your phone’s camera roll before leaving home. Report any delayed or missing bag at the airport baggage desk immediately — before leaving the airport. Getting a reference number at the airport is the essential first step. You cannot file a meaningful delayed-bag claim after leaving without one. Keep your boarding pass and bag tag receipts until the bag is confirmed in your possession. 🚨 Three Baggage Mistakes That Cost the Most Money Showing up at the gate with a carry-on on a Basic Economy ticket. This is the most expensive single baggage mistake on United. The gate handling surcharge of $25 on top of the standard bag fee means a bag that could have cost $35 prepaid instead costs $65 at the gate. Always know your fare class before you pack. Not checking the exact route on United’s Baggage Calculator before booking. International fees vary enormously by route. A bag that is free to London may cost $75–$80 on the same ticket class to another destination. Checking united.com’s Baggage Calculator before purchase is the only way to know your actual total travel cost. Leaving the airport without reporting a missing bag. The window to file an effective delayed-bag claim begins at the airport baggage service desk. Attempting to file after leaving significantly complicates the process and may reduce the reimbursement you receive for interim expenses. Always allow extra time after landing to check the carousel and report any issues before exiting the terminal. © BudgetSeniors.com — This guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. United Airlines baggage fees and policies change frequently without notice. Always verify exact fees for your specific itinerary at united.com/bagcalculator before travel. BudgetSeniors.com is not affiliated with United Airlines. For official United customer service: 1-800-864-8331 (United States). For DOT aviation complaints and passenger rights: transportation.gov/airconsumer or 1-202-366-2220. For TSA Cares accessibility assistance: 1-855-787-2227 (72 hours before flight). Primary sources: NerdWallet Jan 7 2026 & Nov 7 2025 (domestic fees $35/$40 prepaid/airport; 2nd bag $45/$50; Feb 2024 $5 increase; 3rd bag $150; oversized +$200; overweight schedule; Business/First free; Premier 70-lb; gate carry-on = bag fee + $25; star alliance gold); BaggagePolicies.com Dec 21 2025 (domestic/int’l fee tiers; BE $75–$80 int’l; 2nd bag int’l $100; overweight 51–70 $100–$200; carry-on/personal item dimensions); AeroXplorer 2026 (BE carry-on restriction domestic; long-haul BE carry-on allowed; $25 gate surcharge; Premier Silver/Gold/Platinum/1K free bags; 70-lb Premier; AirTag; real-time tracking; auto-refund DOT 12/15–30 hrs; stroller/car seat free; specialty items; golf/bicycle/surfboard); The Points Guy Jan 14 2026 (United only major carrier no BE carry-on; $25 gate handling; Premier 1/2/3 bags; 70-lb allowance); UpgradedPoints Jan 7 2026 (Explorer 1 free bag; Quest/Club 2 free; MileagePlus # required; bundle packages; military 3 bags); ThePointsAnalyst Jan 20 2026 (Southwest now charges; competitive landscape; BE carry-on uniquely United); DOT transportation.gov/refunds official (automatic refund rules in effect; bag fee refund 12-hr domestic / 15–30 int’l; 7-day credit card refund; lost bag 5–14 days); PIRG.org Nov 2025 (passenger rights effective dates; automatic cash refunds; fee disclosure); AirHelp (DOT $4,700 domestic max; Montreal Convention ~$1,700 int’l; no arbitrary daily limit); NerdWallet mishandled bags (domestic $4,700; int’l $1,700; 12-hr refund rule; damage to handles/wheels covered); DialHuman Oct 2025 ($50/day guidance; $3,800 domestic note; united.com/bagclaim; 5-day hold; united.com/bagtrack); TravelersUnited May 2025 (round-trip $70–$80 per person; fee increase history; Feb 2024 increase) Recommended Reads Delta Baggage Fees United Airlines Baggage Fees Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees American Airlines Baggage Fees Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees Southwest Airlines Checked Baggage Fees Blog