2026 checked bag fees
United Airlines baggage fees
On U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean flights, the first checked bag on United costs $45 if you pay online ($50 at the airport) and the second $55.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
$50 at the airport
$60 at the airport
Up to 62 in (158 cm) in total
Basic Economy: $45 for the first
Quick answer
On U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean flights, the first checked bag on United costs $45 if you pay online ($50 at the airport) and the second $55. Included on Economy and above. Basic Economy allows only a personal item on most U.S. and short-haul flights.
- 1st checked bag
- $45 ($50 at the airport)
- 2nd checked bag
- $55 ($60 at the airport)
- Weight limit
- 50 lb (Up to 62 in (158 cm) in total)
- Cheapest fare
- No free bags (Basic Economy: $45 for the first)
What will my bags cost on United?
- 1st bag on Economy$45
- Each way, per traveler$45
United checked bag fees
Prices one way, per traveler, on U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean flights.
On Economy
| Bag | Paid online | At the airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | $45 | $50 |
| 2nd bag | $55 | $60 |
| 3rd bag and up | $200 | $200 |
Free checked bags by fare
- Basic EconomyMost U.S. Basic Economy fares also leave out a full-size carry-onNone
- EconomyNone
- Premium cabins2 bags
Each bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm) in total.
Overweight and oversize bags
Charged per bag, each way, on top of any bag fee.
- Overweight: 51–70 lb$100
- Overweight: 71–100 lb$200
- Oversize: 63–115 in (length + width + height)$200
Other routes
Economy to Europe includes one free bag (Basic Economy pays $75 for it), and the second bag costs $100.
How to avoid United bag fees
Who checks bags free
- MileagePlus Premier members
- United Explorer cardmembers: first bag free for you and one companion
- Star Alliance Gold members
- Active U.S. military
- Premium-cabin passengers
Ways to pay less
- • Pay ahead online when the airline charges more at the airport.
- • Weigh your bag at home: going over 50 lb can cost more than a second bag.
- • Travel carry-on only: check the United carry-on size.
United vs. other U.S. airlines
On regular economy fares, one way, in U.S. dollars.
| Airline | 1st bag | 2nd bag | Free bags (regular fare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneEconomy |
| American Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain Cabin |
| Delta Air Lines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain |
| Southwest Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneChoice |
| Alaska Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain |
| JetBlue | $39–$49 | $59–$69 | NoneMain (formerly Blue) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $45 | $55 | NoneMain Cabin |
| Frontier Airlines | $29–$63 | $59–$86 | NoneStandard fare |
| Allegiant Air | $20–$50 | $20–$50 | NoneStandard fare |
| Sun Country Airlines | $34–$45 | $40–$45 | NoneStandard fare |
| Breeze Airways | $35–$41 | $45 | NoneNice (standard fare) |
| Avelo Airlines | $40–$45 | $40–$45 | NoneStandard fare |
- United Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Economy
- American Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main Cabin
- Delta Air Lines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main
- Southwest Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Choice
- Alaska Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main
- JetBlue
- 1st bag
- $39–$49
- 2nd bag
- $59–$69
- Free bags
- None · Main (formerly Blue)
- Hawaiian Airlines
- 1st bag
- $45
- 2nd bag
- $55
- Free bags
- None · Main Cabin
- Frontier Airlines
- 1st bag
- $29–$63
- 2nd bag
- $59–$86
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Allegiant Air
- 1st bag
- $20–$50
- 2nd bag
- $20–$50
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Sun Country Airlines
- 1st bag
- $34–$45
- 2nd bag
- $40–$45
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
- Breeze Airways
- 1st bag
- $35–$41
- 2nd bag
- $45
- Free bags
- None · Nice (standard fare)
- Avelo Airlines
- 1st bag
- $40–$45
- 2nd bag
- $40–$45
- Free bags
- None · Standard fare
Compare United with another airline
United baggage FAQ
On U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean flights, the first checked bag on United costs $45 if you pay online ($50 at the airport) and the second $55.
Airports United flies from
Airport guides with transit, terminals, lounges and parking.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fees as published for tickets bought from April 3, 2026. Airlines change bag fees often, so confirm the price for your trip when you book.
- United Airlines: official baggage information
- CNBC: United raises checked bag fees by $10 (Apr 2, 2026)
- Upgraded Points: United baggage fees (updated Jun 10, 2026)
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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