How To Avoid Baggage Fees On United Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Flying with United Airlines can be a convenient and stress-free experience, but those pesky baggage fees can quickly add up and put a damper on your trip. Luckily, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can avoid these fees altogether and keep your travel budget intact.

In this guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks for avoiding baggage fees on United Airlines, from packing strategies to membership perks that can help you save money. So whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first trip with United, read on to discover how you can travel smart and avoid those extra charges.

How to Avoid Baggage Fees on United Airlines?

How to Avoid Baggage Fees on United Airlines?

United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world, but it’s also known for its baggage fees. These fees can quickly add up, especially if you’re traveling with multiple bags or heavy items. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid baggage fees and save money on your United Airlines flights. Here are ten tips for avoiding baggage fees on United Airlines.

1. Pack Light

The best way to avoid baggage fees on United Airlines is to pack light. The airline allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. Make sure your carry-on bag meets the airline’s size restrictions, which are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm). You can also bring a personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or backpack, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.

If you need to bring more than one bag, consider shipping your luggage instead of checking it. Shipping your luggage can be more expensive than checking it, but it can still be cheaper than paying United Airlines’ baggage fees. You can also consider packing lighter and doing laundry during your trip.

2. Use United Airlines’ Credit Card

United Airlines offers a credit card that can help you avoid baggage fees. If you’re a United Airlines credit cardholder, you can check one bag for free on domestic flights. You can also check two bags for free on international flights. This can be a great way to save money if you’re a frequent flyer.

3. Join United Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Program

United Airlines’ frequent flyer program, MileagePlus, can also help you avoid baggage fees. If you’re a Premier member of MileagePlus, you can check one bag for free on domestic flights. You can also check two bags for free on international flights. Premier Silver members and above can check three bags for free on international flights.

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4. Know United Airlines’ Baggage Fees

Before you book your flight, make sure you know United Airlines’ baggage fees. The airline charges different fees depending on your destination, the type of ticket you have, and the weight and size of your bags. You can find this information on United Airlines’ website. Knowing the fees in advance can help you avoid surprises and plan accordingly.

5. Use United Airlines’ Online Check-in

United Airlines’ online check-in can help you avoid baggage fees. If you check in online, you can print your boarding pass and bring it to the airport. This will save you time and money, as you won’t have to pay the fee for printing your boarding pass at the airport. You can also use United Airlines’ mobile app to check in and access your boarding pass.

6. Consider United Airlines’ Basic Economy Fare

United Airlines offers a Basic Economy fare that is cheaper than its standard fares. However, this fare comes with some restrictions, including a limit on the size of your carry-on bag and no free checked bags. If you’re traveling light and don’t need to check a bag, the Basic Economy fare can be a good option to save money.

7. Use United Airlines’ Baggage Calculator

United Airlines’ baggage calculator can help you determine how much your baggage will cost. You can input your destination, the type of ticket you have, and the weight and size of your bags. The calculator will then provide you with an estimate of how much you’ll have to pay for your baggage. This can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises at the airport.

8. Consider United Airlines’ Bundled Fares

United Airlines offers bundled fares that include baggage fees and other services, such as priority boarding and extra legroom. These fares can be a good option if you know you’ll need to check bags and want to save money on other services. Make sure you compare the cost of the bundled fare to the cost of the individual services to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

9. Fly United Airlines’ Partner Airlines

United Airlines has partner airlines that may have different baggage policies. Make sure you check the baggage policies of the partner airline before you book your flight. You may be able to avoid baggage fees or get a discount if you’re flying with a partner airline.

10. Be Prepared

Finally, be prepared when you travel with United Airlines. Make sure you know the airline’s baggage policies, pack light, and consider using the airline’s credit card or frequent flyer program to avoid baggage fees. If you need to check a bag, make sure you weigh it and measure it before you go to the airport. This will help you avoid excess baggage fees and save money on your United Airlines flights.

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In conclusion, avoiding baggage fees on United Airlines is possible if you plan ahead and follow these tips. Pack light, use United Airlines’ credit card and frequent flyer program, know the airline’s baggage fees, use online check-in, consider Basic Economy fares and bundled fares, fly partner airlines, and be prepared. By doing so, you can save money and have a stress-free travel experience with United Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you tired of paying extra for your checked baggage on United Airlines? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on how to avoid baggage fees.

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Checked baggage fees vary based on your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status. The fees can range from $0 to $200 per bag. It’s important to check United Airlines’ baggage policy before you travel to avoid any surprises.

To avoid baggage fees, try to pack light and fitting everything into your carry-on bag. You can also consider becoming a United Airlines frequent flyer or upgrading your fare class to receive free checked baggage allowances.

What items are not allowed in United Airlines’ carry-on bags?

United Airlines prohibits carrying hazardous materials, such as explosives, flammable liquids, and poisonous gases, in your carry-on bags. It’s important to check United Airlines’ carry-on policy to ensure you’re not bringing any prohibited items.

If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed in your carry-on bag, you can check the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website or contact United Airlines directly. Remember that violating TSA or United Airlines’ carry-on policy can result in fines, confiscation of items, and even legal action.

Can I check my bags for free on United Airlines?

United Airlines offers free checked baggage allowances for certain fare classes and frequent flyer status. For example, if you’re a MileagePlus Premier member, you can receive free checked bags based on your status level. Similarly, if you purchase a United Airlines ticket that includes a free checked bag, you won’t have to pay any baggage fees.

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To avoid baggage fees, make sure to check your fare class and frequent flyer status before you travel. You can also try to pack light and fitting everything into your carry-on bag.

What are the consequences of exceeding United Airlines’ baggage allowance?

If you exceed United Airlines’ baggage allowance, you’ll have to pay additional fees. The fees can vary based on your destination, fare class, and frequent flyer status. You may also be required to remove items from your bag or check an additional bag.

It’s important to check United Airlines’ baggage policy before you travel to avoid any surprises. If you think you’ll exceed the baggage allowance, you can purchase additional baggage allowances online or at the airport. Keep in mind that purchasing additional baggage allowances can be more expensive at the airport than online.

Are there any ways to avoid baggage fees altogether on United Airlines?

The best way to avoid baggage fees altogether on United Airlines is to pack light and fitting everything into your carry-on bag. You can also become a MileagePlus Premier member or upgrade your fare class to receive free checked baggage allowances.

If you’re traveling for a long period or with a lot of luggage, consider shipping your bags ahead of time. This can be more expensive than checking your bags with United Airlines, but it can save you time and hassle at the airport.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, avoiding baggage fees on United Airlines is easier than you might think. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can save yourself money and hassle on your next flight. Firstly, pack light and consider using a carry-on bag to avoid checking luggage altogether. Secondly, take advantage of United’s MileagePlus program to earn free checked bags or elite status. Finally, be mindful of weight and size restrictions when packing to avoid any surprise fees at the airport.

Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to saving money on your travels. By taking the time to plan ahead and pack smart, you can keep more money in your pocket and enjoy a stress-free journey with United Airlines. So, next time you’re getting ready to fly, keep these tips in mind and give yourself the gift of hassle-free travel. Happy flying!

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