Carry-On Baggage Allowance

United allows each passenger to bring:

• One standard carry-on bag, and
• One personal item (like a purse, backpack, or laptop bag).

Carry-on size limits:

• Maximum dimensions: 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), including wheels and handles.
• Must fit in the overhead bin.

Personal item size limit:

• Maximum dimensions: 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).
• Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Basic Economy Exception

Passengers flying on Basic Economy fares can only bring a personal item unless they are:

• Premier members,
• MileagePlus credit card holders,
• Star Alliance Gold members.

Otherwise, carry-on bags are not permitted with Basic Economy and must be checked (with applicable fees).

Checked Baggage Allowance

The checked baggage allowance varies depending on your destination and fare class.

For most domestic flights:

• First bag: $35
• Second bag: $45
• Additional bags: Higher fees (usually $150 for the third bag and $200 for the fourth).

International flights:

• Economy passengers usually get one free checked bag.
• Business and First Class often include two free checked bags.

Size and weight limits:

• Weight limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) in Economy; 70 lbs (32 kg) for Business and First.
• Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches (158 cm).

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

Overweight fees:

• 51–70 lbs (24–32 kg): $100 – $200 depending on route.
• 71–100 lbs (33–45 kg): $400; bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.

Oversized fees:

• 63–115 linear inches: $200.
• Bags exceeding 115 inches are not accepted as checked luggage.

Special Items and Sports Equipment

United accepts a wide range of special items including:

• Bicycles,
• Skis and snowboards,
• Golf bags,
• Musical instruments,
• Surfboards (on certain routes).

Fees vary by item and destination. Musical instruments can also be carried in-cabin if they fit in an overhead bin or can be stored as a paid seat.

 Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Keeping Young Travelers Safe

United provides a dedicated service for children traveling alone, known as the Unaccompanied Minor Service.

Who Qualifies?

• Children aged 5 to 14 traveling without an adult must use this service.
• Children aged 15 to 17 can travel as unaccompanied minors optionally, or as adults without special service.

Restrictions

• Only permitted on non-stop flights.
• Not available for connecting itineraries or last flights of the day.
• Not permitted on codeshare or partner-operated flights.

Service Fee

• $150 each way per child.
• Required in addition to the regular ticket fare.

What’s Included?

• Escort by United staff throughout the airport experience.
• Pre-boarding assistance and early seat assignments.
• Continuous monitoring during the flight.
• Handoff to the designated adult upon arrival.

 Cancellation and Refund Policies

United Airlines offers different options depending on your fare type and route.

Basic Economy Tickets

• Non-refundable and non-changeable.
• No travel credits if canceled voluntarily.
• Can only receive a refund if United cancels the flight or makes a significant schedule change.

Non-Refundable Tickets

• Can be canceled before departure.
• You’ll receive a future flight credit valid for one year from the date of issue.
• No change fees on most tickets for travel within the U.S., or originating in the U.S.

Refundable Tickets

• Fully refundable if canceled before departure.
• Refund is processed back to the original form of payment.

Refund Process

• You can request a refund online through United’s “My Trips” section.
• Refunds to credit cards usually processed within 7 business days; other payment methods may take up to 20 days.

Involuntary Refunds

If United cancels or significantly changes your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of fare type.

 Date Change Policy: Flexibility When Plans Change

United has simplified its flight change policies in recent years, offering more flexibility.

Domestic and Most International Flights

• No change fees on standard Economy and premium cabin tickets.
• You only pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive.

Basic Economy

• Not eligible for changes.
• Exceptions apply if there’s a schedule change or if travel waivers are in place (e.g., due to severe weather).

Same-Day Change Policy

• Available for a fee starting at $75, waived for Premier Gold members and above.
• You can move to an earlier or later flight on the same day of travel.

 Check-In Policies: Smooth Start to Your Journey

Online Check-In

• Opens 24 hours before departure.
• Closes 60 minutes before domestic flights and 75 minutes before international flights.

Mobile App Check-In

• Same timing as online check-in.
• You can download your mobile boarding pass and use it at security and boarding gates.

Airport Check-In

• Counters open at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights.
• Check-in closes 45 minutes before domestic and 60 minutes before international flights.

Self-Service Kiosks

• Available at most major U.S. airports.
• Can be used to check bags, print boarding passes, and change seats.

Required Identification

• Government-issued photo ID for domestic flights.
• Passport (and visa if required) for international flights.

 Seat Selection and Upgrades

United offers multiple seat selection and upgrade options for a more comfortable experience.

Seat Selection

• Economy passengers can choose standard seats during booking or later.
• Preferred seats (closer to the front) and Economy Plus seats (extra legroom) are available for a fee.

Upgrades

MileagePlus Upgrade Awards:

• Use miles to upgrade to a higher cabin.

Paid Upgrades:

• Offered during booking or at check-in, based on availability.

Complimentary Upgrades:

• Offered to Premier members on domestic routes and select short-haul international routes.

 Pet Travel Policy

United allows pets in-cabin or as cargo through their PetSafe program.

In-Cabin Pets

• Small dogs and cats permitted.
• Must fit in an approved soft-sided carrier under the seat.
• Fee: $125 each way.

PetSafe Program

• For larger pets traveling as cargo.
• Not available on certain aircraft types or routes.
• Additional documentation and advance booking required.

Restrictions

• Limited to certain flights depending on weather conditions and aircraft type.
• Certain dog breeds are not accepted due to safety concerns.

 Special Assistance Services

United is committed to making travel accessible to all passengers.

Wheelchair Assistance

• Available at all airports and during boarding.
• Can be requested during booking or at the airport.

Traveling with Service Animals

• Only trained service dogs are accepted.
• Emotional support animals are no longer permitted as service animals.

Passengers with Visual or Hearing Impairments

• Special boarding assistance and in-flight support available.
• In-flight entertainment options include captioned content.

Traveling with Children and Infants

United has policies to ensure families travel comfortably.

Infants (under 2 years)

• Can travel on an adult’s lap for free on domestic flights.
• International flights may charge 10% of the adult fare, even when the infant is on a lap.

Child Seats

• Allowed on board if they are FAA-approved.
• Must have a separate paid seat.

Strollers and Car Seats

• Allowed to be checked for free.
• Can be gate-checked for convenience.

 United’s Contract of Carriage and Passenger Rights

United’s Contract of Carriage details passengers’ rights and responsibilities.

Overbooking and Denied Boarding

• Passengers denied boarding involuntarily are entitled to compensation under DOT regulations.
• United seeks volunteers first and offers travel vouchers or monetary compensation.

Tarmac Delays

• During long delays, passengers receive food, water, and access to lavatories.
• Passengers must be allowed to deplane if delays exceed three hours for domestic flights or four hours for international flights.

Delays and Cancellations

• United provides rebooking on the next available flight.
• Hotel accommodations may be provided if overnight delays are caused by airline-controlled reasons.

 Fare Classes and Ticket Types

United offers multiple fare types to suit different needs.

Basic Economy

• Lowest price option.
• No seat selection, no changes, no upgrades.

Standard Economy

• Includes seat selection and standard flexibility.
• Eligible for MileagePlus accrual.

Economy Plus

• Extra legroom, located closer to the front.
• Available for a fee or complimentary for certain Premier members.

Premium Economy (Premium Plus)

• More spacious seating, enhanced dining, and extra amenities.

Business and First Class

• Lie-flat seats on long-haul flights.
• Priority services and enhanced meals.

MileagePlus Program

United’s frequent flyer program offers benefits for loyal customers.

Earning Miles

• Miles can be earned on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, shopping, and credit card spending.

Elite Status

• Levels: Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K.
• Benefits include complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and waived fees.

Award Travel

• Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and other experiences.
• Dynamic pricing means required miles can fluctuate.

🍽️ Onboard Services and In-Flight Amenities

United offers a variety of in-flight options to enhance your experience.

Food and Beverage

• Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in Economy.
• Full meals in Premium Plus, Business, and First Class.
• Buy-on-board options for Economy flights longer than two hours.

Wi-Fi and Entertainment

• Wi-Fi available on most aircraft for purchase.
• Personal device entertainment system with free movies and TV shows.
• Power outlets and USB ports available on most long-haul aircraft.

Duty-Free Shopping

• Available on select international flights.
• Items can be pre-ordered online.

 Prohibited and Restricted Items

United adheres to TSA and international guidelines for what is allowed on board.

Prohibited Items

• Explosives, flammable items, and certain chemicals.
• Large lithium batteries not in devices.

Restricted Items

• Liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) in carry-on bags.
• Sporting goods and sharp objects must be checked.

 Final Tips for Traveling with United Airlines

• Book early for the best fares and seat choices.
• Check baggage policies and pay in advance to save time at the airport.
• Download the United app for mobile check-in, boarding passes, and flight updates.
• Enroll in MileagePlus to start earning benefits on every flight.
• Understand fare restrictions carefully, especially for Basic Economy.
• Plan special services in advance, including pet travel, wheelchair assistance, or unaccompanied minor arrangements.