Baggage Fee Low Down: United Airlines

May 11, 2009 at 1:09 PM | by JetSetCD | Comments (0)

Checked baggage allowances make our heads hurt, and often in those critical few hours before a flight as we bounce to close our suitcase. To put minds at ease and clarify all the charts out there, all week long at Jaunted we will be detailing what it costs to check your bags and get on board. Got any suggestions or tips? Let us know.

United's Domestic Routes (within United States and Canada):
It's fairly easy to get around these fees if you are anything but a casual traveler; those traveling in First or Business class, or are members of Global Services, Mileage Plus 1K, and Premier programs are exempt. This special exemption to domestic baggage fees also extends to Star Alliance Gold or Silver members and active military personnel and dependents with ID. All the rest of us will have to pay:
· $15 for your first checked bag. Add $5 if checked at the airport. Add another $2 if checked curbside
· $25 for your second bag. Add $5 if checked at the airport. Add another $2 if checked curbside
· Extra dollars if you check more than 2 bags, exceed 50 lbs per bag, go over 62 inches all around each bag, or you're hauling a special item like skis or a surfboard.

United's International Routes (except Brazil, more on that later):
As with any international flight, plan to arrive at the airport early enough to check your bags at least 45 minutes prior to departure. Not doing so is how your bags sometimes end up on their way to New Delhi when you're simply heading to Dubai. Also, the class of your tickets and what member cards you've got stashed in your travel wallet make a big difference on what you can and cannot get away with in terms of checked luggage. Here's the deal:
· Economy Class is allowed 2 checked pieces free of charge, so long as they are under 50lbs each and 62 inches around. Add $5 if checked at the airport.
· First and Business Class is also allowed only 2 checked pieces free of charge, but each can now be up to 70lbs so long as they are no larger than 62 inches around.
· Members of Global Services, Mileage Plus 1K, Premier Executive and Star Alliance Gold programs are bumped to 3 checked bag free of charge, at the 70lb and 62 inches rule.
· Military personnel don't have to worry about the odd sizes and heft of their duffels, sea bags or B-4 bags, as 3 of these are allowed per person, so long as they do not exceed 70lbs each or 115 inches all around.

United's International Flights to Brazil:
Refer to the international piece and size limits above, but relax knowing that all bags for all classes are allowed to be 70lbs each.

If you'd like to check out United's nifty charts for yourself, or to note their policies on travel wholly within Asia, check out their baggage policies here.

Related Stories:
· Baggage Information [United]
· Baggage Fees Coverage [Jaunted]

[Suitcases photo: malias; United image: Telstar]

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