Usually no for U.S. economy; they’re included for premium cabins and many long‑haul routes, while status or a United card can add free checked bags.
United’s bag rules blend three things: your fare type, where you’re flying, and any perks tied to your profile. Basic Economy, standard Economy, Premium Plus, United First/Business, and Polaris each handle bags a bit differently. Routes matter too. Some regions include a checked bag even on Economy, while most U.S. trips don’t. Then there are add‑ons from MileagePlus Premier status, eligible United credit cards, and military travel. When you want the final word for your exact trip, use the official checked‑bags page on United.com, linked from your booking and trip details (United checked‑bags page).
Are Checked Bags Included On United? The Short Answer
Here’s the fast overview many travelers need before they buy:
- U.S., Puerto Rico, much of Canada/Mexico: standard Economy usually excludes a checked bag; Basic Economy excludes it as well.
- Across the Atlantic (U.S.–Europe/Africa/Middle East): standard Economy typically includes one checked bag. Basic Economy includes a carry‑on, but the first checked bag is usually paid.
- Across the Pacific (U.S.–Asia/Oceania): standard Economy includes one checked bag. Basic Economy on these routes also includes one checked bag.
- South America: many routes include one checked bag in standard Economy. Basic Economy on these routes often pays for the first bag.
- Premium cabins (United First, United Business, United Polaris) and United Premium Plus: tickets include two checked bags.
- Perks: MileagePlus Premier tiers and select United credit cards can add free bags even when your fare or route doesn’t include them.
Route Vs. Fare: What’s Included At A Glance
| Route | Standard Economy | Basic Economy |
|---|---|---|
| U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico | No checked bag included | No checked bag included |
| Europe / Atlantic | 1 checked bag included | Carry‑on allowed, checked bag usually paid |
| Pacific (Asia/Oceania) | 1 checked bag included | 1 checked bag included |
| South America | Often 1 checked bag included | First checked bag usually paid |
Notes: routes can have seasonal or city‑pair exceptions. Premium cabins generally include two checked bags worldwide. Always confirm in your trip details or via the calculator linked from the official checked‑bags page.
Is A Checked Bag Included With United Flights? Route Rules & Exceptions
Domestic And Nearby International Trips
Most U.S. itineraries price checked bags a la carte in Economy. That keeps base fares low but means you’ll add a bag fee during booking, online check‑in, or at the airport. Basic Economy is even tighter: you’ll still move through bag drop if you need to check something, yet the allowance isn’t bundled. Prepaying online can shave a bit off the price on some routes and speeds the airport line.
Transatlantic Economy
On many U.S.–Europe, U.S.–Africa, and U.S.–Middle East trips, standard Economy includes one checked bag. That helps with cold‑weather clothing and longer stays. Basic Economy on these routes allows a full‑size carry‑on, but the first checked bag is usually an extra charge. Prices vary by route and travel date. If your family all needs suitcases, compare Basic vs. standard Economy totals with bags added before you buy.
Transpacific Economy
Travel between the U.S. and Asia or Oceania is friendlier to luggage. Standard Economy includes one checked bag, and Basic Economy on these routes includes one as well. That alone can tip the scales if you’re weighing whether to book Basic Economy for a long trip.
South America
Standard Economy on many South America routes includes one checked bag. Basic Economy often pays for the first bag. Since charges shift by country and season, check the calculator in your reservation for the exact amount before you pack.
Premium Cabins
United First, United Business, United Polaris, and United Premium Plus include two checked bags. That holds across domestic and long‑haul flights. You’ll still want to watch size and weight limits; large or heavy bags can draw extra charges even when the first two are included.
What Counts As A “Standard” Checked Bag
United’s baseline rules are simple and worth memorizing:
- Size: up to 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Wheels and handles count in that sum.
- Weight in Economy: up to 50 lb (23 kg) per bag.
- Weight with Premier status or in premium cabins: up to 70 lb (32 kg) per bag when your allowance includes bags.
Edge cases can add steps. Golf bags, ski gear, musical instruments, strollers, and wheelchairs each have special handling. If your suitcase sits near the limit, measure all sides and weigh at home. A small luggage scale pays for itself the first time you dodge an overweight fee.
How To Pay Less For United Checked Bags
- Prepay online: many routes offer a small discount when you add bags more than 24 hours before departure. It also shortens the bag‑drop process.
- Pack to 50 lb in Economy: a 51–70 lb bag usually costs more than adding a second bag. Shift items or split loads to save.
- Pick the fare that fits your luggage: sometimes standard Economy with one bag included beats Basic Economy after add‑ons.
- Use the right card or status: if you or your travel partner has a bag waiver benefit, make sure the correct person is the primary traveler and the right card is used for the ticket purchase.
- Share space: families can move shoes or jackets between suitcases to keep each bag under the limit and avoid overweight fees.
Carry‑On Rules That Shape Your Plan
Most United fares include one carry‑on plus one personal item. Basic Economy is the outlier. On many U.S. and short‑haul routes, Basic Economy limits you to a personal item that stows under the seat. On Basic Economy to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific, you may bring a full‑size carry‑on. Liquids in carry‑ons must meet the TSA 3‑1‑1 liquids rule—pack larger toiletries in checked bags to keep the checkpoint quick.
Your Rights When A Checked Bag Is Late Or Lost
If a checked bag doesn’t arrive, act right away. Visit the baggage desk before you leave the airport, file a report, and keep every receipt for items you must buy while waiting. U.S. rules require airlines to refund any checked‑bag fee when the bag misses the carrier’s refund timetable, and they owe reasonable reimbursement for incidental purchases up to federal limits. DOT’s Fly Rights guide walks through claims, timelines, and limits in plain language.
Real‑World Scenarios
1) A Simple U.S. Round Trip In Standard Economy
You’re flying Cleveland–Phoenix with one checked suitcase. Standard Economy on this route doesn’t include a checked bag. Add one during booking or after, and prepay if a discount appears. If someone in your party has a United card with a bag waiver, make that person the primary traveler and use that card for the purchase so the waiver triggers on check‑in.
2) United Basic Economy To Europe
You booked Basic Economy from Newark to Lisbon with a backpack and a roller. This fare allows a carry‑on on transatlantic routes, but the first checked bag is usually paid. Plan your outfits to fit the roller and backpack, or add a checked bag in the app and budget for it both ways.
3) A Family Trip To Japan
Four travelers to Tokyo want room for gifts. On transpacific routes, standard Economy includes one checked bag per passenger, and Basic Economy also includes one. Use that built‑in allowance first. If the return leg looks tight, add a shared second checked bag rather than pushing one big suitcase over 50 lb.
4) Weekend In Houston, Premier Silver
Premier Silver on a U.S. itinerary that would normally charge for the first checked bag? Your status covers one checked bag in Economy, and the limit rises to 70 lb. Add the bag at check‑in so the system reads your profile correctly and prints a tag with no charge.
5) PCS Orders With Multiple Duffels
Active‑duty on official orders can check multiple bags with no fees, subject to size and weight rules. Bring printed orders to the counter and arrive a bit early for tag checks and screening. If you’re on personal travel, a smaller free allowance often still applies, but it’s not the same as official travel.
Status, Cards, And Military: Who Gets Free Bags
Even when a route doesn’t include a checked bag in Economy, these travelers often still check bags for no charge. Always check the details that apply to your itinerary.
| Who | Economy Allowance | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| MileagePlus Premier Silver | 1 checked bag free | Up to 70 lb (32 kg) |
| MileagePlus Premier Gold | 2 checked bags free | Up to 70 lb (32 kg) |
| Premier Platinum / Premier 1K | 3 checked bags free | Up to 70 lb (32 kg) |
| Eligible United credit card (primary cardmember) | First checked bag free for the cardmember; many itineraries include one companion on the same reservation | Up to 50 lb unless status lifts it |
| U.S. military on official orders | Multiple bags free (count varies by orders) | Higher limits can apply |
Perks can stack. A Premier Gold traveler on standard Economy to Europe might see a built‑in free bag from the route plus two more from status. On partner flights issued on a United ticket, the allowance can follow the “most significant carrier” rule or the operating carrier’s policy for that segment. Your trip details will show which rules apply.
Key Specs And Fine Print
- Standard size: 62 linear inches per checked bag. That’s length + width + height, with wheels and handles included.
- Standard weight: 50 lb in Economy, 70 lb with status or in premium cabins where free bags apply.
- Oversize/overweight: fees stack if a bag is large and heavy. Two lighter bags often cost less than one heavy one.
- Special items: sports gear, musical instruments, and mobility devices have dedicated rules and sometimes different limits.
- Timing: bag policies and prices can change by season and route. Check your booking again a few days before you fly.
Bottom Line
United includes checked bags on many long‑haul routes and on every premium cabin ticket, while most U.S. Economy fares don’t bundle them. Status, an eligible United card, and military travel can change your allowance in a big way. Confirm your number of free bags inside your reservation on the official checked‑bags page, pack to the size and weight limits, and head straight to bag drop with confidence.
Travel tip: pack liquids in checked baggage when possible to breeze through security. When you do bring liquids in a carry‑on, follow the TSA 3‑1‑1 rule. Keep DOT’s plain‑English Fly Rights guide bookmarked for bag‑delay claims and refund rules.