If you are traveling on United Airlines, you should know the luggage requirements for United passengers. You don't want to arrive at the airport with your belongings, only to discover you've packed incorrectly or cannot bring all your items. United has a generous luggage policy, so you should be able to bring everything you need and more while traveling the globe.
Make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time to check your luggage when traveling in the United States or to Canada. United requires that you arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of takeoff to check your luggage if you are traveling to Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands but 45 minutes prior to takeoff for all U.S. destinations and 60 minutes prior to takeoff for travel to Canada. This is to ensure that your luggage gets safely aboard the plane and is there for you when you reach your destination. Each bag can weigh no more than 50 lbs., and checking bags costs $15 for the first and $25 for the second.
If you are flying internationally, you can check two bags free of charge on United Airlines. The bags must be less than 50 lbs. for regular coach or first-class passengers and can be up to 70 lbs. for Premier Executive passengers. When traveling wholly within Asia, the bags can not exceed 44 lbs.
Each United Airlines passenger may carry on one piece of luggage, along with one personal item, such as a purse, a laptop or a briefcase. The luggage you bring as a carry-on item must be able to fit in either the overhead bin in the cabin, or below one of the seats in front or behind you. If it is too big, you'll be asked to check it for an additional fee. Certain safety items, such as strollers, canes or child safety seats, are exempt from this policy.
Be aware that some items may be confiscated if found in your luggage, especially in your carry-on items. Sharp objects of any kind, such as scissors, will be checked. Liquids in amounts more than 4 oz., unless medical or baby-related, will also be confiscated. You may bring your cellular phones in your luggage, but they cannot be used when the flight is in progress.
If your bags do not arrive when you do, notify the agent at the United luggage counter. The agent will be able to track your bags to the last point at which they were scanned. In the event they were put on the wrong flight, they'll be delivered to you within 24 to 48 hours free of charge. You can claim lost, stolen or damaged property by using the United Luggage Claim Form (see Resources section).
