For air travel within the United States, passengers age 18 and older must show a valid federal- or state-issued ID that includes name, date of birth, gender and expiration date. Examples include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, driver's license or other DMV-issued ID or a foreign government-issued passport.
If you are traveling internationally on United, which includes Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean, the airline requires, at minimum, a valid passport. Depending upon where you are traveling to and from, security and customs might require additional documentation, often in the form of a travel visa. All travelers entering the United States, with the exception of U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens and legal U.S. residents, must fill out an I-94 or I-94W form.
United Airlines defers to TSA regulations in terms of what you can and cannot put in your checked and carry-on luggage. United also has its own specific policies governing baggage. For example, as of March 2010, United charges $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second for travel within the U.S. and Canada. United notes that you may be charged additional fees if you check more than two bags or if your bags exceed weight and size restrictions. For instance, United may levy a charge if any of your checked bags weighs more than 50 lbs. United exempts certain travelers from paying baggage fees, including first- and business-class passengers, individuals with special status in United's Mileage Plus program and military members traveling in association with their armed forces duty.
For international travel, United allows passengers to check one bag for free. The charge for a second bag is $50 if you pay the fee at the airport but drops to $45 if you pay via United EasyCheck-in online.
United has its own policies regarding carry-on luggage. For travel anywhere in the world, United permits you to carry on one bag in addition to a personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. Carry-ons must be able to fit underneath a seat or in an overhead bin. If they cannot be safely stowed on the aircraft, United requires that you check them. Liquids, gels and aerosols follow the TSA's strict 3-1-1 rules. You may carry approved liquids in plastic containers no larger than 3.4 ounces. These containers must fit in one quart-sized, see-through, zip-top plastic bag. Each passenger is allowed one bag.
United, following United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, requires that pets be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. United also requires you to secure a certificate validating your pet's health from your veterinarian dated no more than 30 days before your travel date and 10 days if your pet is traveling via cargo. United advises calling the airline 24 to 48 hours ahead of your flight, because pets cannot travel as cargo when the temperature is forecast to exceed 85 degrees.
