Free Baggage on United Airlines
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A lot of people wonder what they need to do to get free checked baggage. It’s a valid question since it could save you money each year. Whether you’re a MileagePlus elite, have a United credit card, or just want to skip unexpected costs, I’ll explain how United’s free baggage works, and who gets it, and how to make sure you get it.
How Free Baggage on United Airlines with MileagePlus
Here’s how free baggage works with United’s MileagePlus program and their credit cards. United gives free checked bags as a loyalty reward. You get the perk if you have at least Premier Silver status in MileagePlus or use a qualifying United credit card to book. But pay attention to the details— your fare, where you book, and how you pay are important.
Elite Status
If you’re Premier Silver or higher, you get at least one free bag on United and United Express flights. Higher levels get more bags, and your travel partners (up to eight or nine on the same booking) often get it too.
| MileagePlus Status | Free Checked Bags (Economy) | Max Weight per Bag | Companions on Same Reservation | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 1 | 70 lb (32 kg) | Yes† | Standard United-operated itineraries; route-specific exceptions can apply. Use United’s bag calculator to confirm. |
| Premier Gold | 2 | 70 lb (32 kg) | Yes† | Often covers U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and most international routes; verify for your exact city pair. |
| Premier Platinum | 3 | 70 lb (32 kg) | Yes† | Consistent 3×70 lb allowance on most itineraries; check special-route rules where applicable. |
| Premier 1K (incl. Global Services) | 3 | 70 lb (32 kg) | Yes† | Highest economy allowance; premium cabins have separate (often greater) entitlements. |
| Star Alliance Gold on United-operated flights | At least 1 free bag | Varies by carrier policy | Typically yes (same PNR) | Piece/weight rules differ by airline; |
Notes: Allowances above are for United/United Express–operated flights in Economy and reflect United’s published Premier benefits (1/2/3/3 free bags up to 70 lb). Route- or fare-specific exceptions can apply; always verify your exact allowance in United’s Checked Bag Fee Calculator before travel.
† United indicates companion eligibility on the same reservation for Premier members; some pages reference up to 8–9 companions depending on context. Exact handling can vary — use the reservation’s bag calculator result as the source of truth.
Credit Card
If you have a United credit card (like the Explorer or Quest), you and one travel partner get a free bag, but only if you pay for your ticket (or award ticket taxes/fees) with that card.
Basic Economy: Usually, you don’t get a free bag with Basic Economy, even with status or a card.
| Credit Card | Free Checked Bags (per person) | Who’s Covered | Bag Weight Limit | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Gateway Card | None | — | — | No free checked bag benefit on this card. |
| United Explorer Card | 1st bag free | Primary cardmember + 1 companion on same reservation | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) each in Economy | United/United Express–operated flights; primary cardmember’s MileagePlus number on the reservation; ticket(s) purchased with the card. |
| United Quest Card | 1st & 2nd bags free | Primary cardmember + 1 companion on same reservation | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) each in Economy | United/United Express–operated flights; primary cardmember’s MileagePlus number on the reservation; ticket(s) purchased with the card. |
| United Club Infinite Card | 1st & 2nd bags free | Primary cardmember + 1 companion on same reservation | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) each in Economy | United/United Express–operated flights; primary cardmember’s MileagePlus number on the reservation; ticket(s) purchased with the card. |
| United Business Card | 1st bag free | Primary cardmember + 1 companion on same reservation | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) each in Economy | United/United Express–operated flights; primary cardmember’s MileagePlus number on the reservation; ticket(s) purchased with the card. |
| United Club Business Card | 1st & 2nd bags free | Primary cardmember + 1 companion on same reservation | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) each in Economy | United/United Express–operated flights; primary cardmember’s MileagePlus number on the reservation; ticket(s) purchased with the card. |
Important notes: (1) Benefits apply to United/United Express flights only (not partner-operated segments/codeshares). (2) Ticket(s) generally must be purchased with the eligible card and the primary cardmember’s MileagePlus number must be on the reservation. (3) Allowances above reflect the card benefit in Economy; elite status or premium-cabin tickets may provide equal or better allowances—United applies the best single allowance, not a stack. (4) Standard Economy free-bag weight is 50 lb (23 kg); Premier elites may receive 70 lb (32 kg) per bag per elite rules.
How to Secure Your Free Bag
The number one pain point for United travelers is not knowing — until it’s too late — if they’ll get a free checked bag. Here’s a streamlined decision table to clear things up (footnotes explained immediately below for clarity):
| Scenario | Free Bag? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| United/United Express flight, Main Cabin, least Premier Silver status | Yes | Add MileagePlus number; the highest applicable Premier allowance applies (doesn’t stack with card). |
| United/United Express flight (any economy incl. Basic Economy), United co-brand card | Yes¹ | Pay the ticket (or award taxes/fees) with an eligible card and have your MP number on the PNR; primary + 1 companion each get 1st bag free. Carry-on restored for the primary cardmember in Basic Economy.¹ |
| United/United Express, Domestic Basic Economy with no status or card | No² | Upgrade fare, add an eligible United card, or rely on Premier/Star Alliance Gold status. |
| Partner/code-share operated flight (not United/Express) | Usually No (for card) | United card perks don’t apply; check operating carrier rules. Star Alliance Gold may add a free/extra bag on partners. |
| Booked via an OTA (Expedia, etc.) | Maybe | Benefit should apply if you paid with your eligible United card and your MP number is on the res; booking direct reduces mis-credit risk. |
¹ Only if you pay with the qualifying United card and your MP number is on the reservation.
² Basic Economy fares do not include a free checked bag for most travelers, even with a United card.
³ Premier Silver and above may receive a free checked bag, but Basic Economy rules are stricter — always verify eligibility before purchase.
The most common way to lose the free bag benefit is by missing one of these steps—especially failing to pay with your United card or booking a Basic Economy fare.
Step-by-Step: How to Activate and Use United’s Free Baggage Benefit
Here’s a simpler way to make sure you get your free checked bag with your United credit card or elite status:
Using a United Credit Card
- Is Your Card the Right One? Only some United cards (like the Explorer, Quest, and Club) give you this perk. Check that your card works and hasn’t expired.
- Book Straight Through United: Go to united.com, use the United app, or call United. Don’t use other travel sites like Expedia. They might mess up the free bag thing.
- Put In Your MileagePlus Number: This is super important. Make sure it’s on your booking.
- Pay with Your United Card: Even if it’s just for taxes and fees on an award ticket. Using a different card means no free bag.
- Double-Check Your Booking: Make sure it says $0 for baggage fees. If it doesn’t, call United before you fly.
Using Elite Status
- Do You Have Status? You need Premier Silver or higher. Your status lasts from when you earn it until the end of the next year.
- Book Everyone Together: Up to 8 or 9 people traveling with you get the free bag, but only if they’re all on the same booking as you.
- Book Direct and Add Your Number: Just like with the card, book on United’s site and add your MileagePlus number.
- Check When You Check In: Everyone should see the free bag thing when checking in online or at the airport.
Real-World Value
Let’s put a number on it. Checking one bag round-trip on United costs $70 per person, per trip. For a family of four, that’s $280 saved on a single vacation. If you’re a frequent flyer, these savings can easily outpace the annual fee of a United credit card or justify the effort to reach Premier Silver status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a backpack on United for free?
Yes — if your backpack fits under the seat (United personal-item max ≈ 9″×10″×17″ / 22×25×43 cm), it’s free on any fare, including Basic Economy.
If it’s larger and counts as a standard carry-on (up to ≈ 9″×14″×22″ / 22×35×56 cm), it’s free with regular Economy. In Basic Economy, full-size carry-ons aren’t allowed unless you have Premier/Star Alliance Gold status, an eligible United co-branded card, or you’re on certain long-haul international itineraries — otherwise it must be checked (fees apply).
Does United Airlines have free baggage?
Yes, it all depends on your ticket, where you're going, and if you have any special status.
- You always get a free personal item, like a backpack that fits under your seat.
- For carry-ons: They're free if you have a Standard Economy ticket. But if you're flying Basic Economy on most routes within the U.S., to the Caribbean, or Mexico, you'll have to pay. Unless, that is, you have Premier/Star Alliance Gold status, a United credit card that qualifies, or you're taking a long international trip.
- Checked bags: If you're flying in a premium cabin or have Premier elite status, you get free checked bags. (Silver gets 1 free bag; Gold gets 2; Platinum/1K get 3, usually up to 70 pounds each.) Many international Economy tickets come with at least one free checked bag. However, most domestic Economy tickets don't, unless you have status or a United credit card. For example, the Explorer card gets you one free bag, while the Quest/Club cards get you the first two free for you and a companion when you buy the tickets with the card.
You always get a personal item for free. After that, it's best to double-check your ticket and route on United's bag calculator to see what the rules are because carry-on and checked-bag allowances change.
What credit card gives you free checked bags?
If you have one of these Chase United credit cards and pay with it, and your frequent flyer number is on the reservation, you'll get free checked bags on United and United Express flights:
- United Explorer: First bag free for you and one travel buddy.
- United Quest: First and second bags free for you and one travel buddy.
- United Club Infinite: First and second bags free for you and one travel buddy.
- United Business: First bag free for you and one travel buddy.
- United Club Business: First and second bags free for you and one travel buddy.
Keep in mind: The United Gateway card doesn't come with a free checked bag./p>
Bottom Line
United’s free baggage benefit is valuable, but it can be confusing. If you understand the rules and book carefully, most people can save $70 or more per trip. The trick is to follow the rules, avoid Basic Economy, and always book with United. If you do, you won’t have to pay a surprise bag fee.
