United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - clarification on free bag allowance using CO credit card

Hi all --

Situation: my elderly father is flying in 2 weeks to meet up with several of his family members in SFO. He holds a CO credit card and used CO miles to book award travel ROA-ORD-SFO all on UA metal. He's in coach. He has no status.

The award fees were negligible (less than $20) and I am not sure if he used his CO credit card or not.

When he checks his bag in ROA, if he presents the credit card to the agent, will they comp his first bag? Is there a hard requirement that even fees of $10 or $12 must be paid for entirely on that credit card in order to get the free checked bag?

I'm hoping someone can provide definitive information here -- not just speculation.

Many thanks and best regards

Hi all --

Situation: my elderly father is flying in 2 weeks to meet up with several of his family members in SFO. He holds a CO credit card and used CO miles to book award travel ROA-ORD-SFO all on UA metal. He's in coach. He has no status.

The award fees were negligible (less than $20) and I am not sure if he used his CO credit card or not.

When he checks his bag in ROA, if he presents the credit card to the agent, will they comp his first bag? Is there a hard requirement that even fees of $10 or $12 must be paid for entirely on that credit card in order to get the free checked bag?

I'm hoping someone can provide definitive information here -- not just speculation.

Many thanks and best regards

YMMV. The rule indicates he should pay for the flight (even fees on award flights) with his card.

But the check-in agent will waive the fee, if the computer doesn't recognize him. Happened to my parents last week.

were they on an award ticket or paid fare?

were they on an award ticket or paid fare?

"The award fees were negligible (less than $20)"

I'd assume it was an award ticket.

sorry, was asking aacharya

sorry, was asking aacharya

Same, award ticket.

sorry, was asking aacharya

No reason to be rude. This is a community and I clarified it for you from the information that was given.

Same, award ticket.
ah, thanks
No reason to be rude. This is a community and I clarified it for you from the information that was given.

wasn't being rude - you quoted the OP, my question was directed at aacharya

ah, thanks


wasn't being rude - you quoted the OP, my question was directed at aacharya

Doh! Now I am the one who was rude. My apologies! I thought they were one in the same...

No worries - I know you were just trying to help :)

According to several members of CO check-in staff I've spoken with, you do not need to pay for the fees with the CO card. As long as you have it, the first bag will be free.