This also happened with my AA award flight so wondering if there is some industry wide change.

I booked an award flight from MEL-LAX-SMF all on UA metal for wife and kids.

MEL-LAX is one bag free since its an international flight but LAX-SMF is $25 fee. I've never been charged a baggage fee for just one leg and not another.

See below which I copied from the reservation.


First ... below: 1st bag 2nd bag Weight per bag

Fri.,..(MEL) to (LAX) $0 $100 50.0 lbs (23 kgs)

Fri (LAX) to (SMF) $25 $35 50.0 lbs (23 kgs)