Jul 21, 2016, 11:14 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA site - Free checked bags for eligible United MileagePlus Chase credit cardmembers
FAQs
Can I get both by status benefit and the credit card benefit?
No, the benefits do not stack. The best way to think about it is the first / second bag fees are waived, and you only have one "first" bag. Also addressed in above T&Cs.
If my ticket has a bag allowance doe the card benefit provide additional allowance?
No, the benefits do not stack. The best way to think about it is the first / second bag fees are waived, and if the ticket has no fee, the waiver provides no additional benefit, . Also addressed in above T&Cs
Will I get the checked-bag benefit on an UA issued award ticket if I pay the out-of-pocket costs (tax, TSA fee) with a qualifying Chase UA card?
Yes, assuming you meet the other requirements (cardholder's MP number is on the same PNR, etc.).
Is third bag fee at the original fee or charged at what was the first bag fee?
The higher bag fees are unchanged when first and/or second bag fees are waived.
Do Basic Economy fares change the bag waiver?
No - see Introducing Basic Economy
And MP branded Chase cardholders will be exempt from the BE carry-on & boarding group restrictions
If I am a Chase MP branded cardholder but used a different card to purchase the ticket, will I still get the bag waiver?
No
But some have found if you purchase E+ access with the Chase MP branded card, you will then received the bag waiver
If I cancel the card after booking but before travel, will I still get the waiver?
No, the T&Cs state the card must be active at the time of travel.
How do I get the checked bag fee waiver when checking in with a partner airline, such as a codeshare?
Checked bag fee waiver only applies when checking in with UA. Codeshare/partner airlines will not provide the checked bag waiver benefits based on being a primary cardholder of a Chase MP card.
What if I purchase the UA ticket on a third party site using the Chase MP card?
This is a YMMV situation. It depends on how the 3rd party handles its billings. Reports are the Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity ... bookings will received the bag allowance waiver at check-in.
What if I forgot to use the Chase MP card for the original purchase?
Certain additional items, such as E+ access seem to trigger the bag waiver.
Recent reports suggest this no longer works.
I have a new Chase MP card, how can I tell UA knows this?
This takes a week or two to be fully acknowledged in the system
Go to https://www.united.com/en/us/account
At the top look for "Mileage Balance" and just below that "Exp. xx/xx/xxxx" with a "?" in a circle. Click on the "?".
A popup should mention the being a MileagePlus CC holder and your miles will not expire. This signifies the MP account and CC have been properly linked.
Archive thread: Mileage Plus Branded Credit Card and Checked Baggage Fees {Archive}
First and second checked bags free for MileagePlus® Club and Presidential PlusSM card members
First checked bag free for MileagePlus Explorer cardmembers and cardmembers with certain other Chase credit cards
First checked bag free for MileagePlus Explorer cardmembers and cardmembers with certain other Chase credit cards
The requirement to purchase ticket(s) with the applicable United MileagePlus card will be waived for flights completed during the first 90 days following a new primary Cardmember’s account open date.
Terms and conditions
- The primary Cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation are each eligible to receive their applicable standard checked bag(s) free. To receive the applicable standard checked bag(s) free, the primary Cardmember must include their MileagePlus account number in their reservation and use their qualifying United MileagePlus Credit Card from Chase to purchase their ticket(s).
- The traveler must be a Cardmember at the time of check-in in order to be eligible for free checked bags.
- One authorized user is eligible to receive the applicable standard checked bag(s) free only if traveling on the same reservation as the primary Cardmember and counted as the one traveling companion eligible for the benefit.
- Eligible Cardmembers will receive their applicable standard checked bag free on flights operated by United or United Express; codeshare flights are not eligible.
- Checked bags must meet weight and size restrictions or may be subject to additional fees. Learn more about our baggage policy.
- Primary Cardmembers are eligible to receive applicable standard checked bag(s) free when they use their miles to book award travel on United-operated flights, as long as they pay for their award ticket taxes and service charges with their qualifying Card and include their MileagePlus account number in their reservation.
- Primary Cardmembers who are already exempt from checked baggage service charges will not receive additional free checked bags.
Premier members:
Club or Presidential Plus Card members who receive two or more free checked bags through their Premier status will not receive additional free checked bags.
Explorer Cardmembers and Cardmembers with certain other MileagePlus Chase Credit Cards will not receive a free checked bag in addition to the free checked bag(s) awarded through their Premier status.
For additional information on Premier benefits, visit www.united.com/premier.
International travel:
Club and Presidential Plus Card members will not get additional free checked bags if there are no first and second checked bag service charges applicable to their international travel itinerary.
Explorer Cardmembers and Cardmembers with certain other MileagePlus Chase Credit Cards will not get an additional free checked bag if there is no first checked bag service charge applicable to their international travel itinerary. - Unpublished fares, such as priceline.com and Hotwire, are not eligible.
- New United MileagePlus Chase primary credit Cardmembers will be eligible for their applicable free standard checked bag(s) 2 weeks after account opening.
Offer subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.
Can I get both by status benefit and the credit card benefit?
No, the benefits do not stack. The best way to think about it is the first / second bag fees are waived, and you only have one "first" bag. Also addressed in above T&Cs.
If my ticket has a bag allowance doe the card benefit provide additional allowance?
No, the benefits do not stack. The best way to think about it is the first / second bag fees are waived, and if the ticket has no fee, the waiver provides no additional benefit, . Also addressed in above T&Cs
Will I get the checked-bag benefit on an UA issued award ticket if I pay the out-of-pocket costs (tax, TSA fee) with a qualifying Chase UA card?
Yes, assuming you meet the other requirements (cardholder's MP number is on the same PNR, etc.).
Is third bag fee at the original fee or charged at what was the first bag fee?
The higher bag fees are unchanged when first and/or second bag fees are waived.
Do Basic Economy fares change the bag waiver?
No - see Introducing Basic Economy
And MP branded Chase cardholders will be exempt from the BE carry-on & boarding group restrictions
If I am a Chase MP branded cardholder but used a different card to purchase the ticket, will I still get the bag waiver?
No
But some have found if you purchase E+ access with the Chase MP branded card, you will then received the bag waiver
If I cancel the card after booking but before travel, will I still get the waiver?
No, the T&Cs state the card must be active at the time of travel.
How do I get the checked bag fee waiver when checking in with a partner airline, such as a codeshare?
Checked bag fee waiver only applies when checking in with UA. Codeshare/partner airlines will not provide the checked bag waiver benefits based on being a primary cardholder of a Chase MP card.
What if I purchase the UA ticket on a third party site using the Chase MP card?
This is a YMMV situation. It depends on how the 3rd party handles its billings. Reports are the Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity ... bookings will received the bag allowance waiver at check-in.
What if I forgot to use the Chase MP card for the original purchase?
Certain additional items, such as E+ access seem to trigger the bag waiver.
Recent reports suggest this no longer works.
I have a new Chase MP card, how can I tell UA knows this?
This takes a week or two to be fully acknowledged in the system
Go to https://www.united.com/en/us/account
At the top look for "Mileage Balance" and just below that "Exp. xx/xx/xxxx" with a "?" in a circle. Click on the "?".
A popup should mention the being a MileagePlus CC holder and your miles will not expire. This signifies the MP account and CC have been properly linked.
Archive thread: Mileage Plus Branded Credit Card and Checked Baggage Fees {Archive}
Mileage Plus Branded Credit Card and Checked Baggage Fees
Mar 27, 2023, 5:21 pm
#106
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
This 90 day grace period is new and there has been not prior reported experience. And sounds like you might be at the edge of 90 day period.
Probably the easiest solution is wait till you get to the airport and see what happens. If UA tries to charge you, just pay -- fighting with the agent will accomplish nothing. Then file a refund request with UA and if you are within the 90 day period, you will get a refund. This is one of those thongs you could spend hours on the phone and almost surely will never get to the right person. And perhaps still have an issue at the airport. If Refunds is not responsive, then file a DOT complaint.
Probably the easiest solution is wait till you get to the airport and see what happens. If UA tries to charge you, just pay -- fighting with the agent will accomplish nothing. Then file a refund request with UA and if you are within the 90 day period, you will get a refund. This is one of those thongs you could spend hours on the phone and almost surely will never get to the right person. And perhaps still have an issue at the airport. If Refunds is not responsive, then file a DOT complaint.
We're in the process of booking a multi-city itinerary of Europe through United and it wasn't clear to me which of the flights would get a checked baggage waiver. It appears that, if one checks in at a United counter, all flights till the destination get the waiver. The only uncertainty was whether buying the tickets before getting the card would work (we will be within the 90 day window) would work.
Apr 13, 2023, 10:33 pm
#107
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 6,139
Normally, one must use the credit card for booking, to get the free bag benefit. However, during the first three months of holding the card, the free bag benefit applies regardless of whether the card was used to purchase the ticket.
Welcome to the Chase United Explorer Card!
Welcome to the Chase United Explorer Card!
LAX
Apr 13, 2023, 11:45 pm
#108
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
Is this an "official" policy? What if I pay for a multi-pax reservation using a combination of TB funds (mostly) & Explorer card after the initial three months, would free checked bags still apply? Also, if the card holder, AU, and a companion all travel on the same PNR paid for with Explorer card, would we get 2 or 3 free check bags? TIA.
LAX
LAX
The requirement to purchase ticket(s) with the applicable United MileagePlus card will be waived for flights completed during the first 90 days following a new primary Cardmember’s account open date.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 13, 2023 at 11:52 pm Reason: The bag benefits do not stack.
Apr 15, 2023, 6:36 pm
#109
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 6,139
AS post in the thread's wiki and on the UA web site, it states
The bag waiver is not additive, it is just for the first bag (Explore card) so it is duplicative or no additional benefit over status bag benefit or ticket allowance. The bag benefits do not stack.
The bag waiver is not additive, it is just for the first bag (Explore card) so it is duplicative or no additional benefit over status bag benefit or ticket allowance. The bag benefits do not stack.
Four pax all on the same PNR. 1. Explorer card holder 2. AU 3. no status companion 4. *G companion
Do each of these four pax get 1 checked bag free (total of 4)?
It's clear that the card holder will get 1 through the CC and *G companion through status (only 1 because benefits don't stack). Is the "companion free checked bag" gone because one of the companions (*G) already has one through other means? What about the AU, is that supposed to be in addition to the companion benefit?
LAX
Apr 15, 2023, 6:48 pm
#110
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
...
Four pax all on the same PNR. 1. Explorer card holder 2. AU 3. no status companion 4. *G companion
Do each of these four pax get 1 checked bag free (total of 4)?
It's clear that the card holder will get 1 through the CC and *G companion through status (only 1 because benefits don't stack). Is the "companion free checked bag" gone because one of the companions (*G) already has one through other means? What about the AU, is that supposed to be in addition to the companion benefit? ....
Four pax all on the same PNR. 1. Explorer card holder 2. AU 3. no status companion 4. *G companion
Do each of these four pax get 1 checked bag free (total of 4)?
It's clear that the card holder will get 1 through the CC and *G companion through status (only 1 because benefits don't stack). Is the "companion free checked bag" gone because one of the companions (*G) already has one through other means? What about the AU, is that supposed to be in addition to the companion benefit? ....
*G companion, what is this, does this person have *G?
The Explore cardholder get a bag and 1 other person identified at checkin
If there is a *G inidividual, they will have to have there status on their ticket and they will be a bag
This may be cleaner to split the PNR Explorer+1 and *G+1
Apr 15, 2023, 7:20 pm
#111
Join Date: Jul 2022
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 336
Most likely
Apr 15, 2023, 7:59 pm
#112
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 6,139
AU?? does this mean *G?
*G companion, what is this, does this person have *G?
The Explore cardholder get a bag and 1 other person identified at checkin
If there is a *G inidividual, they will have to have there status on their ticket and they will be a bag
This may be cleaner to split the PNR Explorer+1 and *G+1
*G companion, what is this, does this person have *G?
The Explore cardholder get a bag and 1 other person identified at checkin
If there is a *G inidividual, they will have to have there status on their ticket and they will be a bag
This may be cleaner to split the PNR Explorer+1 and *G+1
LAX
Apr 15, 2023, 8:28 pm
#113
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
The rules are very clear, primary cardholder and a companion. No mention of authorized user and authorized user never ever get the airline benefits just themselves.
Apr 15, 2023, 8:38 pm
#114
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 6,139
I somehow overlooked the part where it mentioned the AU counts as the companion the first time I read it. I think it would cause less confusion if they leave out the AU part entirely. Why bother if being an AU doesn't matter at all, other than to confuse people like me?
Thanks for clarifying.LAX
May 4, 2023, 1:29 pm
#115
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 48
Hi all! Need some help regarding the Chase benefits for the primary cardholder... Currently my wife has the Chase MP Explorer card and she booked a complex multi-city award ticket for both of us to Europe this fall, that includes the Excursionist perk with one segment free. We are both on the same reservation and it was booked entirely with miles, only the taxes were paid with her Chase MP Explorer card. The card is due for renewal next month and she would like to cancel the card so that she won't have to pay the annual fee. Would we lose anything on the existing reservation in case she cancels the card? I believe the included luggage would be free anyway even without the card, based on being an award itinerary, but I could be wrong? Do we risk losing the free checked bag? Anything else we could lose doing this? I also have the Chase MP Explorer card, but I got that after she booked the flights with her miles and her card. Would that make any difference? What if we want to make changes to the flights prior to the trip, in case price drops on some of the segments? Would my Chase MP Explorer benefits be considered if I attempted to change the reservation from my account instead? Thank you!
May 4, 2023, 2:24 pm
#116
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
The international itin will include 1 bag (most likely) per travel and the Explore card benefit will not improve that. For an itin where the card would be of benefit, it must be current at the time of travel
Your Explore card would still give you premier check-in / boarding
Making a flight change could be an issue if the card is change. An active card provides access to XN inventory. Without the card (for the account with the miles) or UA status, any rebooking would be X inventory which is less available. The point may be moot, as rebooking a complex round trip award with excursion (and with partner flights) is very difficult to achieve as it requiire new inventory for all the flights (especially most partner flights)
Your Explore card would still give you premier check-in / boarding
Making a flight change could be an issue if the card is change. An active card provides access to XN inventory. Without the card (for the account with the miles) or UA status, any rebooking would be X inventory which is less available. The point may be moot, as rebooking a complex round trip award with excursion (and with partner flights) is very difficult to achieve as it requiire new inventory for all the flights (especially most partner flights)
May 4, 2023, 4:26 pm
#117
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 48
The international itin will include 1 bag (most likely) per travel and the Explore card benefit will not improve that. For an itin where the card would be of benefit, it must be current at the time of travel
Your Explore card would still give you premier check-in / boarding
Making a flight change could be an issue if the card is change. An active card provides access to XN inventory. Without the card (for the account with the miles) or UA status, any rebooking would be X inventory which is less available. The point may be moot, as rebooking a complex round trip award with excursion (and with partner flights) is very difficult to achieve as it requiire new inventory for all the flights (especially most partner flights)
Your Explore card would still give you premier check-in / boarding
Making a flight change could be an issue if the card is change. An active card provides access to XN inventory. Without the card (for the account with the miles) or UA status, any rebooking would be X inventory which is less available. The point may be moot, as rebooking a complex round trip award with excursion (and with partner flights) is very difficult to achieve as it requiire new inventory for all the flights (especially most partner flights)
May 4, 2023, 6:09 pm
#118
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
Jun 7, 2023, 12:06 pm
#120
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 30
Free bags after cancelling Explorer card?
Booked a flight using miles & Explorer card for taxes and subsequently cancelled the credit card. Reservation still showing free bags. Will this stick, or will we be charged for bags b/c cancelled card?