joecool1885

Good points. Unfortunately I cannot buy one for less. I don't mind $50 risk, I wouldn't be all that disappointed if I got charged the oversized fee.... for the return trip. If I were charged on the way there, then I'd be upset (not with UA, just in general), I do not want to pay $400 for round trip. And If I bring it on the flight, I do not have the box to ship home, so I'd be forced to take the same risk returning.

True I can get 1000 responses leaning either way, but based on answer predominance, I can make an educated decision.

As a side note: I can flex the bag slightly, so depending on how it's measured, it could be 51.25 x 7.25 x 3.5=62" or it could be 52x8x4=64, will an agent spend time debating this point?

If they don't charge you as you're checking it in, you won't get charged, right? They won't slap an oversize sticker on it afterwards and charge you later, will they?

steveman518

They shouldn't charge you after the fact.

I feel like if you don't draw attention to it, they'll be less likely to check

ELY001

That is correct, never heard of them charging after the fact, but with UA these days it wouldn't be a surprise.

XCstud

I traveled recently overseas in C with an obviously oversized box that was about 84 linear inches and paid the oversize fee. The $200 fee was a bargain compared to the $1400 fedex wanted to ship it overseas. I didn't request that they waive the fee and they didn't offer. If you are within a couple of inches they might let it slide, but I wouldn't count on it.

Steve M

That's right, but each check-in is a different situation. If they let you check it for free on the outbound segments, this doesn't give you a vested right to have the charges waived on the return flight.

trini19

I am not sure "obvious" a 2" difference in length would make and if it were me, I would try to check it in. If you can flex it without much hassle then you have no issues at all as it is within the limitations.

Does SMF or HNL have curbside check in as a lot of times those guys do not check size requirements.

Often1

No, it doesn't. No such thing as "vesting" and the fees are disclosed. The fact that some agent chooses to waive a fee doesn't mean that it will be waived subsequently.

joecool1885

Of course. If I'm charged on the return flight, to me it's no big deal anyway. I'm just worried I'll be charged for both going and coming, which is $400.

I think I'm going to chance it.... thanks for all your guys input. I'll let you know what happens.

drewguy

I think you'll be fine. Or, more specifically, I think you have a better than 25% chance you won't pay for an oversized bag, which puts the expected value in your favor:

$150 > $200*.75 (or less)

danpeake

It's only two inches too big? I doubt they will notice. Plus, the carry on sizers are an extra inch in each dimension, so maybe that gives you three inches on a checked bag, too ;-)

Please update the thread and let us know how it went.

joecool1885

Will do. Flight is a month out.

jclarke

It's been a month. Update please!

joecool1885

Flight is tomorrow (Friday) morning. Will let you know.

dcpdxtrans

Back when I was gold, I was checking a single item. It was something like 65" X, 24 X 2 & weighed <10 lbs. The agent charged me $100. I was so pissed, & the agent was a stickler. At some point I was telling the story to CS in person @ ORD concerning a different issue, & I became so upset when I brought up the $100. I believe the CS saw the extensive number of upcoming paid flights (I was just starting to give UA my biz) & offered me a cert for $150 & an apology.

Moral of story : dont chance it

LaserSailor

You will be fine. Bring a slightly stretched tape measure if you want a backup plan