Sep 29, 2020, 10:34 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Sept 2020
also see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1949673-using-cardboard-boxes-ship-personal-items-ua-checked-luggage.html
If you plan to check oversized, overweight or extra bags, keep the following in mind:
Oversized bags
We can’t accept bags that measure (length + width + height) more than 115 inches (292 centimeters).
Overweight bags
We can’t accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). However, musical instruments and assistive devices are exceptions. We’ll accept musical instruments up to 165 pounds (75 kilograms) and all assistive devices.
Extra bags
]We only accept extra bags if there’s space available on the aircraft. Assistive devices don’t apply, and we’ll gladly accept them for free.
Oversized bags
We can’t accept bags that measure (length + width + height) more than 115 inches (292 centimeters).
Overweight bags
We can’t accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). However, musical instruments and assistive devices are exceptions. We’ll accept musical instruments up to 165 pounds (75 kilograms) and all assistive devices.
Extra bags
]We only accept extra bags if there’s space available on the aircraft. Assistive devices don’t apply, and we’ll gladly accept them for free.
How strict is UA with oversized / overweight checked-in baggage?
May 31, 2015, 12:41 am
#61
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,644
I checked a bag curbside the other day. The guy never looked at the weight. Thankfully, it was under 50. On the return, the bag weighed 51.5. The agent scolded me, but told me that she'll let it slide. She put on an overweight tag, and that was it. If she didn't let it slide, I would have thrown out my shampoo and/or other toiletries to bring the bag down to 50 lbs. (the carryon was at its limit for capacity, and it weighed quite a bit as well, so no repacking was possible 
)
)
May 31, 2015, 9:23 am
#62
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Japan/Thailand
Programs: AS, UA
Posts: 1,201
Put zip ties on your bags before you get to the check-in desk.
I've done this with 51-53 lb. bags, and if they ask to take something out (about half the time), you can't because you can't open it as you have packed all scissors and whatnot. The agents never seem to have scissors or a pocket knife, which results in a supervisor being called over who then say that it's fine since they don't have one either.
I've done this with 51-53 lb. bags, and if they ask to take something out (about half the time), you can't because you can't open it as you have packed all scissors and whatnot. The agents never seem to have scissors or a pocket knife, which results in a supervisor being called over who then say that it's fine since they don't have one either.
May 31, 2015, 10:17 am
#63
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: EUG
Programs: UA Gold; IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 443
I've had agents let 1-2 pounds slide in the past, even though we were more than willing to re-pack. You might not have an issue, but as others have said, be prepared to move some weight around.
May 31, 2015, 10:37 am
#64
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,881
Put zip ties on your bags before you get to the check-in desk.
I've done this with 51-53 lb. bags, and if they ask to take something out (about half the time), you can't because you can't open it as you have packed all scissors and whatnot. The agents never seem to have scissors or a pocket knife, which results in a supervisor being called over who then say that it's fine since they don't have one either.
I've done this with 51-53 lb. bags, and if they ask to take something out (about half the time), you can't because you can't open it as you have packed all scissors and whatnot. The agents never seem to have scissors or a pocket knife, which results in a supervisor being called over who then say that it's fine since they don't have one either.
May 31, 2015, 1:14 pm
#65
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Put zip ties on your bags before you get to the check-in desk.
I've done this with 51-53 lb. bags, and if they ask to take something out (about half the time), you can't because you can't open it as you have packed all scissors and whatnot. The agents never seem to have scissors or a pocket knife, which results in a supervisor being called over who then say that it's fine since they don't have one either.
I've done this with 51-53 lb. bags, and if they ask to take something out (about half the time), you can't because you can't open it as you have packed all scissors and whatnot. The agents never seem to have scissors or a pocket knife, which results in a supervisor being called over who then say that it's fine since they don't have one either.
May 31, 2015, 1:15 pm
#66
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Japan/Thailand
Programs: AS, UA
Posts: 1,201
That's never happened to me (on USA-based carriers at least).
But if it does, then is when you magically find your nail clippers that you had all along, then open the bag and remove a book or whatever.
If you make it more difficult for you or them to open the bag, then they are more likely to let it slide. Not a guarantee of course.
But if it does, then is when you magically find your nail clippers that you had all along, then open the bag and remove a book or whatever.
If you make it more difficult for you or them to open the bag, then they are more likely to let it slide. Not a guarantee of course.
May 31, 2015, 3:01 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,415
I showed up at AS counters with 52 & 51 lb bags (20 years of 70 lb allowance via UA and only doing bags a handful of times annually left me forgetting there might be an issue) and even when I got one to 50.1 the agent was not ready to give me the wink. The carryon on got heavier and heavier -- the total bag + carryon weight stay the same. 
Nov 24, 2015, 3:06 pm
#68
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA 1MM Premier Gold, DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriot Rewards Gold
Posts: 619
Checked baggage oversize and 1K
Hello,
I'm traveling internationally tomorrow and taking with me a tent, packed in a zippered bag size: 46*9*9. All is all 64 inches which is 2 inches more than the size limit for a Checked in piece.
I'm a 1K traveling with my 5 yrs old daughter.
Will I be asked to pay the $200 oversize fee? Will me status help in this case? Any ways to avoid the fee?
Thanks!
I'm traveling internationally tomorrow and taking with me a tent, packed in a zippered bag size: 46*9*9. All is all 64 inches which is 2 inches more than the size limit for a Checked in piece.
I'm a 1K traveling with my 5 yrs old daughter.
Will I be asked to pay the $200 oversize fee? Will me status help in this case? Any ways to avoid the fee?
Thanks!
Nov 24, 2015, 3:16 pm
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
UA has not explicitly provide a fee waiver for oversized baggage for the elite.
So I believe you will have to eat the cost.
However - it all depends if the GA will measure your baggage or not.
So I believe you will have to eat the cost.
However - it all depends if the GA will measure your baggage or not.
Nov 24, 2015, 5:47 pm
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Technically you are right. But if it's in the weight limit and not all that much oversized (which is how he described it) the odds of them taking out a tape measure are pretty slim. Particularly since he will be checking in at an elite counter.
Nov 24, 2015, 5:53 pm
#72
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
UA doesn't provide size waivers for 1K's, so the standard rules apply. Whether the agent charges you depends on how eagle-eyed the agent is or wants to be. If he's just been lectured about letting oversized bags go, get your wallet out.
Just keep it friendly and low-key. If you are asked to pay, don't make a fuss.
Just keep it friendly and low-key. If you are asked to pay, don't make a fuss.
Nov 25, 2015, 8:23 am
#73
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA 1MM Premier Gold, DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriot Rewards Gold
Posts: 619
Thank you all.
It'll be challenging but I hope the holiday crowd today will distract them from making unnecessary measurements. I wonder how they prorate thier fees - for 100$ you get another full blown suitcase, but if you bag measures 2 extra inch you'll need to pay 200$...I bet they drew a note from a hat and got 200$.... :-)
It'll be challenging but I hope the holiday crowd today will distract them from making unnecessary measurements. I wonder how they prorate thier fees - for 100$ you get another full blown suitcase, but if you bag measures 2 extra inch you'll need to pay 200$...I bet they drew a note from a hat and got 200$.... :-)
Nov 25, 2015, 12:10 pm
#74
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,693
You will get through fine within weight limits. I routinely check a huge showcase through which is both oversize and overweight and get charged only one fee, if any. Never on size, only on weight (98 lbs)
Nov 25, 2015, 12:39 pm
#75
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA 1MM Premier Gold, DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriot Rewards Gold
Posts: 619
Thank you all and happy ThanksGiving!
R