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?
#91
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
I have never gotten away with more than 0.5 lb when at 70 lbs. Ever. Apparently a big safety nono.
#92
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
I know everyone criticises the baggage handlers.... but shifting 70lb bags all day can't be fun....
#93
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,193
The 70 lb limit is (fairly) common......that is pretty heavy...it's nearly half my weight... and the handlers have to move a LOT of bags.... its an OH&S matter...(or whatever that's called where you are)
I know everyone criticises the baggage handlers.... but shifting 70lb bags all day can't be fun....
I know everyone criticises the baggage handlers.... but shifting 70lb bags all day can't be fun....
Counter agents may be sticklers or they may be lenient when you're slightly over the weight limit. I've had agents WANT to be lenient but unable to do so because I was so far over the weight limit (I misweighed the bag using a bathroom scale).
I used to use a golf bag to transport unusually long items (not necessarily always golf clubs. Never had a problem but I can see my golf travel bag exceeding the 62 linear inches. Does United now routinely charge people fees for golf clubs?
#94
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seoul
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 983
A buddy just got hit for the overweight limit, he's no status whatsoever and paid $400 for an 85lb bag. Now his company won't cover it because his travel docs explicitly said "no excess baggage fees" or something like that.
#95
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,338
I believe the 70lb/32kg limit is still quite common...it certainly is on the airlnes I use.
Ive read on a couple of airline websites that golf bags are (not surprisingly) supposed to contain golf clubs...shoes, balls, tees etc....and NO items unrelated to golf...
I wonder if anyone using a specialised golf bag has ever been pinged for using it for other items?
Ive read on a couple of airline websites that golf bags are (not surprisingly) supposed to contain golf clubs...shoes, balls, tees etc....and NO items unrelated to golf...
I wonder if anyone using a specialised golf bag has ever been pinged for using it for other items?
#96
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Spring, TX
Programs: UA Amex
Posts: 51
Yes, at IAH terminal C, and more than once have I had tape measures used. I haven’t gone over the dimensional limit since that time I was charged. I don’t fly with those sample cases anymore.
#97
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Programs: UA 1K: since 2010
Posts: 234
oversize baggage allowance for elite 1K
My ticket says that I'm eligible to check in up to 3 bags @ 70lbs each.
For my upcoming international travel on Jan. 16 I plan to have two normal-size bags (<62" total dimensions) @ 69lbs each and one slightly over-sized bag (74" total dimensions) at 49lbs.
My past experience has been that UA will accept the above three bags as being consistent with my baggage allowance of 3 free bags. In other words, 1 normal bag weighing 70lbs = 1 oversize bag weighing 50lbs. Is that interpretation still correct, or has UA policy changed? Or, is it simply dependent on interpretation by the check-in agent?
Thanks (and Happy New Year!)
For my upcoming international travel on Jan. 16 I plan to have two normal-size bags (<62" total dimensions) @ 69lbs each and one slightly over-sized bag (74" total dimensions) at 49lbs.
My past experience has been that UA will accept the above three bags as being consistent with my baggage allowance of 3 free bags. In other words, 1 normal bag weighing 70lbs = 1 oversize bag weighing 50lbs. Is that interpretation still correct, or has UA policy changed? Or, is it simply dependent on interpretation by the check-in agent?
Thanks (and Happy New Year!)
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
IMO, believe 74” is oversized (And by my interpretation, by more than a little), and will likely get levied as ‘oversize’ So I’d prepare for that.
Its certainly possible that that an agent may let it go, but at that much past the cutoff, I’d doubt it. If it’s an inch over, it could pretty easily be seen as within dimensions, but at 10+ inches over, even a newbie agent can probably tell. I’d expect to pay, particilarly if at a station that is staffed by contractors.
Its certainly possible that that an agent may let it go, but at that much past the cutoff, I’d doubt it. If it’s an inch over, it could pretty easily be seen as within dimensions, but at 10+ inches over, even a newbie agent can probably tell. I’d expect to pay, particilarly if at a station that is staffed by contractors.
#99
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,391
My ticket says that I'm eligible to check in up to 3 bags @ 70lbs each.
For my upcoming international travel on Jan. 16 I plan to have two normal-size bags (<62" total dimensions) @ 69lbs each and one slightly over-sized bag (74" total dimensions) at 49lbs.
My past experience has been that UA will accept the above three bags as being consistent with my baggage allowance of 3 free bags. In other words, 1 normal bag weighing 70lbs = 1 oversize bag weighing 50lbs. Is that interpretation still correct, or has UA policy changed? Or, is it simply dependent on interpretation by the check-in agent?
Thanks (and Happy New Year!)
For my upcoming international travel on Jan. 16 I plan to have two normal-size bags (<62" total dimensions) @ 69lbs each and one slightly over-sized bag (74" total dimensions) at 49lbs.
My past experience has been that UA will accept the above three bags as being consistent with my baggage allowance of 3 free bags. In other words, 1 normal bag weighing 70lbs = 1 oversize bag weighing 50lbs. Is that interpretation still correct, or has UA policy changed? Or, is it simply dependent on interpretation by the check-in agent?
Thanks (and Happy New Year!)
#100
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: sometimes SIN, sometimes JFK/LGA
Programs: UA 1K, 1.6MM bis
Posts: 767
Considering this is a YMMV situation, you are taking your chances. I was all set to cough up the $200 oversize fee. You should be too.
#101
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
I’ve heard, as mentioned above, that Delta lets people slide with an extra 2 pounds on checked bags. Does UA have any official or unofficial policies on this, either as a general matter or for people with UA status? I’m UA Gold and generally travel with one (of the two allowed) checked bag that’s often near the 70-pound limit plus a small laptop bag. Thanks.
#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
I’ve heard, as mentioned above, that Delta lets people slide with an extra 2 pounds on checked bags. Does UA have any official or unofficial policies on this, either as a general matter or for people with UA status? I’m UA Gold and generally travel with one (of the two allowed) checked bag that’s often near the 70-pound limit plus a small laptop bag. Thanks.
IME, I was checking bag weight on mine the other day (first trip as a silver vs. gold). My bag scale at home registered it as something like 1.5 lbs lighter than the airport scale. I don’t know which was more accurate, but they’re obviously going to go by the one at the airport. So good idea if you have a scale at home to assume it’s a bit heavier than it shows at home to avoid any issues.
#103
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
Thanks for the reply. It’s always a little nerve-wracking checking in with one bag that I’m guessing is approaching the limit. I know, when I didn’t have status and checked in with United Express, the agents were strict. These days, I have UA Gold and mostly originate at hubs or large airports. Curious if there’s any difference.
#104
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: 66,834
As for grace poundage with UA, don't count on it -- perhaps an occasional agent with look the other way but not aware of any official policy. Suppose GS agents might be more willing but the OSHA laws on weight for luggage handling is very strict.
#105
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
Do bags over 70 pounds get a different tag than the HEAVY tag that any bag over 50 pounds already gets? I assume so, but haven’t gone over 70 yet.