How strict is UA with oversized / overweight checked-in baggage?
 

Per my reading, they are stricter on the weight than the size. What's the chance for me to use a 65-inch legacy bag for a oneway international flight with UA? TIA

Depends on if you have status and where you depart from. I agree that they're stricter on weight because they see the scale when you put the bag on.

And most importantly, your attitude and what kind of day the checkin agent is having (though that's not United-specific).

If I check in UAX, they tend to be more strict than a UA agent. Fortunately at my home UAX station they are starting to recognize me as a 1K and are very gracious.

Agree with all that is stated above. If the bag is oversize and heavy, red flags may go off

The agents will eyeball the bag dimensions and if obviously oversized or overweight {by the scale} it could get hit. If your bag is truly 65 inches including wheels, handles, .... and is not all the excess in one-dimension, you are likely to be OK.

I have check quite a few bags in the 65-70 linear inches range (they were standard size bags that you can extend out). I never seen them measure the size. They are pretty strict about the weight though.

Skycaps work for tips and are likely your friend in these cases.

Nothing like a tipped employee to put them at odds with a company's policies.

Shares and Jeff aren't somehow to blame for the policy?

That's a bright idea.

I didn't think you could curbside check bags for INT travel

My bag is 4" too large (66") and for six years through GM to 1K last four years never a question. Noted others with larger bags at all counters having no problems. A pound over 70 lbs has shifted a pair of jeans to my carry on.

Oversize Bags on UA
 

I'm curious what experiences any of you have had with oversized luggage. Charged? Not Charged? Heated disputes?
I'm flying SMF-HNL next month and would like to bring my camera slider. In its case it measures 64 linear inches, and UA's limit is 62". It weighs only about 10-15 pounds. I can ship it USPS for $150 round trip. Or, I can risk checking it, and chance being charged $200 each way.
What would you do in this situation?
Thanks for your input!

For reference, this is what the bag looks like: http://lghttp.32171.nexcesscdn.net/8...case-4ft_1.jpg

I wouldn't risk it and would use UPS.

In July I traveled to Guatemala and checked a cardboard box measuring 8" x 8" x 48, weighing about 15 lb along with other large bags without any problems.

The answer is that you can get 1,000 responses, but you cannot be sure. Your risk is $50 each direction ($150 vs. $200). Can you buy one for less?