Getting Past the 3 Bag Limit
Oct 9, 2019, 4:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Getting Past the 3 Bag Limit
Hey FTers,
I am in the process of planning my flight to SYD (from LHR) in January (on UA obviously) and went to the UA baggage calculator to see how many bags I can safely check in. Per the baggage calculator the max I can check in as a Premier Gold is 3 bags @ 32 kg each. However, that might not be sufficient for my needs (I'm moving there).
This limit does not increase even if I'm flying in Polaris J:
My question is whether there is any way to get around the limit, or if the baggage calculator is simply wrong here (seems light given the itinerary)?
N.B. no, I don't plan on joining the Canadian Forces to get the coveted 5 bag limit
Safe Travels,
James
I am in the process of planning my flight to SYD (from LHR) in January (on UA obviously) and went to the UA baggage calculator to see how many bags I can safely check in. Per the baggage calculator the max I can check in as a Premier Gold is 3 bags @ 32 kg each. However, that might not be sufficient for my needs (I'm moving there).
This limit does not increase even if I'm flying in Polaris J:
My question is whether there is any way to get around the limit, or if the baggage calculator is simply wrong here (seems light given the itinerary)?
N.B. no, I don't plan on joining the Canadian Forces to get the coveted 5 bag limit
Safe Travels,
James
Oct 9, 2019, 5:13 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Oct 9, 2019, 5:22 am
#6
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
You could stop people close to the UA check-in counters and ask them if they'd be willing to check in your extra bags and give them back to you after they pass through SYD security.
(No, not really. That was a joke. That bag limit has been like that for quite some time, and is pretty generous really.. That's 210 lbs of luggage, and sufficient for most folks' travel needs.)
(No, not really. That was a joke. That bag limit has been like that for quite some time, and is pretty generous really.. That's 210 lbs of luggage, and sufficient for most folks' travel needs.)
Oct 9, 2019, 5:28 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Joking aside, if UA can't do more than 3 checked bags for their Premier Golds, are there other *A airlines that fly to SYD who provide a fair baggage allowance to such destinations? Again, I do find it bizarre to say the least that flying Polaris J as a Premier Gold to SYD from LHR, my limit is still 3 bags. Meanwhile a kettle flying steerage to SYD can check 2 bags in no qualms.
The other option I was thinking of was investing in slightly larger baggage and maxing out all 3 bags at the 32 kg limit (although some of the stuff I'm shipping are more fragile like monitors and desktop).
Safe Travels,
James
The other option I was thinking of was investing in slightly larger baggage and maxing out all 3 bags at the 32 kg limit (although some of the stuff I'm shipping are more fragile like monitors and desktop).
Safe Travels,
James
Oct 9, 2019, 5:44 am
#8
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
It appears this may be only an issue because of it being a move to Australia, as opposed to a visit there.
United, compared to many other airlines, is actually quite generous with their allowance.
Oct 9, 2019, 5:50 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Is the question can you take more than 3 bags, or can you take more than 3 bags for free?
If the latter, as Miles Ahead suggested, just pay the extra bag fee of whatever it is these days?
Mrs Limey isn't known to travel light and if i remember correctly would check 4 bags on trips to South America, in economy, with 3 free and 1 paid as a UA *G.
I don't think they changed the rules so that it is only possible to check 3 bags in total.. but there may be capacity constraints on some routes at some times such that extra baggage is not permitted, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. :-)
If the latter, as Miles Ahead suggested, just pay the extra bag fee of whatever it is these days?
Mrs Limey isn't known to travel light and if i remember correctly would check 4 bags on trips to South America, in economy, with 3 free and 1 paid as a UA *G.
I don't think they changed the rules so that it is only possible to check 3 bags in total.. but there may be capacity constraints on some routes at some times such that extra baggage is not permitted, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. :-)
Oct 9, 2019, 6:15 am
#12
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
OP is using a false premise. There is no three bag limit.
As a GS in Polaris (J), he is entitled to three bags at 32 kg. each included in the price of his ticket. He may also check additional bags at $200 (for 23 kg) and $400 (for 32 kg).
UA's allowance is significantly above most other carriers, although OP is free to tinker around with other routings to see if he can do better.
OP should also remember that he will need high-quality insurance. His maximum coverage for however many bags he has is US$1,650 in fair market value.
Other considerations here include freighting the less important items and letting them take their time to arrive. Much, much cheaper and less of a hassle to organize at both ends.
As a GS in Polaris (J), he is entitled to three bags at 32 kg. each included in the price of his ticket. He may also check additional bags at $200 (for 23 kg) and $400 (for 32 kg).
UA's allowance is significantly above most other carriers, although OP is free to tinker around with other routings to see if he can do better.
OP should also remember that he will need high-quality insurance. His maximum coverage for however many bags he has is US$1,650 in fair market value.
Other considerations here include freighting the less important items and letting them take their time to arrive. Much, much cheaper and less of a hassle to organize at both ends.
Last edited by Often1; Oct 9, 2019 at 6:30 am
Oct 9, 2019, 6:22 am
#13
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
Oct 9, 2019, 6:31 am
#14
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
I certainly did not presume that based on a willingness to fly paid J and use checked luggage as a means of moving one's household. In any event, bags are not "free" they are merely included.