United AirlinesUA
UA
UAL
2,180
About
United Airlines is the third-largest airline in the world by revenue and operates the largest mainline fleet globally with over 1,050 aircraft. Headquartered in Chicago's Willis Tower, United serves 373 destinations across 75 countries, carrying 174 million passengers annually.
As a founding member of Star Alliance, United offers extensive global connectivity through 25 partner airlines including Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada. The airline is particularly strong on transpacific routes—San Francisco handles 4.5x more Pacific flights than any other U.S. hub—and operates more transatlantic flights than any other U.S. carrier.
United competes directly with American and Delta as part of the "Big Three" U.S. legacy carriers. Known for its extensive hub network and premium Polaris business class product, United has invested heavily in fleet modernization and is rolling out free Starlink WiFi across its fleet.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where United Airlines operates 5+ routes
+79 more hub airports
Network
430 airports served
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+380 more airports
Observed Flights
Callsigns tracked for United Airlines (UAL) - 398 unique callsigns observed
Callsigns with confirmed departure and arrival airports
Showing 18 of 23 callsigns with valid routes
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Personal Item (free on all fares):
- Dimensions: 17" × 10" × 9" (43 × 25 × 22 cm)
- Must fit under the seat in front of you
- Examples: Backpack, purse, laptop bag
Cabin Bag (overhead bin):
- Dimensions: 22" × 14" × 9" (56 × 35 × 23 cm) including handles and wheels
- Weight: No limit on domestic or international
- Included: Economy, Premium Plus, Polaris, First
- NOT included: Basic Economy on domestic U.S. flights (personal item only)
| Fare Class | Personal Item | Cabin Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy (Domestic) | ✓ Free | ✗ Not included | Must gate-check for fee + $25 handling |
| Basic Economy (International) | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | Canada, Europe, Asia, S. America |
| Economy | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | Standard allowance |
| Premium Plus | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | Priority boarding |
| Business/First | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | 2 bags on some routes |
Warning: If you bring a carry-on to the gate on a domestic Basic Economy fare without purchasing, you'll pay the checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.
Checked Baggage
Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 157 cm (length + width + height)
Domestic Flights (within U.S.):
| Fare Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | $35 online / $40 airport | $45 online / $50 airport | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Economy | $35 online / $40 airport | $45 online / $50 airport | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Premium Plus | Free | Free | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Business/First | Free | Free | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
Transatlantic (U.S. ↔ Europe):
| Fare Class | Included | Additional | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | 0 bags | $75 first, $100 second | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Economy | 1 bag | $100 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Premium Plus | 2 bags | $200 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Polaris | 2 bags | $200 | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
Transpacific (U.S. ↔ Asia):
| Fare Class | Included | Additional | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 1-2 bags (route varies) | $100 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Premium Plus | 2 bags | $200 | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Polaris | 2 bags | $200 | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
Overweight & Oversized Fees
Overweight Bags:
| Weight Range | Fee |
|---|---|
| 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg) | $100 |
| 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg) | $200 |
| Over 100 lbs | Not accepted |
Oversized Bags:
| Size (Linear) | Fee |
|---|---|
| 63-115 in (160-292 cm) | $200 |
| Over 115 in | Not accepted (cargo only) |
Fees are cumulative—an overweight AND oversized bag pays both fees.
Elite Status & Credit Card Benefits
Premier Status Benefits:
| Status | Free Bags | Weight Limit | Companions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 1 bag | 70 lbs (32 kg) | Up to 9 on same reservation |
| Premier Gold | 2 bags | 70 lbs each | Up to 9 on same reservation |
| Premier Platinum | 3 bags | 70 lbs each | Up to 9 on same reservation |
| Premier 1K | 3 bags | 70 lbs each | Up to 9 on same reservation |
Star Alliance Gold members also receive 2 free bags up to 70 lbs each.
Credit Card Benefits:
| Card | Annual Fee | Free Bags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Explorer | $250 | 1 bag | Cardholder + 1 companion |
| United Quest | $350 | 2 bags | Cardholder + 1 companion |
| United Club Infinite | $695 | 2 bags | Cardholder + 1 companion |
All United cardholders can bring a carry-on bag on domestic Basic Economy fares.
Special Items
Sports Equipment:
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Standard bag fee | Oversize waived up to 115 in, max 50 lbs |
| Skis/snowboards | Standard bag fee | Oversize waived up to 115 in |
| Surfboards | Standard bag fee | Oversize waived up to 115 in |
| Bicycles | Standard + potential oversize | Must be boxed |
Baby & Child Gear (FREE):
- Car seat: One free per child, gate-check available
- Stroller: One free per child, gate-check available
- Does not count toward baggage allowance
Medical Equipment:
- CPAP: Free, doesn't count as carry-on
- Wheelchair: Free, gate-check available
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Allowed with 48-hour notice (call 1-800-825-6331)
- Canes, crutches, walkers: Free in addition to carry-on
Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments (guitar, violin): Allowed as carry-on if fits
- Large instruments: Can purchase a seat (up to 165 lbs)
- Checked: Standard bag fee, hard case required
Fees as of January 2025. Use United's Baggage Calculator for current pricing.
In-Flight Experience
United First (Domestic)
- Seat pitch: 37-39"
- Seat width: 20-21"
- Configuration: 2-2
- Power: AC outlet and USB at every seat
- Meal service: Full meal on flights over 900 miles; snacks and alcohol on shorter flights
Premium Plus (International Premium Economy)
- Seat pitch: 38"
- Seat width: 18.5-19"
- Recline: 6" with legrest and footrest
- Configuration: 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 (aircraft-dependent)
- Power: AC outlet and USB
- Entertainment: 13" HD seatback screen
- Service: Multi-course meal, complimentary alcohol, Saks Fifth Avenue pillow and blanket, noise-reducing headphones
United Polaris (International Business)
- Seat pitch: 78-79" (fully lie-flat)
- Seat width: 20-22"
- Configuration: 1-2-1 (777/787) or 1-1-1 (767)
- Power: Universal AC outlet and USB
- Entertainment: 16" seatback screen
- Bedding: Saks Fifth Avenue duvet, pillow, pajamas on 14+ hour flights
- Dining: Multi-course service with wine pairings; Express Dine or Dine & Doze options for sleep-focused travelers
- Lounge access: Polaris Lounges at ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, LAX, IAD
Economy & Economy Plus
| Class | Pitch | Width | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 30-32" | 17-18" | USB + AC on newer aircraft |
| Economy Plus | 34-35" | 17-18" | USB + AC |
Entertainment:
- Seatback screens: All widebody aircraft (777, 787, 767), newer 737 MAX
- Streaming only: Older 737-800/900, Airbus A319/A320
- Free movies, TV shows, and music on United app
- Live TV on select aircraft with DIRECTV
WiFi:
- Starlink (rolling out 2025-2026): Free for all MileagePlus members
- Legacy WiFi: $8/day for members, $10/day non-members
- T-Mobile customers: Free unlimited WiFi
- Free messaging (iMessage, WhatsApp) for all passengers
Food & Beverage:
| Route | Economy | First/Business |
|---|---|---|
| Under 900 miles | Complimentary snacks and soft drinks | Snacks + alcohol |
| 900-1,190 miles | Snacks + soft drinks | Hot meal + alcohol |
| 1,190+ miles | Snacks + drinks; meals available for purchase | Full meal service |
| International | Full meal service + complimentary alcohol | Multi-course dining |
Special meals available with 24-hour advance request (14 dietary options including vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free).