Can You Get a Free Checked Bag on United Award Flights?
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Million Mile Secrets reader Mike comments:
If I book an award flight, will I still get a free bag and priority boarding with the Chase United Explorer card?
Chase United Explorer Benefits
Link: Chase United Explorer
Link: Top 10 Benefits of the United Explorer Card
For a limited time you get an increased sign-up bonus of 50,000 United Airlines miles when you spend $2,000 within 3 months on the Chase United Explorer card. Plus you get lots of great benefits including free checked bags and priority boarding.
And you’ll have access to more award seats than folks who don’t have the card. This really helps when you’re trying to book an award flight!
Note: Some folks are able to get a better offer that includes a $50 statement credit. This is NOT my link but I’ll always tell you about the best deal!Free Checked Bag
With this card Mike and a traveling companion (on the same reservation) each get 1 free checked bag on United Airlines flights.
This is a great benefit because Mike can save up to $100 each time he takes a round-trip flight within North America and certain destinations in South America.
Priority Boarding
As a Chase United Explorer cardholder, Mike and a traveling companion (on the same reservation) will also get priority boarding. So Mike can get on the plane early and have more overhead bin space for his carry-on.
But, will Mike get these same benefits if he has an award ticket instead of a paid ticket?
Yes, Mike Still Gets Free Checked Bags & Priority Board on Award Flights!
Mike will still get priority boarding even if he is on an award flight as long as his United Airlines number is on the reservation.
He also still gets a free checked bag on award flights as long as his United Airlines number is on the reservation and he pays the taxes & fees on his award ticket with his Chase United Explorer card.
Bottom Line
You get the great benefits of the Chase United Explorer card no matter if you’re on a paid flight or an award flight.
To get priority boarding, your United Airlines number must be on the reservation. Enter your United Airlines number on your award reservation to get a free checked bag and pay the taxes & fees with the Chase United Explorer card.
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