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Checked bag fees can get expensive!
So when you’re packing for your next trip, it helps to know how much the airline will charge.
With the United Airlines checked baggage calculator you can quickly see how much your bags will cost.
I’ll show you how to use the calculator and give you tips on how to avoid baggage fees!
How to Use the United Airlines Baggage Calculator
When you fly airlines like American Airlines or Delta Airlines, you’ll have to read through charts and fine print to determine how much your checked luggage will cost. But United Airlines makes it easy with their checked baggage calculator.
You can search using your flight info or if you don’t have your ticket yet, you can search by origin and destination cities. Here’s how it works:
Search by Flight Number
If you’ve already booked your flight, start by clicking the “My flight(s)” tab and enter your United Airlines member number or your flight information.
Search by City
You can also check out the fees before making your reservation. Select the “Any flights” tab and enter your travel information.
Bringing more than 2 bags, oversized, or overweight luggage? Check the box next to “Additional and other bag fees” to see how much you’ll have to pay.
If the 1st flight on your itinerary has a partner airline’s flight number, your baggage fees are based on the partner airline’s rules.
So to find out how much your bags will cost, check the box next to “Add marketing carrier or ticketing date” and enter the airline. Then the page will reload with the new fees.
For example, if your flight is marketed by Lufthansa, your 1st checked bag is free and your 2nd checked bag is $100.
While United Airline’s checked bag tool makes determining how much you’ll pay for your luggage easier, it’s NOT perfect. When you enter in new information into a box, the site can be slow to reload.
And I occasionally received an error message. Then I had to open a new tab and begin my search again.
How to Save Money on Checked Baggage Fees!
Link: Avoid Checked Bag Fees With These Cards
Checked bag fees will add-up quickly, especially if you’re planning an extended stay. But there are ways you can save!
Use the Right Card
If you’re flying United Airlines, be sure to select your airline status, military status, or card membership to get see special pricing. For example, if use your Chase United MileagePlus personal or small business card to pay for your tickets, you and a companion on the same itinerary will get your 1st check bag free.
There are also many other airline branded cards that give you a free checked bag. See my post on cards that help you avoid checked bag fees for the all the details.
Or you could cover the cost with cards that offer statement credits for airline incidentals (including luggage fees) such as:
- Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express – $100 airline credit with your selected airline each year
- AMEX Platinum – $200 airline credit for certain airlines each year
- Citi Prestige Card – $250 airline credit each calendar year
Fly Another Airline
One reason I like flying Southwest is everyone gets 2 free checked bags!
JetBlue used to offer a free checked bag on all flights, but they recently ended this policy for their cheapest fares. And while there are still some ways around paying luggage fees on JetBlue, I prefer flying Southwest on domestic flights.
That’s because along with 2 free checked bags when you have the Southwest Companion Pass a friend can fly with you for free for up to 2 years! Plus, Southwest flies beyond the US now.
Bottom Line
The United Airlines baggage calculator will show you how much your checked luggage will cost for your next flight. This is a great tool for deciding whether or not that extra bag is worth the fees.
And when you fly often, having the right card can save you a lot of money on checked luggage. Or even easier, fly Southwest because your 1st and 2nd checked bags are free on every flight!
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