Traveling can be a hassle, especially when checking in your bags. Long lines, potential flight delays, and extra fees often frustrate the experience. As per the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), U.S. airlines collected a record $7.1 billion in baggage fees in 2023. It marks a sharp rise from previous years. With a United Airlines credit card, you can ease some of the stress associated with baggage handling. These United Airlines credit card baggage benefits make travel smoother.
It ensures that unexpected costs or inconveniences do not weigh you down.
Read how these benefits make your next travel experience more manageable and feel like a private jet.
1. Free Checked Bags for Cardholders
One of the most valuable benefits of owning a United Airlines credit card is the free checked baggage allowance. For instance, the United℠ Explorer Card offers the primary card member and one companion on the same reservation a free first checked bag. It applies to United-operated flights. This benefit can save up to $160 per round-trip for two travelers, as the first checked bag costs $35 per person each way.
The United Quest℠ Card offers free first and second-checked bags for those seeking even greater savings. This benefit applies to the primary card member and one companion on United-operated flights. As a result, this perk can lead to savings of up to $320 per round-the-world trip for two travelers. Specifically, the first checked bag costs $35, and the second is $45 per person each way.
These baggage benefits enhance the travel experience by reducing costs. They quickly offset the annual fees associated with these credit cards. Frequent travelers who regularly check their luggage benefit the most.
💡 Related – The Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads and Travelers
2. Additional Bags Without Extra Charges
For many travelers, paying for multiple bags is a significant concern. Baggage fees can quickly increase, especially for families, international travelers, or those carrying specialized equipment. With United Airlines Credit Card Baggage Benefits, cardholders can check in additional bags for free, depending on the card type.
As per United Airlines Policy, it imposes a minimum fee of $200 for oversized bags ranging from 63 to 115 inches, while luggage exceeding 115 inches is not allowed.
This perk is handy for long-term trips or relocating, where extra luggage is unavoidable. On the other hand, you can take Relo.AI help for your relocations. Business travelers carrying trade show materials can also benefit from waived fees. Similarly, sports enthusiasts transporting gear enjoy the same advantage, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Using the right United credit card allows passengers to avoid these extra costs. It also provides a more streamlined check-in experience.
3. Priority Boarding Access
While not strictly a baggage benefit, the priority boarding included with the United Airlines credit card gives you an advantage when handling your bags. Early boarding means you can access overhead bin space before most passengers board. It is beneficial if you’re traveling with carry-on luggage that needs to fit in the overhead compartments. Securing space prevents last-minute gate checks.
This benefit becomes even more crucial on full flights where overhead space fills quickly. Overhead bins reach capacity by the time Group 4 boards, forcing many passengers to check their bags at the gate. By boarding ahead of the general group, cardholders can store their luggage without worrying about last-minute gate check requirements. These fees typically cost $35 to $45 per bag on domestic flights.
It benefits business travelers or those with tight connections who need quick access to their belongings. United Airlines charges $15 to $30 for priority boarding, but cardholders get it free. This benefit mirrors the premium experience generally reserved for first-class and elite passengers. You can read here some ways to skip airport lines and get to the gate faster.
4. Increased Baggage Allowance for Business and First-Class Passengers
The United Airlines Credit Card offers more substantial baggage benefits if you fly in business or first class. With certain cards, you receive additional baggage allowances. You can bring more than one or two checked bags without extra fees. This perk is ideal for business travelers who need to carry equipment or those taking longer trips requiring extra clothing and supplies.
For instance, United Airlines typically charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on domestic economy flights. However, business and first-class passengers with eligible credit cards can check up to two bags for free, saving as much as $160 per round trip. Moreover, this benefit provides even greater value for international routes, where checked bag fees often exceed $100 per piece.
Additionally, oversized bags, ordinarily subject to fees of $200 or more, may also be included depending on fare class and destination, making luxury travel even more cost-effective.
If you are flying business class for the first time, it becomes even more rewarding when paired with United Airlines Credit Card Baggage Benefits.
💁♀️ Also read – Economy vs. Business Class: Which Provides More Value for Money?
5. Baggage Protection and Insurance
Baggage protection is another key benefit of the United Airlines Credit Card. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you can rely on the travel insurance provided by your credit card. This coverage reimburses essential purchases like clothing and toiletries while you wait for your luggage. While baggage delays are rare, this coverage offers peace of mind when they do occur.
United’s credit card covers up to $100 daily for delayed luggage for up to three days. Coverage extends up to $3,000 per passenger for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage if your bag is completely lost. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines mishandle about 0.51 bags per 1,000 passengers, translating to thousands of delayed or lost bags each month.
Having baggage insurance can help travelers avoid unexpected costs, ensuring they can continue their trip without financial strain. Read reasons to buy travel insurance.
6. Expedited Baggage Claim for Faster Retrieval
One of the lesser-known but highly valuable perks of certain United Airlines Credit Cards is expedited baggage claim. Cardholders with Premier Access or those using the United Club Infinite Card often receive priority baggage handling, meaning their checked bags are among the first to arrive at baggage claim. This benefit saves valuable time, particularly after long-haul flights or when catching tight connections.
The standard baggage claim wait time can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on airport congestion. However, travelers with priority baggage handling often receive their bags within 5 to 10 minutes of arrival. It allows them to exit the airport faster. This perk makes a noticeable difference in travel efficiency for business travelers or those on tight schedules.
7. Enhanced Mileage Earning Potential on Baggage Fees
Although this isn’t a direct benefit of baggage handling, it’s still worth mentioning. United Airlines Credit Cardholders earn extra miles on qualifying purchases, including baggage fees. If you have to pay for baggage fees on your flight, you’ll accumulate MileagePlus miles, making those costs less painful. Over time, these miles add up, helping you earn free flights, upgrades, or even access to airport lounges.
For instance, cardholders of the United℠ Explorer Card earn 2x miles on United purchases, including baggage fees. United Club℠ Infinite Cardholders earn 4x miles per dollar spent. If a traveler pays $200 in baggage fees, they could earn 400 to 800 miles, bringing them closer to valuable rewards.
With United’s Saver Award flights starting at just 12,500 miles for a one-way domestic ticket, frequent travelers can quickly accumulate miles. They can earn them simply by covering standard travel expenses.
Besides, travelers can redeem these miles for more than just flights. They can use United MileagePlus miles for seat upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, and in-flight purchases.
8. Complimentary Checked Bags for Military Personnel
Active-duty military personnel traveling on official orders or for personal reasons receive additional baggage benefits with United Airlines Credit Cards. While United already offers free checked bags for military members, certain United credit cards provide further baggage fee waivers, even when traveling with family. United offers five free checked bags for official duty and three for personal travel.
Since standard checked baggage fees can reach $35 to $45 per bag, this benefit saves military personnel and their families $100 to $300 per trip. It makes travel more convenient and cost-effective. This perk also applies to oversized and overweight baggage, which typically incurs fees of $100 to $200 per item. Military travelers carrying large equipment, uniforms, or personal belongings can check their luggage without additional costs.
This benefit for families accompanying service members reduces travel expenses. It makes relocating, visiting loved ones, or taking well-earned vacations easier without worrying about excessive baggage fees. You can see complete details on relocation support for the Military.
9. Cardholder Discounts on Additional Bags
United Airlines Credit Cards provide discounts on extra baggage fees, helping travelers cut costs when checking multiple bags. Cardholders can receive up to 50% off on additional checked bags depending on the card type, significantly reducing expenses on domestic and international flights.
For example, United typically charges $150 for a third checked bag on domestic flights, while international travelers may pay $200 or more per extra bag.
However, premium credit cards like the United Quest℠ Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card offer discounts or complete fee waivers on extra baggage.
These savings add up, especially for families, business travelers, and those transporting oversized or special luggage.
Using the right card saves travellers hundreds of dollars per trip on baggage fees, making long-haul and group travel more affordable.
10. Travel with Family and Friends for Free Checked Bags
Many United Airlines Credit Cards extend the first checked bag benefit to family members and companions traveling on the same reservation. Cardholders and at least one companion can check their bags for free. This benefit makes these cards great for families, couples, or business travelers. This benefit can result in savings of up to $160 per round trip for two travelers.
United typically charges $35 per first checked bag per way. This feature becomes especially valuable for international travel, where checked baggage fees often exceed $100 per bag. Planning a family vacation, a group trip or business travel helps cut costs while ensuring a smoother travel experience. With fewer baggage fees, travelers can allocate more of their budget toward accommodations, activities, or dining.
11. No Fees for Sports Equipment and Specialty Bags
Sports enthusiasts and adventure travelers often struggle with high fees for oversized or special luggage, such as golf clubs, skis, surfboards, and bicycles. United typically charges $150 to $200 per item for sports equipment. However, United Club Infinite Cardholders and select MileagePlus Premier Members can check these items for free under the standard baggage allowance.
This perk allows athletes and adventure travelers to bring their gear without added costs. They can take their equipment to a golf resort, ski destination, or diving spot without extra fees. With this benefit, travelers no longer have to rent expensive equipment at their destination. It ensures they have the best gear for their trip while keeping costs low.
12. Access to United Club Lounges
Access to United Club Lounges may not directly impact your luggage experience but significantly enhances overall travel comfort. United Airlines Credit Card holders, particularly those with the United Club℠ Infinite Card, receive complimentary access to United Club locations worldwide. They can enjoy this benefit at more than 45 lounges, enhancing their travel experience.
These airport lounges provide comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and workspaces, making them ideal for business travelers who need a quiet place to prepare for meetings or catch up on work. Also, passengers can enjoy complimentary snacks, fresh meals, and premium alcoholic beverages, eliminating the need to purchase expensive airport food.
Many lounges offer dedicated spaces where travelers can repack, secure valuables, or freshen up before their flight. Some locations even feature shower facilities, allowing long-haul travelers to refresh before boarding.
The expense can add up quickly since a single-day pass to a United Club Lounge costs $59 per person. This benefit makes economy travel feel much more luxurious. It offers a quiet and exclusive retreat from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Learn how to get access to airport lounge for free.
Recommended read – What is an Airport Lounge? Everything You Need to Know
12. Complimentary Checked Bags for Military Personnel
Active-duty military personnel traveling on official orders or for personal reasons receive additional baggage benefits with United Airlines Credit Cards. While United already offers free checked bags for military members, certain United credit cards provide further baggage fee waivers, even when traveling with family. United offers five free checked bags for official duty and three for personal travel.
Since standard checked baggage fees can reach $35 to $45 per bag, this benefit saves military personnel and their families $100 to $300 per trip. It makes travel more convenient and cost-effective. This perk also applies to oversized and overweight baggage, which typically incurs fees of $100 to $200 per item. Military travelers carrying large equipment, uniforms, or personal belongings can check their luggage without additional costs.
This benefit for families accompanying service members reduces travel expenses. It makes relocating, visiting loved ones, or taking well-earned vacations easier without worrying about excessive baggage fees. You can see complete details on relocation support for the Military.
Bring Everything Together!
These United Airlines credit card baggage benefits allow you to optimize your travel experience and minimize unnecessary costs. If you’re traveling for business or leisure, these perks help streamline the process, giving you more freedom to enjoy your journey. They provide a wealth of benefits with free checked bags, additional allowances, baggage protection, and even access to lounges.
These perks make it easier to focus on what truly matters.
Your Search for the Best United Airlines Credit Card Baggage Benefits Ends Here
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If you’re looking for free checked bags, additional allowances, or other valuable baggage perks, we’ll help you find the perfect card to enhance your travel experience.
We also offer relocation support if you’re a frequent traveler and fall in love with the city you visit.
Get your FREE consultation today, and let us guide you to the best credit card and relocation needs!
