Students travel through airlines regularly. Whether for those trips with peers, going to universities, etc. So, it’s not surprising, that they generally carry so much stuff with them. In addition, at times, they require more baggage facilities than a standard traveler. However, airlines have strict policies for allowing items onboard their aircraft. Similarly, United Airlines has specific guidelines for carrying or transporting items/baggage on flights. The United Airlines Student Baggage Allowance Policy cover-
- Baggage Size/Weight/Charges
- Also, Additional Baggage Services
- Special Items
- Restrictions/Banned Items
- Packing Requirements, etc.
Are There Any Extra Baggage Allowance for Students?
In short, United Airlines does not give any unique allowance facility to students. However, they provide an exclusive 5% discount on bookings to passengers aged 18 – 22 years. However, to avail of it, you need to book the fare through the United App.
What is the United Airlines Baggage Policy?
Carry-on Baggage
- Firstly, passengers with fares other than the basic economy can carry-
- 1 Full-Sized Carry-On Baggage.
- 1 Personal Item (Shoulder Bag, Laptop Bag, etc.)
- However, passengers with basic economy fare can avail themselves of the same baggage, if they are,
- Firstly, a Premier® member.
- Secondly, United MileagePlus Club Primary Card Member.
- Thirdly, Star Alliance Gold Member
| Baggage Type | Length (in/cm) | Width (in/cm) | Height (in/cm) |
| Carry-on | 9/22 | 14/35 | 22/56 |
| Personal Item | 9/22 | 10/25 | 17/43 |
Checked Baggage
- The baggage service charge for multi-segmented flights depends on,
- Firstly, the baggage cost of the first segment marketing carrier.
However, if the passenger makes changes in their itinerary. Then, the new marketing carrier of the first segment will determine the baggage charge.
- In short, passengers with basic economy fares have no checked baggage allowance. However, they can purchase baggage allowance online or at the check-in counter,
- Although Premier Gold members with economy fares are allowed to carry,
- Two check-in baggage (70 lbs each), between the US, Canada, Puerto Rico & the Virgin Islands.
- Three check-in baggage for international travel.
- Military Exemptions – To sum up, United States Military members get exemptions from baggage charges, up to an extent.
| No of Baggage | Weight Limit | Travel Type |
| 3 | 70 lbs/each | Casual |
| 5 | 100 lbs/each | Official Business |
However, only active members of the U.S Military will get these exemptions. Also, to their accompanying dependents.
What are the Baggage Service Charges?
| Type of Service | Parameters | Charges |
| Oversize Baggage | 62 – 115 linear inches | $200/ Bag |
| Overweight Baggage | 50 – 70 lbs | $100 – $200/Bag |
| Additional Baggage | $150 – $200/Bag | |
| Gate Handling Charge(Basic Economy Class Fare) | $25 |
*To know your baggage allowance and charges, students can use the baggage calculator.
Are there any Types of Products with Extra Baggage Charges?
Passengers do not commonly carry certain items. Thus, they have their unique baggage charges or exemptions.
Therefore, we can categorize these items based on their uses & properties. That is why below we have compiled the list of these items & the policies for their allowance.
Infant & Children Items
| Items | Charges | Quantity |
| Diaper Bag | No Charge | |
| Breast Pump & Milk | No Charge | |
| Car Seats | No Charge | |
| Compact Folding Strollers | No Charge | |
| Strollers/Folding Wagons | No Charge | |
| Portable & Collapsible Cribs |
Wheelchair Allowance
In short, passengers in need can bring one wheelchair on board with no extra fee. To clarify, United allows all types of wheelchairs—for instance, folding, collapsible, non-folding, manual, powered, etc.
However, United will apply the oversized/overweight baggage charges on any additional wheelchairs/scooters.
In case you’re traveling in an aircraft with a capacity of 60 or less,
- Firstly, inform the airline at least 48 before your departure.
- Secondly, arrive an additional hour early.
*However, United will inspect & allow the transit of wheelchairs under strict guidelines.
Electronic Devices
| Permitted | Not-Permitted |
| Electronic Games | PARP |
| Personal Computers | E-Cigarettes/Vape Pens |
| MP3 Players/Recorders | Humidifiers |
| Calculators | Blow Dryer/Curling Iron |
| Electric Shavers/Trimmers | Television |
| Laptop | |
| Cameras | Remote Control Toys |
Useful Link:
- United Airlines First Class Features
- United Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy
- United Airlines Change Name on Ticket
Sports Items
In case you are carrying sports items with you, the standard baggage charges & rules will apply. However, you have to follow specific packing standards for each item.
Dangerous Item
To maintain the safety of the passengers & the crew, you are not allowed to carry:
- Self-balancing/Battery Powered Suitcases.
- Camping Equipment with Fuel.
- Mace/Pepper Spray & Tear Gas.
- Explosives.
- MREs
- Shock Absorbers
- Stun Guns/Electroshock Defence Weapons (Tasers, etc.).
- Smart Bags (with integrated batteries).
- SCUBA Tanks (under 40 PSI limit).
Therefore, now you know all you need to know about the United Airlines Student Baggage Allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students get an extra baggage allowance on United Airlines?
In short, there is no extra baggage allowance for students traveling by United Airlines. However, United Airlines does provide baggage charge exemptions for active members of the U.S. armed forces. And any of their dependents accompanying them.
How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?
To sum up, the number of free baggage that United allows depends on –
– First, Fare Type;
– Secondly, Type of Travel, I.e., Domestic or International;
– Thirdly, Whether the passenger is an active member of the U.S. military or not;
– Lastly, if you are a Premier Gold member or not.
Can I take 3 checked bags on United?
In short, yes, you can take three checked baggage on a United Flight. However, the charges depend on your fare, destination & Club Membership. That is to say, you may have to pay from $150 – $200 or no charge at all.
Will I get checked baggage for free with basic economy on United?
No, you will not get a free checked baggage allowance with basic economy on United Airlines. However, you can purchase baggage from the official website of United or at the airport counter.
What are the student baggage allowances for sports items on United Airlines?
Meanwhile, students are allowed with same baggage allowance as adults. And, if you are carrying sports equipment, the standard baggage fee is applicable, depending on the weight and size of the equipment.
Which electronic devices are allowed on United Airlines?
If you are a student or adult, baggage allowances for both are the same. Hence, you can bring certain electronic devices, including electronic games, trimmers, laptops, cameras, and calculators.
What is the maximum size of check-in baggage allowance on United?
However, you can bring the maximum size of check-in baggage on United Airlines is 9*14*22 inches. To get more information about the student baggage allowance on United, you can contact our agents on our toll-free numbers.
Can I get a student discount on United Airlines?
However, United provides an exclusive 5% discount on bookings to students aged 18 – 22 years. To avail of it, you need to book the fare through the United App. yet, United Airlines does not give any special baggage allowance to students.