United Airlines
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Everything You Need to Know About United Airlines
While or before any kind of reservation, we always wonder if the provider has this or that. To make this process much easier, we have this United Airlines guide for you to find all the answers to the questions in your mind. For example, the carrier may have a baggage limit, you may have specific dining options, or you want to fly with your pet. Finding answers to such questions about United Airlines beforehand can be ideal for your flight. Without further ado, let’s start our quick United Airlines FAQs.
Popular Countries United Airlines Flying To
For being one of the preferred airline companies in the USA and other parts of the world, United Airlines flies over 40 countries. The most popular countries United Airlines fly are:
What are the Fare Classes of United Airlines?
Cabin | Fare Class | Description |
First/Business | J | Full fare |
C, D | High fare | |
Z | Discounted fare | |
P | Deep-discounted fare | |
Premium Plus (Premium Economy) | O | High fare |
A | Discounted fare | |
R | Deep-discounted fare | |
Economy | Y | Highest full fare |
B | Full fare | |
M, E, H, U | High fare | |
Q, V, W | Discounted fare | |
L, K, S, T | Deep-discounted fare | |
G | Lowest discounted fare | |
N | Basic economy on domestic flights |
What are the Baggage Allowances of United Airlines?
United Airlines has specific baggage allowances for both carry-on and checked bags, which vary based on the ticket type and cabin class:
- For Cabin Baggages:
- One cabin bag: Maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) and must fit in the overhead lockers.
- One small personal item: Maximum dimensions of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
- For Checked Baggage:
- Economy and Basic Economy: Maximum dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm) and maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Business and First Class: Maximum dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm) and maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kg).
- United Polaris Business Class: Maximum dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm) and maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kg).
- Premium Economy: Maximum dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm) and maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg).
Baggages with total outer dimensions exceeding 115 inches (292 cm) are not accepted. Bags weighing more than 100 lbs (45 kg) are not accepted, except for assistive devices and musical instruments. Also, assistive devices are accepted at no charge. Lastly, no more than three extra checked bags are accepted for flights between the U.S. and Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How Much are Excess Baggage Fees with United Airlines?
United Airlines charges the following fees for excess baggage:
- Overweight baggage: $100 to $200 extra per bag for bags between 51 to 100 pounds (24 to 45 kg).
- Third or additional bags: $150 per bag.
- Fourth or additional bags: $200 per bag.
These fees apply to bags that fall within the approved size and weight limits but exceed the standard allowance.
How to Reserve a Flight with United Airlines?
For mobile users: Simply search for your departure airport and the destination you want to fly. Then, you can see the mobile menu right down on your screen: “Filters” on left, “Sort by” in the middle, and “Share” on the right. Click on “Filter” and a window will pop up from which you can see all the available airlines. There, you can find all the airlines flying to the destination you’d like to go. Have a great flight!
For desktop users: Simply search for your departure airport and the destination you want to fly. Then, on the left side of the screen, you should find the “Airline” filter right under the “Transfer Count” filter. If United Airlines has a flight to your destination, you can find the provider’s name there and list all the available tickets.
For tablet users: It’s the same as desktop. Search for your flight from your location to the destination, then you can find the airline filter on the left side of your screen.
Can You Modify Your Reservation with United Airlines?
Yes, United Airlines allows you to modify flight ticket. However, there are some conditions to be able to do that:
- You must book your flight at least one week in advance.
- You must cancel or change your flight within 24 hours of the time you made your reservation.
Cancellation and Refund Policies of United Airlines
- You can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
- Basic Economy not permitted to cancel after 24 hours.
- Cancellations after 24 hours result in a flight credit for future travel.
- Award Tickets have no fee to cancel and redeposit miles.
- Most refunds are issued within 5-10 business days, although some may take longer.
- Group tickets are subject to the terms of the group contract.
- Refund requests will be credited back in the original form of payment.
Required Documents for Check-In with United Airlines
Required documents for your flight with United Airlines depend on what kind of fly you have: Domestic or International. For domestic flights, you just need a Valid ID. For International flights, you need all of your necessary travel documents besides your valid ID. Sometimes, you may need to provide proof of identity if the check-in agent requires.
Onboard Dining Options of United Airlines
United Economy passengers on all flights can enjoy free soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee. Depending on flight length, additional amenities include free snacks on flights over 300 miles, and the option to purchase beer, wine, spirits, premium snacks, snackboxes, and Bistro on Board items on flights over 500 and 1190 miles. International flights provide complimentary bread, salad, a main entree, dessert, and for flights longer than 12 hours, a midflight sandwich and a pre-arrival meal. Free house beer, wines, soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee are available, with spirits and liqueurs available for purchase.
United Airlines Special Dietary Services
United Airlines offers special meal options such as Asian Vegetarian (AVML), Child’s Meal (CHML), Gluten Intolerant (GFML), Kosher (KSML), and Vegan (VGML). These meals must be ordered 24 hours before departure.
Is Dining with United Airlines Free?
Dining is free for international flights at United Airlines. For international flights longer than 12 hours, there’s also a free midflight sandwich and a free pre-arrival meal. Also, beverages such as house beer, wines, soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee are complimentary during international flights. Spirits and liqueurs are available for purchase. For domestic flights, except soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee, you have to make a payment.
Children and Infant Services of United Airlines
Parents can carry their infants on their laps for free on domestic flights within the U.S., with only taxes charged for flights between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. International flights incur a partial fare based on the destination. Infants can also have a separate seat booked with an FAA-approved car seat for added safety and comfort. United Airlines offers free onboard bassinets on select international flights and a Children’s Travel Kit with activities to soothe anxiety. Unaccompanied minors aged 5-14 require a special service for additional assistance and supervision. Families with children under 2 years can board with the pre-boarding group. Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used up to the gate and checked for free, while collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin.
Services for Disabled Passengers of United Airlines
Disabled passengers can request accessible seating, such as aisle, bulkhead, and extra legroom seats, at least 24 hours before their flight. Wheelchair assistance is also available and includes help with luggage, priority boarding, and immigration processing. United Airlines collaborates with TSA Cares to offer additional support for travelers with cognitive and invisible disabilities. A doctor's letter may be needed for special accommodation requests. It's recommended to add the disability to the reservation and request wheelchair assistance for proper accommodations. While United does not upgrade disabled passengers to higher fare classes, they can request seating assistance for a more comfortable experience.
Pet Services of United Airlines
United Airlines allows dogs, cats, and rabbits to travel in-cabin on flights within the contiguous United States, with pets needing to be at least 2 months old for domestic flights and 4 months for international flights. The pet carrier must fit under the seat and counts as a carry-on item, with a fee of $125 each way. Checked pets are not permitted. Unaccompanied pets must travel via United Cargo, with kennels larger than 115 linear inches or pets over 150 lbs also requiring United Cargo. Extreme weather restrictions apply. Service animals, specifically dogs, are allowed in the cabin for passengers with disabilities, while emotional support and therapy animals have specific requirements. Short-nosed dog breeds are restricted from June 1 to September 30, and pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to Hawaii, except for certified guide dogs. Advance reservations for in-cabin pets must be made by calling United Reservations.
Layover Services of United Airlines
United Club lounges offer a comfortable space to relax, work, or eat during layovers, featuring complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and workspaces. Select locations also provide showers.
United Polaris lounges cater to Polaris business class passengers on long-haul international flights, offering full-service dining with a la carte menu items, a full-service bar, private daybeds, and shower suites.
United's customer service agents assist with rebooking, hotel accommodations, and other needs during layovers. Passengers can check flight status and make changes via united.com or the United app. Wheelchair assistance and other services for passengers with disabilities are available during layovers, with requests for seating accommodations or other assistance recommended at least 24 hours before the flight.
Is United Airlines Part of Any Fly Program?
Yes, United Airlines is a founding member of the Star Alliance, which is the largest global airline alliance. Through Star Alliance, United offers flights to nearly 200 countries around the world by connecting passengers to its 25 partner airlines.
How Can You Earn Points on United Airlines?
With United Airlines, you can earn miles points through:
- Base price earning: Based on the ticket's base price minus taxes, with rates varying by MileagePlus status.
- Booking flights: Partner airlines through United, you earn miles based on your ticket fare and elite status.
- Booking on a partner's stock: Earns miles based on flight length and fare class, premium-cabin tickets earning more.
- United co-branded credit cards: Earn miles through spending on travel, dining, and other categories.
- Joining MyPoints: Shopping through the United Shopping portal, and dining at participating restaurants via the United Dining program.
How to Use Your Points with United Airlines?
You can use your United miles to book flights on United, United Express, and partner airlines, with dynamic pricing based on factors like route, date, and class of service. There is no fixed award chart, and award seats vary in mileage requirements. Miles can also be used to upgrade economy tickets to first or business class on United and United Express flights, though upgrades are capacity controlled and may not always be available. Additionally, miles can be used to book hotels and rental cars through the MileagePlus Hotels and Cars portal, with dynamic rates. You can transfer miles to other loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hyatt, with varying transfer ratios.
Can You Choose Your Seat with United Airlines?
For all fare classes except Basic Economy, you can pick a seat or change your assignment. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you're able to purchase a seat assignment during booking or until check-in opens.
Is Wi-Fi Available on United Airlines Flights?
United offers Wi-Fi on most domestic and international flights. You can check if Wi-Fi is available on your flight by using United's coverage map with your route and flight number. To connect, join the "United_Wi-Fi" network in airplane mode, then visit unitedwifi.com to purchase a plan or access free messaging. Wi-Fi costs $8 for MileagePlus members or 800 miles, and $10 for non-members on domestic and short-haul international flights, with pricing varying for longer international flights. United also provides monthly and annual Wi-Fi subscriptions starting at $49 per month or 7,500 miles. Free messaging is available on apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, and T-Mobile customers receive free unlimited Wi-Fi, texting, and streaming.
