United Airlines Review, Baggage Rules and Services
Everything you need to know — baggage allowances, cabin classes, routes, and why it has the most extensive international network of any US carrier.
✈️ Check United Airlines Flights on Expedia
Boeing 747 at Frankfurt Airport
Quick Facts
Key information about this airline at a glance
| Airline Name | United Airlines, Inc. |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Fleet Size | ~900 aircraft |
| Destinations | 300+ worldwide |
| Airline Type | Full-Service (Luxury) |
| Annual Passengers | ~200 million |
| Hub Airport | Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO) |
| On-time Performance | ~79% |
| Skytrax Rating | 5-star airline |
| Explorelio Rating | ⭐ 4.2 / 5 |
Airline Rating Breakdown
Explorelio scores based on passenger experience and industry data
Baggage Allowance
United Airlines baggage varies by fare — Basic Economy has restrictions. See our full airline comparison for a side-by-side view.
| Carry-on bag (all fares) | 56 × 35 × 22 cm |
| Weight limit | No weight limit stated |
| Personal item | Must fit under seat |
| Basic Economy — no checked bag | Fee applies |
| Economy — 1 × 23 kg | From $35 domestic |
| Economy Plus — 1 × 23 kg | Included |
| United Polaris (Business) — 2 × 32 kg | Included |
? Tip: Basic Economy has NO free checked bag and no seat changes. Book Economy or above for a better experience. Compare prices on Expedia.
Cabin Classes
Five cabin classes — from Basic Economy to the award-winning United Polaris
- 1 checked bag (fee on domestic)
- Seat pitch: 79–84 cm
- Seatback entertainment on most flights
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- 1 checked bag included
- Extra legroom (up to 15 cm more)
- Priority boarding
- Dedicated overhead bin space
- 2 × 32 kg bags included
- Lie-flat bed, direct aisle access
- Premium dining and complimentary cocktails
- Senator Lounge access (Frankfurt)
Fleet Overview
United Airlines operates one of the world’s largest fleets with a strong long-haul focus. Compare with other carriers on our airline comparison page.
Airbus A320neo taking off from Frankfurt
Route Network
United Airlines connects 340+ destinations worldwide — including more transpacific routes than any other US carrier. Check our destination guides and travel itineraries for trip ideas.
- Chicago, New York
- Los Angeles, San Francisco
- Houston, Denver
- Washington DC, Seattle
- London, Paris
- Frankfurt, Amsterdam
- Zurich, Madrid
- Rome, Athens
- Tokyo, Osaka
- Seoul, Beijing
- Shanghai, Hong Kong
- Sydney, Singapore
- Mexico City, Cancún
- São Paulo, Buenos Aires
- Bogotá, Lima
- San José, Montego Bay
Pros and Cons
- ? Most extensive transpacific network of any US carrier
- ?️ United Polaris — consistently rated top US Business Class
- ? Widest international network of any US airline
- ? Seatback screens on most aircraft
- ? MileagePlus — one of the most valuable US loyalty programs
- ? Basic Economy has no free checked bag or seat changes
- ⭐ Lower customer satisfaction scores vs Delta — see our airline comparison
- ? Economy fares can be pricey on international routes
- ? Newark hub is prone to delays and congestion
- ? Economy comfort below Asian and European rivals
Boeing 747-8 at Frankfurt gate
Compare United Airlines With Other Airlines
See how it stacks up against other US and global carriers
How to Book United Airlines Flights
Find the Cheapest Fares
Fares vary by cabin — always avoid Basic Economy for checked bag access. Use Expedia to compare prices alongside Delta, American and other carriers. Also check our airline comparison page.
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Airlines You Might Consider
If you are comparing options, these airlines offer similar routes or service levels