Baggage fees:

Baggage fees, whether for checked luggage or carry-on bags, top the list of travel charges customers dislike the most. It looks like these fees are here to stay, but doing your homework before you head to the airport can help minimize these charges.

Be sure to check your airline’s baggage information and fees because this varies by airline. With United, most travelers can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a handbag, backpack or laptop bag) for free on most domestic and international flights. However, there are exceptions, like if you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket. In that case, carry-on bags aren’t included unless you’re flying to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic, or on an international flight across the Pacific.

Keep in mind you can get one free carry-on if you’re a MileagePlus® member with Premier status, traveling with a Premier® member, are the primary card member of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star Alliance Gold Member.

Also, be sure to check the airline’s size and weight limits for baggage. This is especially important if you’re purchasing new luggage; you can’t always go by the product claim that the bag is “airline approved” for carry-on size because the size limits can vary by airline.

Change fees:

If there’s one thing the last few years have taught us, it’s that change is inevitable, especially when it comes to air travel. And when the inevitable happens, many airlines will charge you to change or cancel your flight – but not United.

In 2020, we announced we were permanently getting rid of change fees for all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. (or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean). You also won’t pay change fees for international travel originating in the U.S.

“When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request," explained United CEO Scott Kirby of the change.

In 2020, we also announced complimentary standby travel – making United the only U.S. airline that allows customers in all classes of service to fly same-day standby for free. This gives you the flexibility to change your flight on the day of travel so you can head home if a meeting ends early.

Wi-Fi:

Most airlines, including United, charge for inflight Wi-Fi service. A few airlines have started offering free Wi-Fi on flights, but we charge a small fee because we want it to work, and we want it to work well (which has its challenges when you’re 30,000 feet in the air!).

Here are a few tips to save money on Wi-Fi service on United flights:

1.      MileagePlus members receive a 20% discount on Wi-Fi service. Also, MileagePlus cardholders get 25% back on all United Wi-Fi subscription purchases, including Wi-Fi Day Pass.

2.      MileagePlus members can purchase a Wi-Fi Day Pass for their entire trip, rather than for their flight. This option is great if the trip includes multiple segments because you’ll only pay for Wi-Fi once.  

3.      If you’re a frequent traveler, you might consider buying a Wi-Fi subscription, which can save you money. With subscriptions you can pay for a month or year of Wi-Fi usage in advance through your MileagePlus account.

4.      If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you may be eligible for free Wi-Fi on United flights.

Meals and snacks:

We all know how pricey it can be to purchase a meal or snack at the airport. You grab a sandwich and a bottled water on your way to the gate and you’d swear you were paying Michelin Star prices.

If there’s a United Club^SM location nearby, consider whether spending time there can save you money. Locations offer complimentary snacks and beverages, including select wine and spirits, along with free Wi-Fi in a relaxing environment.

The network of United Club lounges includes more than 45 locations in some of the busiest airports, with each one having a different look and feel. For example, a newly opened lounge at Chicago O’Hare (Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C10) features artwork from local artists that represents many of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

At Denver International, the United Club at B Concourse near gate B44 offers a beer tasting experience with a rotation of 10 local and craft beers.

Who has access to United Club locations?

All eligible premium cabin customers traveling on an international itinerary (like United Polaris^® business class) or in United Business^® on a premium transcontinental flight have complimentary access to United Club locations with their same-day United boarding pass.

Additionally, anyone with a same day boarding pass can purchase a one-time pass or membership for United Club access (and if you purchase a membership, you’ll be able to bring two guests).