Alyssa Lane
United Airlines offers a free first checked bag or two, depending on the destination and the type of ticket. However, passengers with a basic economy ticket are only allowed to bring one personal item on board. If you're travelling with valuable items, it's important to consider insurance options. United Airlines doesn't sell supplemental insurance for items like artwork, and their liability coverage may not be sufficient for expensive items. To increase coverage, you can declare excess value when checking your bags, which most US-based airlines cover up to $5,000. Additionally, travel insurance can be purchased to cover losses, but it's important to carefully review the policy to ensure it covers your specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does United Airlines sell insurance for checked luggage? | No, but you can declare excess value when checking your bags. |
| What is excess value? | Most U.S.-based airlines will cover up to $5,000 in total coverage if you declare excess value. |
| What are the alternatives? | You can buy travel insurance to cover your bags, but you'll need to review each policy closely to ensure it covers the value and doesn't exclude fragile items. |
| What about shipping the luggage separately? | FedEx and UPS have a $1,000 liability limitation for irreplaceable items, even if insured for more. |
| Does United Airlines have a baggage fee? | Yes, the fee varies based on the region, weight of the bags, and whether you have select United credit cards or Star Alliance status. |
| Is there a way to get a discount on the baggage fee? | Yes, if you prepay for your bags at least 24 hours before departure, you'll receive $5 off each of the first two checked bags. |
| Are there any weight restrictions for checked luggage? | Yes, the weight limit for economy-class passengers without elite status is 50 pounds per bag. For those with elite status or traveling in business or first class, the limit is 70 pounds. |
| Are there any size restrictions for carry-on luggage? | Yes, a personal item should be no larger than 9 inches by 17 inches by 10 inches and should fit underneath the seat in front of the passenger. |
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What You'll Learn
United Airlines checked baggage fees
United Airlines allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item per passenger free of charge. The standard checked baggage allowance is 2 bags. The fees for checked baggage depend on various factors, such as the type of fare purchased, the destination, and the weight and dimensions of the baggage.
For U.S. domestic flights, United Airlines charges additional fees for bags that exceed the standard weight of 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. For bags weighing 51 to 70 pounds or 24 to 32 kilograms, the fee is $100 to $200 USD extra per bag. For bags weighing 71 to 100 pounds or 33 to 46 kilograms, the fee increases to $400 USD extra per bag. Bags exceeding 100 pounds or 46 kilograms will not be accepted as checked baggage.
For international flights to and from the U.S., the standard checked baggage fees are generally $0 for the first bag and $100 USD for the second bag. However, for International Basic Economy fares, the fees are $60 USD for the first bag and $100 USD for the second. It's important to note that these fees may vary depending on your specific destination and other factors mentioned earlier.
In terms of insuring checked luggage, United Airlines does not appear to offer supplemental insurance for valuable items. For high-value items, it is recommended to consider shipping them separately via specialised carriers like FedEx or UPS, which offer insurance options for fragile and valuable items. Additionally, travel insurance or travel cards that include baggage insurance can provide coverage for lost or damaged luggage, but it's important to carefully review the policies to understand their limitations and documentation requirements.
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Insuring fragile items
United Airlines does not sell excess insurance for fragile items, including artwork. The airline also does not cover fragile items under its checked baggage liability policy. This means that if you choose to pack fragile items in your checked bags, the airline will not be liable for any loss, damage, or delay in delivery of such items.
If you are travelling with fragile items, it is recommended that you keep them in your carry-on bags instead of checked bags. If your fragile item is too large to bring onboard as hand luggage, you can consider purchasing a seat on your flight for the item. For example, United Airlines allows passengers to buy a seat for instruments that are too large or too fragile to be checked.
If you do choose to check in a fragile item, you can request a fragile stick-on tag from a check-in agent. However, some sources suggest that fragile stickers may not be effective in protecting your items, and may even make your luggage a target for rough handling.
To ensure your fragile items are covered in the event of loss or damage, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance or ship your items separately with a parcel carrier like FedEx or UPS, which offer insurance for valuable items. When shipping with a parcel carrier, be sure to review their policies regarding liability limitations for fragile items. Additionally, check if your credit card offers any travel insurance benefits that may cover fragile items.
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Excess valuation
United Airlines does not provide insurance for checked or unchecked baggage. However, you can purchase excess valuation for your baggage. United will accept baggage with a declared value of up to $5,000 USD/CAD, provided the item is properly described, packaged, and undamaged. The excess valuation can be purchased at a one-way rate of $1 USD/CAD per $100 USD/CAD of the declared value. You must re-declare and pay the applicable charges each time you check your excess valuation baggage. It is important to note that United does not offer excess valuation on fragile and perishable items.
If you are looking to insure valuable items, you may need to consider other options. Some people recommend shipping valuable items separately through companies like FedEx or UPS, which offer better coverage for fragile items. Alternatively, you can explore travel insurance policies that cover the value of your items and do not exclude fragile or other specific items.
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Travel insurance
United Airlines does not appear to sell supplemental insurance for valuable items in checked luggage. However, you can insure your checked luggage and its contents through travel insurance.
If you have purchased a travel insurance policy that offers baggage insurance benefits, the baggage delay coverage will reimburse you for the purchase of essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and other necessary personal effects for each day that you don't have your belongings.
When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to carefully review the policy. Check that it covers the value of your luggage and its contents, even when it exceeds the airline's published and contracted liability. Also, ensure that your luggage and its contents are not excluded from coverage based on their category, such as fragile items or perishables. Finally, understand the documentation required to make a claim, such as an incident or police report.
In addition to travel insurance, certain premium travel credit cards offer baggage insurance benefits. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers baggage delay insurance of $100 per day for up to five days if your bags are delayed for more than six hours, and lost luggage reimbursement of $3,000 per person and up to $500 for luxury items.
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Shipping with FedEx or UPS
United Airlines does not sell supplemental insurance for valuable items in checked luggage. While the airline does offer an excess valuation policy, there is a maximum coverage limit on checked baggage. Therefore, it is recommended to ship valuable items separately via specialised shipping companies like FedEx or UPS, which offer insurance and better handling of fragile items.
When shipping valuable items, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security. Here are some detailed steps and guidelines for shipping with FedEx or UPS:
Packing:
- Use a sturdy box and seal it with plastic or nylon tape that is at least two inches wide. Avoid using duct tape.
- Remove any old shipping labels if you are reusing a box.
- Wrap items separately and use cushioning material for protection.
- Follow the packing guidelines provided by the shipping company to prevent damage during transit.
Shipping Options:
- FedEx offers a range of shipping options, including SameDay®, First Overnight®, Priority Overnight®, Standard Overnight®, 2Day®, Express Saver®, and Ground®.
- UPS provides various shipping services, including UPS Ground, with specific options for shipping prohibited items and special care items.
Labeling:
- Create a shipping label with the sender's and recipient's names, addresses, and phone numbers, as well as the weight and type of package.
- Use the FedEx Ship Manager® or the UPS online portal to create and print labels.
- If printing is not available, use the FedEx® Mobile app or visit a FedEx or UPS location to print the label.
Drop-off and Pickup:
- You can drop off your package at the nearest FedEx or UPS location or schedule a pickup online or by calling their customer service.
- For UPS drop-offs, bring your identification and hand the package to the driver or representative.
Tracking:
- Both FedEx and UPS provide tracking services to monitor the progress of your shipment.
- FedEx offers FedEx Delivery Manager® to receive alerts, request redirects, and place package holds.
Insurance:
FedEx and UPS offer insurance for shipped items, providing peace of mind and coverage for potential damages or losses.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure that your valuable items are shipped securely and safely via FedEx or UPS, with the added benefit of insurance coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
United Airlines does not sell supplemental insurance for checked luggage. However, you can declare excess value when checking your bags, which will increase the airline's liability in case of loss or damage.
Ask the check-in agent at the airport about declaring excess value for your checked luggage.
You can also buy separate travel insurance to cover your checked luggage. However, basic policies may only cover $500 to $1,500 in losses, and only if you can provide receipts.
Travel insurance may be your best option for insuring valuable sports equipment. Make sure the policy covers the full value of your equipment and that you have receipts for proof of value.
Airlines typically exclude coverage for "valuables" and "business effects", including electronics, jewellery, cash, artwork, and business-related documents and samples. United Airlines does not sell excess insurance for artwork.
