You spoke, United listened. Today, United announced they would be allowing passengers flying from the United States to China and Hong Kong a free second checked bag. Customers flying to the U.S. from China and Hong Kong already receive this benefit. Prior to this rule change, the airline used to charge $100 for second checked bags to China and Hong Kong.
United is the leading U.S. carrier serving China with nearly 90 flights per week from U.S. destinations like Chicago, San Francisco, Newark, and Los Angeles.
However, the normal restrictions and charges for overweight and oversized bags will continue to be levied. The following charges will be applied:
- Additional bags after 2 — $200 per bag
- Oversized bags (From 63.0 to 115.0 linear inches (158.0 to 292.0 cm)) — $200 extra per bag
- Overweight bags from 51 to 70 pounds — $200
- Overweight bags from 71 to 100 pounds — $400
Does this rule matter if I bought a ticket from a partner?
No. Even if you purchased a United ticket marketed by one of United’s partners like ANA, Air China, or Air Canada, you will still be able to benefit from the new baggage policy.
How can I calculate my baggage fees?
United has a handy online calculator to calculate your baggage fees before purchasing tickets. Enter your origin/destination, class of service, status level, and marketing airline (if applicable).
Anything else?
United is offering discounted flights to China and Hong Kong for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Applicable outbound dates are as follows:
- January 9 — February 16, 2018
- April 2 — June 10, 2018
Source: Google Flights
Will you be taking advantage of this generous offer?
Now someone tell me is this really a reason to fly UA?
I’m not a UA flyer, but would you agree that baggage fees in general are a racket? Ridiculous!!
If you are a long time traveler short answer yes. Long answer it’s a burden on carriers and they can make a compelling argument to charge. I know in my own business there are things we did not charge for, today we break them out. Mindful of course of the end price to the customer. Back to point, such a lame try from a lame carrier. One wonders why that as bad as UA has been for so many years you would have thought they would have gotten in a young charger to clean it up, they are the poster… Read more »
Get with the times. It’s been common place for airlines to charge for bags these days. Unavoidable and built in to the system now. It’s nice that some airlines are still offering free bag(s) on international routes. Some low cost airlines are charging for bags on international routes now which makes comparing prices a PITA. 😉
Why not? It’s a definite improvement. A new benefit.. It has been on my mind before about whether to choose a flight to Shanghai with a stop over or another destination first because of the one bag limit. So, for me, this could give me a reason to fly United on this route.. yes… Simple as that..
Really well enjoy your flight. For me it’s not UA
I will! Flying to Shanghai in 6 days. The best part is these flights are wide open in the back, so basically you get a bed in economy.. And I get to take a 50lb 2nd bag rather than a light weight carry on.. Cheers! 😉