{"id":152814,"date":"2026-02-08T15:10:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T15:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=152814"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:33:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:33:30","slug":"united-baggage-fees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-baggage-fees\/","title":{"rendered":"United Airlines Checked Bag Fees: What They Cost and the Best Ways to Avoid Paying Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you're going on a long trip &#8212; or you like to bring a few extra outfits &#8212; you'll likely want to check a bag when you fly with United Airlines. Unfortunately, you'll typically need to pay a checked bag fee to do so. These can range anywhere from $45 to $100 (or more), depending on your route, fare class, number of bags, and when you purchase your bag.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save on the high cost of checking a bag. Let's dive into the details and cover how to avoid expensive bag fees.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_Does_United_Airlines_Charge_for_Checked_Bags\">What Does United Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#United_bag_fees_for_domestic_flights\">United bag fees for domestic flights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_bag_fees_for_international_flights\">United bag fees for international flights<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Check_Bags_With_United_for_Free\">How to Check Bags With United for Free<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Carry_a_United_credit_card\">Carry a United credit card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Earn_elite_status\">Earn elite status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_an_eligible_fare\">Book an eligible fare<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Use_a_credit_card_travel_credit_or_airline_fee_credit\">Use a credit card travel credit or airline fee credit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"What_Does_United_Airlines_Charge_for_Checked_Bags\">What Does United Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you have to purchase a checked bag for your United flight, it's better to do it in advance. For domestic flights, you'll save $5 by prepaying for your bag rather than paying at the airport.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"United_bag_fees_for_domestic_flights\">United bag fees for domestic flights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United charges the below rates for flights within the U.S. and to much of Central America and the Caribbean. However, you'll want to consult <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/checked-bag-fee-calculator\/any-flights\" rel=\"noopener\">United's checked bag fee calculator<\/a> for the most up-to-date pricing, as it can vary by route.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1185\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1185 tablepress-responsive\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Fare class<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">First checked bag<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Second checked bag<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Weight allowance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$45 prepaid<br \/>\n$50 at the airport<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$55 prepaid<br \/>\n$60 at the airport<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Premium Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$0<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Business or First<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$0<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$0<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">70lbs\/32kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<p>Note these prices increased by $10 across the board on <strong>April 3, 2026<\/strong> &#8212; for tickets booked on or after this date.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"United_bag_fees_for_international_flights\">United bag fees for international flights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>International flights are a little less cut and dry than domestic ones. There will be variability between destinations, even within the same market. So, the table below is an estimation. We selected cities on each continent to develop the chart to use as a guideline, but you'll want to check your specific route for the most accurate information.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, if you book a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/basic-economy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United basic economy<\/a> ticket from Chicago (ORD) to Tokyo (NRT), you can bring one checked bag for free, and your second checked bag for $100. However, if you fly basic economy\u00a0to Bangkok (BKK) instead, you'll pay $45 for your first bag and $65 for your second.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-1186\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-1186 tablepress-responsive\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Fare class<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Destination<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">First checked bag<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Second checked bag<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Weight allowance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Basic Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Europe<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$75<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Basic Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">South America<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$70<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Basic Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Africa<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$75<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Basic Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Australia<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Basic Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Asia<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Europe<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">South America<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Africa<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Australia<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Asia<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Premium Economy<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">All routes<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">50lbs\/23kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Business or first<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">All routes<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Free<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">70lbs\/32kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Check_Bags_With_United_for_Free\">How to Check Bags With United for Free<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you don't want to pay United's bag fees, we can't blame you. There are a few ways to avoid them.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Carry_a_United_credit_card\">Carry a United credit card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Applying for a Chase-issued <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United credit card<\/a> is going to be the easiest way to avoid paying checked bag fees on United Airlines. Most United credit cards offer cardholders and a companion on the same reservation at least one complimentary checked bag on United-operated flights.<\/p>\n<p>Here are your options:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048226\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-gateway-card\/\">United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048226\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005123&type=3&u1=6ecbf2f3a951cd523a75e80496bb1635&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-explorer-card\/\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=2163d8f49228134b1c73f6a352fdeed1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/strong> and <strong><a data-ccid=\"4048193\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-business-card\/\">United\u2120 Business Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048193\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005111&type=3&u1=f31fa912ff44644d2b5392c978e3f292&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> First checked bag free for yourself and one companion on the same reservation.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-quest-card\/\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=ef9363fb314a6cd2d673d1cf64fa62b7&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> First and second checked bags free for yourself and one companion on the same reservation.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-club-infinite-card\/\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005115&type=3&u1=22e0b342600f2b604e884badfd44b3cb&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/strong> and <strong><a data-ccid=\"4\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-club-business-card\/\">United Club\u2120 Business Card<\/a>:<\/strong> First and second checked bags free for yourself and one companion on the same reservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-chase\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/ff6d0beb-04a7-4cc5-9bf4-50bc3f5e5883.png\" alt=\"United\u2120 Explorer Card\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United\u2120 Explorer Card' data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=2163d8f49228134b1c73f6a352fdeed1&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>*<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*9X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/4a0f5eb9-f9b0-42ec-86be-4f4cf1af0205.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"United Quest\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after qualifying activities<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United Quest\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedQuestCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$350<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=ef9363fb314a6cd2d673d1cf64fa62b7&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>4X miled per $1 spent on United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases*<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per $1 spent at Renowned Hotels and Resorts<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent at restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on select streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*10X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/450a0407-44c5-45f1-a335-068eefc6cb45.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"United Club\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after qualifying activities <\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United Club\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedClubInfinite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$695<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005115&type=3&u1=22e0b342600f2b604e884badfd44b3cb&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--6\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5 miles per $1 spent on United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases*<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining<\/li>\r\n<li> Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*11X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Earn_elite_status\">Earn elite status<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can also avoid checked bag fees on United by having <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/premier-elite-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">MileagePlus Premier elite status<\/a> \u2014 or a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/airline-alliances-and-partnerships\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Star Alliance<\/a> Gold-equivalent level of status with another Star Alliance carrier. Premier members get at least one free checked bag for themselves and up to nine companions traveling on the same reservation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>First checked bag free:<\/strong> Premier Silver<\/li>\n<li><strong>Two free checked bags:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/premier-gold-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier Gold<\/a>, Star Alliance Gold-equivalents<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three free checked bags:<\/strong> Premier Platinum, Premier 1K<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your route already includes a checked bag, your Premier baggage is in addition to the standard baggage allowance. For instance, a non-elite traveling on a domestic itinerary would typically need to pay $45 to check a bag.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a Premier Silver member, you get one free checked bag. However, a non-elite traveling between the U.S. and Europe would already get one checked bag. On this route, a Premier Silver member would receive two free checked bags.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_an_eligible_fare\">Book an eligible fare<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you want to guarantee a free checked bag as a non-elite or non-cardmember, you'll need to book a premium fare. Premium economy, business, and first class tickets all come with at least one checked bag. You'll have to do your own cost-benefit analysis to determine if the increased cost of a premium ticket justifies the additional perks.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, a first class ticket could be substantially more than an economy seat. If you don't value the seat itself and are only concerned with the checked bag, you might be better off booking a cheaper ticket and paying for the bag.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136477\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136477 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin.jpeg\" alt=\"United Polaris cabin\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin-768x614.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-Polaris-cabin-325x260.jpeg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Use_a_credit_card_travel_credit_or_airline_fee_credit\">Use a credit card travel credit or airline fee credit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The final way to cover the cost of a checked bag is to pay for it with a credit card that offers an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/cards-with-travel-statement-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">airline incidental fee credit<\/a>. There are several cards on the market that offer a credit in some form, ranging from the $95 annual fee <a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo-rewards\/autograph-journey\/\">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card<\/a>(<a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/autograph-journey-visa\/terms\/?FPID=0127E1I0P10000&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=MT&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=IM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>) to the $895 annual fee <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-platinum\/\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>).<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"5048357\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CardArt-WellsFargoAutographJourneyCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-WellsFargoAutographJourneyVisaCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/autograph-journey-visa\/terms\/?FPID=0127E1I0P10000&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=MT&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=IM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months \u2013 that\u2019s $600 toward your next trip.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months \u2013 that\u2019s $600 toward your next trip.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$95<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card offers competitive rewards for travelers, including 5X points with hotels, 4X with airlines, and 3X on restaurants and other travel purchases. Cardholders can earn a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase, and get access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, and various insurance protections, including cell phone protection and lost baggage reimbursement. The card has a $95 annual fee.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul><li>Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.<\/li><li>Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's $600 toward your next trip.<\/li><li>Earn unlimited 5X points with hotels, 4X points with airlines, 3X points on restaurants and other travel, and 1X points on other purchases.<\/li><li>$95 annual fee.<\/li><li>Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. <\/li><li>Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase. <\/li><li>Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.<\/li><li>Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24\/7 Visa Signature<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Concierge.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X points per $1 spent with hotels<\/li>\r\n<li>4X points per $1 spent with airlines<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on other travel and restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>1X points per $1 spent on other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/WellsAutoJourney\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-2415d7705b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<p>The <a data-ccid=\"152\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bank-of-america\/premium-rewards-elite\/\">Bank of America<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premium Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Elite Credit Card<\/a> offers one of the most lucrative airline incidental credits on the market in exchange for a $550 annual fee. Each year, you can get up to $300 back as statement credits for qualifying airline purchases, including baggage.<\/p>\n<p>If you frequently travel and are tired of paying for a checked bag, this could be a solid option. Assuming you prepay for your first checked bag with United to get the $35 rate, you could take eight one-way flights or four round-trip journeys and use your statement credit to cover your fee each time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"152\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Bank of America<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premium Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Elite Credit Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/CardArt-BankOfAmericaPremiumRewardsEliteCreditCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Bank of America\u00ae Premium Rewards\u00ae Elite Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"152\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BankOfAmericaPremiumRewardsEliteCreditCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 online bonus points after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Bank of America<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Premium Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Elite Credit Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 online bonus points after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$550<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/BOAPremiumElite\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-2415d7705b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<p>And we can't discuss airline incidental fee credits without mentioning the <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-platinum\/\">Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>. Cardholders receive up to $200 in statement credit each year for incidentals (such as airline baggage fees) on their choice of airline. And United is one of the eligible airlines. Just select United as your preferred airline and charge your baggage to your card to get reimbursed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/change-amex-airline-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Change Your Preferred Airline for the Amex Airline Fee Credit<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4028089\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express Platinum Card\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express Platinum Card\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$895<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $209 in CLEAR+ credits, and TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes an annual hotel credit worth up to $600 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors\u2122 and Marriott Bonvoy<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit (with applicable sales taxes and Plus Ups not include), up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, and up to $200 annual Uber Cash and $120 Uber One Credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards&#xAE; points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.<\/li><li>Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards&#xAE; points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel&#xAE;, including Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel&#xAE; on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.<\/li><li>With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection&#xAE;, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club&#xAE; visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07\/2025.<\/li><li>$200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card&#xAE; you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card&#xAE; to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.<\/li><li>$300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card&#xAE; for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>$600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel&#xAE; using the Platinum Card&#xAE;. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.<\/li><li>$400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card&#xAE;. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.<\/li><li>$209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card&#xAE;. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.<\/li><li>$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card&#xAE; Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.<\/li><li>Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; through American Express Travel&#xAE;, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.<\/li><li>$300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>$155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card&#xAE;. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.<\/li><li>Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24\/7.<\/li><li>$895 annual fee.<\/li><li>Terms Apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn  5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/PlatinumCard\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-2415d7705b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Checked bag fees are frustrating, but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get around them.\u00a0If you want to avoid a checked bag fee while flying in United economy, you'll need to either have elite status or a United credit card. You can also always splurge for a premium ticket to receive even more luxe benefits apart from a checked bag.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you want to check a bag on your next United Airlines flight, you&#8217;ll need to pay a fee. But thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save on the high cost of checking a bag. Let&#8217;s dive into the details and cover how to avoid expensive bag fees.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":112174,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12054],"tags":[12627,12678],"coauthors":[36432,36518],"class_list":["post-152814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips","tag-fees-rules-and-policies","tag-united-airlines"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=152814"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":254196,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152814\/revisions\/254196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/112174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=152814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=152814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=152814"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=152814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}