The Bottom Line on Taking a Bike on United:

Our team of highly specialized bicycle travel scientists gives United Airlines a Bicycle Flight Grade (BFG) of A-. Standard baggage allowance and checked bag fees are in line with the other three major airlines. A carry-on bag is only included with Main Cabin or higher service classes, which is annoying. I wonder how long it will be before there is a surcharge for breathing the air. Bikes are counted toward the standard baggage allowance if they meet weight requirements. However, the oversize and overweight fees of $200 and $100+, respectively, are quite exorbitant. Luckily, oversize fees are waived for properly packing bicycles, as long as they measure smaller than 115 linear inches (292cm). 

United Airlines Baggage and Bicycle Policies at a Glance:

Please note that this information is subject to change and may not reflect the most recent information available on United's website. (Updated May 2024)  

 *counted toward standard baggage allowance if under 50lbs. Per United: "Oversized fees are waived on properly packed bicycles."

**depends on location

 A few general notes on flying with a bicycle: 

A few things to keep in mind when flying with a bike on United actually apply to all airlines. It’s important to come to the airport prepared with a knowledge of airline policies and procedures. Screenshots or printouts of relevant information can come in handy to help clarify these policies for less well-versed airline employees. It’s also prudent to take baggage policies into account when planning a trip and buying tickets. Why take the budget airline if they are sticklers at the baggage counter and will likely charge you double or triple to fly with your bike? 

Lastly, a true Airport Ninja knows that airline employees don’t always play by the book, and this can both help us and hurt us as customers. Many gate agents will never look twice as your bags, while others are vigilantes who play fast and loose with the tape measure. Checking in early, approaching a well-rested-looking ticketing agent and being very polite, or using curbside check-in and offering a small tip are all strategies that can all help turn the odds in your favor. For more advice on how to be an Airport Ninja, see our blog Ninja Tutelage Lesson 1 - What's in the Bag?

Your best chance to avoid paying fees is to pack your bike in the smallest possible bike case, especially one with no obvious markings that indicate that it is a bike. This is where the Orucase B2 comes to the rescue. Designed and tested by professional cyclists to minimize or even eliminate excess baggage fees. Become an Airport Ninja Today.