Examining United’s Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look

Post originally Published May 16, 2024 || Last Updated May 16, 2024

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Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Understanding United's Military Baggage Policy


United Airlines offers a generous military baggage policy, allowing active-duty personnel and their dependents to check up to five bags for free, with increased weight limits compared to previous policies.

This policy also waives fees for oversized and overweight baggage, as well as certain sports equipment, providing significant benefits for military travelers.

United's military baggage allowance is an important consideration for active-duty service members and their families when booking flights on the airline.

United Airlines offers a generous military baggage allowance, allowing active-duty personnel to check up to five bags weighing 100 lbs each, a significant increase from the previous 70 lbs limit.

Delta Airlines also provides a similar military baggage policy, granting active-duty members up to five free checked bags when traveling on official orders, and up to two bags for personal travel.

Interestingly, Lufthansa honors United Airlines' military baggage policy, enabling active-duty personnel traveling on orders to benefit from the same baggage allowance when flying with Lufthansa.

United Airlines strictly enforces the use of the correct form of payment for federal government contract fares, ensuring military passengers receive the appropriate discounts on baggage fees.

The military baggage policy extends to military dependents and veterans, who are also eligible for the free checked bag benefit, though veterans must provide their military ID or DD Form 214 to receive the perk.

It is important to note that United's Military Baggage Policy is subject to change, and passengers are advised to check the airline's website for the most up-to-date information on the policy.

What else is in this post?

  1. Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Understanding United's Military Baggage Policy
  2. Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Complimentary Checked Bags - Official vs Personal Travel
  3. Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Weight and Size Restrictions for Military Baggage
  4. Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Dependent Benefits - Accompanying Family Members
  5. Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Comparison with Other Airlines' Military Policies
  6. Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Tips for Hassle-Free Travel with Military Baggage

Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Complimentary Checked Bags - Official vs Personal Travel


United Airlines offers varying levels of complimentary checked bags for active-duty military members and their dependents, depending on whether the travel is for official or personal reasons.

While those traveling on official orders can check up to three bags for free, personal travel allows for one or two free checked bags, a policy that aims to provide flexibility and support for the military community.

United Airlines offers active US military members complimentary checked bags for both official and personal travel, with the number of free bags varying based on the purpose of the trip.

When traveling on official orders, active military personnel can check up to three bags for free, while their dependents are allowed to check two bags each at no cost.

For personal travel, active duty US military members can check one or two bags for free, depending on their fare class, while their dependents can check one bag for free.

Delta Airlines is even more generous, allowing active military members to check up to four bags for free when traveling in First Class or Delta One, and up to five bags for free when traveling on work orders.

Interestingly, Lufthansa honors United Airlines' military baggage policy, enabling active-duty personnel traveling on orders to benefit from the same baggage allowance when flying with Lufthansa.

United Airlines strictly enforces the use of the correct form of payment for federal government contract fares, ensuring military passengers receive the appropriate discounts on baggage fees.

The military baggage policy extends to military dependents and veterans, who are also eligible for the free checked bag benefit, though veterans must provide their military ID or DD Form 214 to receive the perk.

Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Weight and Size Restrictions for Military Baggage


United Airlines offers active-duty US military personnel and their dependents the ability to check up to 5 bags for free when traveling on official orders, with each bag weighing up to 100 pounds and measuring up to 115 linear inches in size.

For leisure travel, military members can check up to 3 bags under the same weight and size specifications.

Other major US airlines, such as American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska, also provide generous baggage allowances for active-duty military and their families.

The weight limit for checked military baggage on United Airlines is 100 pounds per bag, a significant increase from the previous 70-pound limit.

Active-duty military personnel traveling on official orders can check up to 5 bags for free, while those traveling for personal reasons can check up to 3 bags for free.

Delta Airlines offers an even more generous military baggage policy, allowing active-duty members to check up to 4 bags for free when traveling in First Class or Delta One, and up to 5 bags for free when traveling on work orders.

Lufthansa honors United Airlines' military baggage policy, enabling active-duty personnel traveling on orders to benefit from the same baggage allowance when flying with Lufthansa.

United Airlines strictly enforces the use of the correct form of payment for federal government contract fares, ensuring military passengers receive the appropriate discounts on baggage fees.

The military baggage policy extends to military dependents and veterans, who are also eligible for the free checked bag benefit, though veterans must provide their military ID or DD Form 214 to receive the perk.

The size restriction for military baggage on United Airlines is 115 linear inches, which is measured by adding the length, width, and height of each bag.

United Airlines' military baggage policy is subject to change, and passengers are advised to check the airline's website for the most up-to-date information on the policy.

Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Dependent Benefits - Accompanying Family Members


United Airlines' military baggage policy extends to dependents of active-duty personnel, including spouses and children, when they are traveling with the military member.

Dependent family members are eligible for the free checked bag benefit and exemption from baggage fees for oversized or overweight items, but only when accompanying the military member, not when traveling separately.

This dependent benefit applies to both domestic and international flights on United Airlines.

Dependent family members of active-duty military personnel can check up to five bags for free when accompanying the service member, a significant benefit not available when traveling separately.

Military dependents are exempt from paying the standard $60 fee for a third checked bag, providing additional savings when flying as a family.

United Airlines' partnership with WeSalute offers a 5% discount on fares to all military members, including dependents, accessible through the airline's website.

Dependent family members can check oversized or overweight items, such as surfboards, bicycles, and kayaks, without incurring the usual baggage fees when traveling with the active-duty service member.

This military baggage policy applies to both domestic and international flights, ensuring consistent benefits for military families regardless of their travel destination.

United Airlines strictly enforces the use of authorized government-issued Visa and MasterCard accounts for the military baggage allowance, ensuring military passengers receive the appropriate discounts.

The military baggage policy extends to military dependents and veterans, though veterans must provide their military ID or DD Form 214 to receive the free checked bag benefit.

Interestingly, Lufthansa honors United Airlines' military baggage policy, enabling active-duty personnel traveling on orders to benefit from the same baggage allowance when flying with Lufthansa.

United Airlines advises passengers to regularly check the airline's website for any updates or changes to the military baggage policy, as it is subject to modification over time.

Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Comparison with Other Airlines' Military Policies


Many major US airlines, including American, Delta, and Southwest, have also implemented generous military baggage policies that allow active-duty personnel to check multiple bags for free, often up to four or five pieces.

These policies typically include increased weight and size limits for military baggage, as well as exemptions from standard overweight and oversized fees.

Airlines have continued to revise and expand their military travel benefits in recent years, reflecting the importance of supporting service members and their families.

Delta Air Lines offers an even more generous military baggage policy, allowing active-duty members to check up to 4 bags for free when traveling in First Class or Delta One, and up to 5 bags for free when traveling on work orders.

Lufthansa honors United Airlines' military baggage policy, enabling active-duty personnel traveling on orders to benefit from the same baggage allowance when flying with Lufthansa.

American Airlines increased their baggage policy to allow five bags without cost for military members, matching United Airlines' policy.

JetBlue offers a 5% discount off any flight for US Active Duty Military, Retired Military, Veterans, National Guard, and Reserve, as well as their family members enrolled in the Veterans Advantage program.

United Airlines strictly enforces the use of the correct form of payment for federal government contract fares, ensuring military passengers receive the appropriate discounts on baggage fees.

The military baggage policy extends to military dependents and veterans, though veterans must provide their military ID or DD Form 214 to receive the free checked bag benefit.

Southwest Airlines also provides generous baggage allowances for military personnel, allowing them to check two bags for free, with each bag weighing up to 100 pounds.

Alaska Airlines offers a military baggage policy that allows active-duty members to check up to five bags for free, similar to United Airlines' policy.

Continental Airlines, now part of United Airlines, previously announced a new policy that allowed military members traveling on orders to check four bags without charge.

United Airlines' military baggage policy is subject to change, and passengers are advised to check the airline's website for the most up-to-date information on the policy.

Examining United's Military Baggage Policy A Comprehensive Look - Tips for Hassle-Free Travel with Military Baggage


Navigating airline baggage policies can be a challenge for military members, but major carriers like United offer generous allowances to ease the process.

Active-duty personnel and their dependents can check up to five bags for free on United flights, with increased weight and size limits compared to civilian travelers.

Travelers should stay informed on the latest policy updates and utilize available discounts to ensure a smooth travel experience.

United Airlines' military baggage policy allows active-duty US military personnel and their dependents to check up to 5 bags for free when traveling on official orders, with each bag weighing up to 100 pounds and measuring up to 115 linear inches.

For personal travel, military members can check up to 3 bags under the same weight and size specifications at no additional cost.

Delta Air Lines offers an even more generous military baggage policy, allowing active-duty members to check up to 4 bags for free when traveling in First Class or Delta One, and up to 5 bags for free when traveling on work orders.

Lufthansa honors United Airlines' military baggage policy, enabling active-duty personnel traveling on orders to benefit from the same baggage allowance when flying with Lufthansa.

United Airlines strictly enforces the use of the correct form of payment for federal government contract fares, ensuring military passengers receive the appropriate discounts on baggage fees.

The military baggage policy extends to military dependents and veterans, though veterans must provide their military ID or DD Form 214 to receive the free checked bag benefit.

American Airlines increased their baggage policy to allow five bags without cost for military members, matching United Airlines' policy.

JetBlue offers a 5% discount off any flight for US Active Duty Military, Retired Military, Veterans, National Guard, and Reserve, as well as their family members enrolled in the Veterans Advantage program.

Southwest Airlines provides generous baggage allowances for military personnel, allowing them to check two bags for free, with each bag weighing up to 100 pounds.

Alaska Airlines offers a military baggage policy that allows active-duty members to check up to five bags for free, similar to United Airlines' policy.

Continental Airlines, now part of United Airlines, previously announced a new policy that allowed military members traveling on orders to check four bags without charge.
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