bromleygirl

Myself and my 2 children are flying LHR to SFO Wednesday morning with United Airlines. We each will have 2 checked bags which I've been told should weigh no more than 50lbs each but do they mind if you go a few pounds over?

On their website it says you can check bags up to 100lbs but they are subject to excess charges but I can't seem to find anywhere that states how much these are..has anyone had any experience of dealign with United Airlines and paying excess baggage charges??

We each will have our carry on's and a personal item each - we are also planning to wear as many clothes as possible to lighten the load that we are checking in Any advice would be really appreciated

katybluewater

I have only experienced United on internal US flights - and they are very particular on luggage allowance - try and pack as much in your hand baggage as possible

Burn1911

I had family travelling from Seattle to SFO and then from SFO onto Australia with United, they were really really strict about the weight. Yhey had to unpack one bag and repack into others etc... in the middle of the check-in area, there was no leeway!!

That said I guess it depends who is checking you in on the day!

Kaffy Mintcake

They are strict about the weight limits. Try packing your suitcases and standing on the scale with them and without them to see how you're doing before you head to the airport.

fsm

Would take the advice of weighing yourself & case.

You do not want a case over 50lbs, the fee now is 200 USD, for each bag over, better to have one bag at 65lbs than 5 bags each 3 lbs over as that would cost 1000.

For tickets purchased on or before April 9, 2010, the charge for baggage that weighs 51-70 lbs. (24-32 kg) is 150 USD or an equivalent amount in local currency.

bromleygirl

Thanks for al lthe replies - am shocked at the charges though for excess. Our tickets were bought after April so we'd be looking at $200/fee per bag over 50lbs

Have a very reliable pair of scales though and am detrermined not to pay any excess if possible. Even if we need to wear 5 layers of clothes and then disrobe once we have boarded!!

ian-mstm

http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53403,00.html.

Ian

Tarkak9

They are pretty strict.
stuff yourself beforehand... like most of the airlines, the food is pretty awful and skimpish.
UA don't carry cash on board nor do they accept cash - so if you want booze, you'll have to use a credit card. No more complimentary alch on trans-atlantic flights.

anuny

Could it be a United Code-share flight (I doubt it but one never knows) ?

bromleygirl

Thanks - I had thought about buying another bag but when I called United they advised me that a 7th bag would cost 130 pounds but I can see on the link that excess baggage is charged at 130pounds so I'm wondering if I was quoted correctly for the additional bag??
Incidently, we will be paying $45/bag for bags 4,5,and 6.

That;s crap about no alcohol on flights anymore - I was really looking forward to a bottle of wine and relax once on board

md95065

Very unlikely (unless something has changed very recently) - the OP said that she was flying from LHR to SFO - United has two direct LHR <-> SFO flights per day and both of them are operated by United.

bromleygirl

I booked through Continental but it is defintley operated by United

anuny

What was that ? No alcohol served on board ?

Tarkak9

... complementary booze.. United charge a premium for alch now - credit card only.

anuny

Not even with meals ? No wonder it getting Untied