Last updated: 31 October 2026.
Rule 28 of the Contract of Carriage sets additional liability limits. On international trips the Montreal Convention applies and prevails.
USD 4,700checked baggage liability cap per ticketed passenger on US domestic travel
151,880 SDRdeath or injury amount for which United will not limit liability (Montreal/Warsaw)
7 daysto complain about damaged baggage
21 daysto complain about delay
Limits
- Death or injury (Convention flights)
- United cannot limit liability for damages up to 151,880 SDR per passenger; above that it can defend by proving no fault or fault only of a third party. An advance payment is made without delay, at least 16,000 SDR on death.
- Checked baggage lost, damaged or delayed (US domestic travel)
- USD 4,700 for each ticketed passenger, unless you state a higher value beforehand and pay for it; you must prove the value
- Baggage on international trips
- Governed by the Montreal or Warsaw Convention; see the Convention for the limit
- When baggage travels on United and other carriers with higher limits, and the responsible carrier cannot be identified, USD 4,700 applies to all.
- United is not liable for items excluded by the contract, such as fragile or valuable articles, where the exclusions apply.
Time limits
- The Conventions give two years to sue; you must complain to the airline in 7 days if baggage is damaged and in 21 days if it is delayed.
- Baggage expenses are repaid on proof the airline accepts.
Questions travellers ask us
What is the domestic baggage limit?
USD 4,700 for each ticketed passenger.
When must I complain?
7 days for damage and 21 days for delay.
Is there a limit for injury?
United cannot limit liability up to 151,880 SDR per passenger on Convention flights.
Baggage Allowance is an independent information site and is not part of United Airlines. Check the airline's own pages before you travel.
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