United Offering Free Checked Bags for China Travel

Image: PHOTO: Start the Chinese New Year celebration with an additional gratis checked bag.  (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: Start the Chinese New Year celebration with an additional gratis checked bag. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:26 AM ET, Tue January 9, 2018

United Airlines announced it would begin eliminating fees for a second checked bag on all flights between North America and China or Hong Kong starting Monday.

Passengers traveling from China and Hong Kong to the United States already receive two free checked bags, but fees for oversized and overweight bags continue to apply. Now, travelers flying to China or Hong Kong to the U.S. will receive the same offer.

To celebrate the new baggage policy and the upcoming "Year of the Dog" Chinese New Year, United officials also announced low fares on flights to China and Hong Kong.

The lower prices for outbound travel are valid between January 9 and February 16, and between April 2 and June 10.

"We are responding to valuable feedback from customers who are seeking added benefits when they travel to China and Hong Kong, particularly for leisure purposes," United vice president Marcel Fuchs said in a statement. "By allowing a second checked bag at no additional fee, we aim to make the overall experience of traveling to China and Hong Kong easier for our customers."

Tickets with the lower airfare rates to China and Hong Kong can be purchased through United's official website.

The new baggage policy is just the latest step the airline has taken to ensure it remains the leading U.S. carrier to fly to China and Asia. United operates more non-stop flights to more cities in China than any other U.S. airline, with a total of 89 weekly flights and four Chinese destinations served, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...