United announes changes to checked baggage policy for Star Alliance Gold and Silver members

Star Alliance Gold and Silver baggage allowance policy change

Effective for tickets issued on or after October 17, 2013, United is adjusting the number of free checked bags for customers with Star Alliance Gold and Star Alliance Silver status. This change aligns United's policy to those of Star Alliance partners, creating a more consistent experience for customers traveling on itineraries with multiple carriers.                 

Correct baggage charges will populate at check-in using online, mobile, kiosk and airport counters.

The major changes:

• Star Alliance Gold members can check only 1 bag for free on domestic US/Caribbean flights when traveling in coach class (had been 3)
• Star Alliance Gold members can check only 2 bags for free on international flights when traveling in coach class (had been 3)
• Star Alliance Silver members no longer have any free checked baggage when traveling in coach class on domestic US/Caribbean flights (had been 1).  Silver members can still check 1 free bag  when traveling in coach class on international flights.