United airlines checked baggage question

[yg17]

OK, so I'm trying to figure this out. I know on domestic flights, barring any sort of elite status, you have to pay for checked baggage. And on international flights, you don't. But what about if your trip is 2 legs, one domestic and one international (in my case, STL-ORD and ORD-LHR). Do I have to pay the fee for the domestic leg? Or since my final destination is international, do I not need to pay? United's website does not really make this clear.

If the answer is that I need to pay, then I have a second question. I'm returning from Berlin, so I have TXL-FRA-ORD-STL, and the TXL-FRA and FRA-ORD legs are codeshared on Lufthansa. I know Lufthansa doesn't charge fees on domestic flights, but if United wants payment for the fee on the ORD-STL leg, can I pay it at the Lufthansa checkin counter in Berlin, or do I have to do it at United's counter in Chicago?

And I suppose a 3rd bonus question not related to baggage: Can Lufthansa issue me a boarding passe for the United ORD-STL leg at checkin in Berlin?

Thanks

 

[QuarterSwede]

If your destination is international you don't need to pay for luggage (assuming it's under 50lbs). I'm not 100% certain though because my wife is a premier associate so we don't have to pay for domestic luggage. Just in case you really want to make certain, just call United's customer service.

I have absolutely no idea about the rest of your questions though.

 

[GoCubsGo]

If your destination is international you do not have to pay. I was in the same boat as you are and I didn't have to pay with AA or UA.

 

[yg17]

Cool, thanks everyone.

And I don't know if you've ever had to call United's Customer Disservice, but asking on an internet forum where someone is bound to know is a lot easier and a lot less stressful

I had to call them about something else recently and after that, I think I'd rather swim to London than deal with them

If your destination is international you don't need to pay for luggage (assuming it's under 50lbs). I'm not 100% certain though because my wife is a premier associate so we don't have to pay for domestic luggage. Just in case you really want to make certain, just call United's customer service.

I have absolutely no idea about the rest of your questions though.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Cool, thanks everyone.

And I don't know if you've ever had to call United's Customer Disservice, but asking on an internet forum where someone is bound to know is a lot easier and a lot less stressful

I had to call them about something else recently and after that, I think I'd rather swim to London than deal with them

Yeah, they tend to pander to those with a status with them. My wife has few problems with them and her father, who will hit 1 million miles in the seat sometime this year, always gets what he wants quickly. Sucks for everyone else though.

I see you have an iPhone. Try this Sick Bag iPhone Holder on your flights. It works great.

Have a great trip.