Do you get free checked bags with a United Quest card?

Decoding the United Quest Card: Does it Include Free Checked Bags?

The United Quest card is often touted as a sweet spot in the United Airlines credit card family. It boasts a strong welcome bonus, lucrative rewards on everyday spending, and travel perks designed to elevate your United flying experience. But one question frequently pops up: Does the United Quest card get you free checked bags?

The answer, unfortunately, is no, not directly. Unlike the United Club Infinite Card or the United Explorer card, the United Quest card does not automatically grant you a free checked bag for yourself and a companion. This might seem like a significant omission, especially when considering its annual fee.

However, don’t write the card off just yet. The United Quest card offers a different set of valuable benefits that, for many, outweigh the lack of a free checked bag perk. Understanding these benefits and your own travel patterns is crucial for determining if the card is a good fit.

Where the Quest Card Shines:

• Annual $125 United Purchase Credit: This is a significant offset to the annual fee. Use it for United flights, seat upgrades, or even in-flight purchases.
• Up to 5,000 Miles Back on Award Flights: Get 2,500 miles back for each award flight redemption, up to two per year. This perk significantly reduces the cost of using your miles.
• Strong Earning Potential: Earn miles quickly with 3x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and other travel, and 1x miles on everything else.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Reimbursement for the application fee every four years, saving you time and hassle at the airport.
• Two 5,000-Mile Award Flight Credits (Annually): After booking two or more United award flights, you’ll receive 5,000 miles back, further maximizing your mileage value.

So, How Do You Avoid Checked Bag Fees with the Quest Card?

While the United Quest card doesn’t directly offer free checked bags, here are a few strategies to consider:

• United Premier Status: Earn Premier status with United, which often includes complimentary checked bags. The United Quest card can help you earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) through spending, bringing you closer to status.
• Pack Light: This is the most obvious, but often the most overlooked solution. Strategically packing only carry-on items avoids checked bag fees altogether.
• Use United Miles for Upgrades: Upgrade to a higher fare class (like Premium Plus or Business) which often includes free checked bags as part of the fare.
• Consider Another United Card: If free checked bags are paramount, the United Explorer card or the United Club Infinite Card might be a better fit, despite their different reward structures and annual fees.

The Verdict:

The United Quest card is a powerful travel companion that offers valuable benefits for frequent United flyers. While it doesn’t provide complimentary checked bags, the combination of the annual United purchase credit, award flight rebates, and strong earning potential can easily outweigh the cost of checking a bag for many travelers. Carefully consider your travel habits and priorities to determine if the Quest card is the right choice for your needs. If maximizing your miles and enjoying travel perks is your priority, the United Quest card is a compelling option. If free checked bags are non-negotiable, exploring alternative cards or strategies may be necessary.