United Airlines allows one free carry-on bag and one personal item for all passengers

United does not charge for a standard carry-on bag. Every passenger on a United flight can bring one carry-on roller bag or soft-sided bag at no extra cost, plus one personal item like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

The size limit for a carry-on on United is 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep. If your bag is larger than that, you will have to check it, and checked bags do have fees depending on your ticket type. Most economy passengers pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.

Some passengers get free checked bags as part of their ticket. United MileagePlus members, passengers flying first or business class, and those with certain credit cards included in their membership all get at least one free checked bag. If you are unsure whether your ticket includes checked bags, log into your United account or call United customer service before you pack.

Key Takeaways

  • One carry-on bag and one personal item are free for all United passengers, with no size restrictions beyond fitting in the overhead bin and under the seat.
  • Carry-on bags must be 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches or smaller to fit in the overhead bin without being gate-checked.
  • If your carry-on is too large, United will check it at the gate, and you will pay the checked bag fee unless your ticket includes free checked bags.
  • MileagePlus members, premium cabin passengers, and certain credit card holders receive free checked bags as part of their membership or ticket.
  • Gate-checking a carry-on at the last minute is different from checking a bag at the ticket counter and may have different handling.

What happens if your carry-on is too large

If your bag is larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches, United staff will ask you to check it at the gate before you board. This is called gate-checking. You will not be able to bring it into the cabin, and you will pay the checked bag fee unless your ticket or membership includes free checked bags.

United uses a sizing frame at the gate to measure bags. If your bag does not fit through the frame, it will be checked. Soft-sided bags that are slightly oversized sometimes compress enough to fit, but hard-sided roller bags that are even a little too large will not pass. Pack strategically if you are traveling with a bag that is close to the limit.

Personal items do not count toward your bag limit

Your personal item is separate from your carry-on and does not cost anything. A personal item is typically a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase. It must fit under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin.

Many passengers use their personal item to carry things they need during the flight—medications, a book, headphones, a change of clothes—while their carry-on holds larger items. You can bring both without paying extra.

Checked bag fees and exceptions

The first checked bag costs $35 on most United economy tickets. A second checked bag costs $45. These fees explore per flight segment, so a round trip with two stops means you pay the fee twice if you are checking bags.

You do not pay checked bag fees if you are a United MileagePlus Premier member, flying first or business class, or holding a United credit card that includes baggage benefits. Military personnel on active duty also receive one free checked bag. Check your ticket confirmation or your MileagePlus account to see what your ticket includes.

How to avoid carry-on fees and gate-checking

Measure your bag before you travel. Most carry-on bags sold as "airline-compliant" or "carry-on size" are designed to fit United's dimensions, but not all bags labeled that way actually do. A soft measuring tape or a printed size guide can help you check at home.

If you are traveling with a bag you have never flown with before, arrive early enough to repack if needed. If your bag is borderline, pack lighter so it compresses, or be prepared to check it and pay the fee. Arriving at the gate with an oversized bag that you are hoping will fit is a gamble—United staff will measure it, and if it does not fit, you will pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a roller bag and a backpack both as carry-ons?

No. You get one carry-on bag and one personal item. A roller bag counts as your carry-on, and a backpack would be your personal item. If you bring two full-sized bags, the second will be gate-checked and you will pay the checked bag fee unless your ticket includes free checked bags.

What if I have a connecting flight on United?

Your carry-on stays with you through the connection. You do not have to claim it or recheck it. Personal items also stay with you. If you checked a bag, it will be transferred automatically to your next flight and will meet you at your final destination.

Do I pay extra if my carry-on is slightly over the size limit?

If your bag does not fit in the sizing frame at the gate, United will check it and charge you the checked bag fee unless your ticket or membership includes free checked bags. There is no grace period for bags that are a little too large. Measure before you travel.

Are there different carry-on rules for basic economy tickets?

Basic economy passengers on United still get one free carry-on and one personal item. The difference with basic economy is that you cannot choose your seat in advance and you board last. Carry-on allowance is the same as standard economy.

What counts as a personal item?

A personal item is a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, briefcase, or similar bag that fits under the seat in front of you. It should be noticeably smaller than your carry-on. A large hiking backpack or a second roller bag would not may have access to as a personal item.