Key Takeaways
- United Airlines does not charge for carry-on bags on most fares, but Basic Economy passengers on U.S. domestic and short-haul routes must pay.
- Travelers in Standard Economy, Premium Plus, or Polaris Business Class can bring a full-size carry-on and personal item for free.
- International Basic Economy fares still allow one free carry-on.
- United strictly enforces bag size and weight limits, especially on smaller aircraft departing from hubs like San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN).
If you have flown in the United States lately, you know that what used to be “free carry-on” is now a frequent source of confusion and surprise fees. United Airlines follows a structured carry-on policy that depends entirely on your fare type.
The good news is that most travelers will not pay anything extra. However, Basic Economy is the one exception, and misunderstanding this rule can cost you time and money at the gate.
Here is a clear, 2025-focused guide to help you understand when United charges for carry-on bags, what the rules are, and how to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Short Answer
United Airlines only charges for carry-on bags when you book a Basic Economy fare on U.S. domestic routes, as well as flights between the U.S. and Canada, Central America, or the Caribbean.
If you hold a Standard Economy or higher fare, you can bring both:
- One full-size carry-on (22” x 14” x 9”)
- One personal item (such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag)
Passengers with MileagePlus Premier status, Star Alliance Gold, or eligible United credit cards are also exempt from carry-on fees, even when flying Basic Economy.
Tip: Before booking, check your fare type carefully. The lowest displayed price on United.com is often Basic Economy, which excludes a carry-on unless you qualify for an exemption.
When You’ll Pay for Carry-On Bags
If you bring a bag to the gate that does not fit under the seat, United will check it and charge you both a checked bag fee and a gate handling fee (usually around $25–$35).
Here is a summary:
| Fare Type | Carry-On Allowed | Typical Fee if Not Included | Notes |
| Basic Economy (U.S./Canada/Caribbean) | No | $35–$50 | Personal item only |
| Basic Economy (International) | Yes | Free | One full-size carry-on allowed |
| Standard Economy | Yes | Free | Includes both carry-on and personal item |
| Premium Plus | Yes | Free | Priority overhead bin access |
| Polaris Business | Yes | Free | Extra bin space guaranteed |
For travelers departing from San Francisco or Newark on long-haul flights, Basic Economy fares are usually not offered, so all passengers can bring a full carry-on at no charge.
Exemptions and Workarounds
United’s Basic Economy rules sound strict, but there are several legitimate ways around the carry-on restriction:
- Hold MileagePlus Premier Status: All elite tiers from Silver and above can bring one full-size carry-on, regardless of fare.
- Book with a United Credit Card: The United Explorer and United Quest cards include a carry-on allowance even on Basic Economy fares.
- Travel on an International Itinerary: United’s Basic Economy for long-haul flights still includes one free carry-on.
- Use Online Check-In Wisely: If your itinerary qualifies for a carry-on under international rules, the United app will automatically update your boarding pass privileges.
Check the TalkTravel United Flyers Forum, where frequent travelers post gate experiences and policy updates from recent flights.
Carry-On Size and Weight Rules
United enforces carry-on size more than most U.S. carriers. Bags must fit within:
- 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
- Personal items must fit under the seat ahead of you and cannot exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches.
There is no official weight limit for carry-ons within the U.S., but ground staff may check heavy bags on smaller regional aircraft.
If you are flying long-haul international or on a Polaris-equipped 777 or 787, overhead bin space is generous, but boarding early helps secure room for bulkier luggage.
Polaris and Premium Cabins
Passengers in United Polaris Business, Premium Plus, and First Class never pay for carry-on bags. These cabins include priority boarding, overhead space reserved for premium travelers, and additional checked bag allowances.
United Polaris passengers can bring:
- One carry-on and one personal item
- Two checked bags at 70 lb each
- Early boarding via Group 1
Planning your first Polaris trip?
Visit the TalkTravel United Airlines Forum to see live reports on Polaris check-in, lounge access, and cabin tips from real flyers.
How to Avoid Carry-On Fees Entirely
Even if you fly United often on a budget, you can easily avoid paying carry-on charges by following a few strategies:
- Avoid Basic Economy when the fare difference is small (often $20–$40 more for Standard Economy).
- Use a United credit card for automatic carry-on privileges.
- Earn Premier Silver status for permanent exemption.
- Pack strategically , a soft underseat bag often fits even in smaller aircraft bins, bypassing gate-check enforcement.
These small adjustments can make the difference between smooth boarding and unexpected charges.
Final Thoughts
So, does United Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
In most cases, no, unless you book a Basic Economy fare on domestic routes. All higher fare types, international flights, and status holders continue to enjoy free carry-on privileges.
United’s goal is to simplify the policy without compromising efficiency, but the Basic Economy restrictions remain in place to separate budget and full-service experiences.
For frequent updates and real-world examples of how these policies are applied at different airports, explore the TalkTravel United Flyers Forum, where travelers share first-hand insights on United’s bag rules, upgrades, and boarding practices.
Related guides on United Polaris: