One of the biggest stress points for travelers is whether their carry-on will make it past the gate agent without extra fees. With baggage rules changing frequently and Basic Economy fares adding restrictions, it’s important to know exactly what you can (and can’t) bring on board.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about United Airlines’ carry-on bag size, personal item rules, Basic Economy policies, special item exceptions, and insider tips to avoid surprise charges.
United Airlines Carry-On Size Rules
Knowing the exact carry-on size limits is key to avoiding surprises at the gate. Most travelers are allowed one carry-on bag plus one personal item at no extra cost—but the dimensions matter.
- Standard carry-on bag: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
- Personal item: 17 × 10 × 9 inches (43 × 25 × 22 cm), fits under the seat in front of you.
Why size matters: If your carry-on exceeds the dimensions, gate agents may ask you to check it, potentially incurring a fee. This is especially important for travelers on Basic Economy fares, where only a personal item is included on domestic flights.
Pro tip: Soft-sided carry-ons can compress slightly and fit more easily in overhead bins. Measuring your bag before heading to the airport is the simplest way to avoid last-minute stress.
United Airlines Carry-On Policy: Personal Items, Basic Economy & Allowed Items
Understanding what you can bring on a United Airlines flight—and what you can’t—is key to a smooth airport experience. Here’s a complete breakdown:
Personal Item Rules
Every traveler is allowed one personal item that fits under the seat in front of them.
- Dimensions: 17 × 10 × 9 inches (43 × 25 × 22 cm), including handles and wheels.
Examples of acceptable personal items:
- Purse or tote
- Laptop bag or briefcase
- Small backpack
- Diaper bag
What doesn’t count:
- Second small roller bag
- Shopping bags or oversized totes
Traveler tip: Keep essentials like your passport, wallet, electronics, medications, and boarding pass in your personal item. Even if your carry-on is gate-checked, you’ll have everything important with you.
Basic Economy: What You Need to Know
Basic Economy fares have stricter rules:
- Domestic Basic Economy: Only a personal item is allowed. Any carry-on must be checked at the gate, with fees starting at $35.
- International Basic Economy: Many long-haul routes allow both a carry-on and personal item. Always confirm during booking.
Exceptions:
- Premier® elite members, MileagePlus credit card holders, and Star Alliance Gold members can bring a full-size carry-on, even on Basic Economy.
Pro tip: When flying Basic Economy, plan to travel light unless you qualify for an exception.
What You Can Bring On Board
United Airlines follows TSA rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols, along with additional allowances for certain items:
TSA liquids rule:
- Containers ≤ 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
- All containers fit inside one clear, quart-size zip-top bag
- Examples: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion, mouthwash
Additional allowed items:
- Outerwear: jackets, coats, umbrellas
- Airport purchases: food, drinks, magazines, books, duty-free items bought after security
- Baby & medical: diaper bags, breast pumps, FAA-approved child seats, prescription meds, assistive devices (canes, crutches, collapsible wheelchairs)
- Medical devices: portable oxygen concentrators, powered air-purifying respirators (batteries removed), liquid nitrogen in vented bags (non-hazardous)
- Pet carriers: allowed with applicable fees
- Electronics & batteries: vaping devices (cannot be used/charged), lithium batteries removed and properly insulated
- Sporting & safety gear: avalanche packs under 100Wh
- Musical instruments: small instruments like violins or guitars, if stored in a hard case and fit in overhead or under-seat space
Pro tip: Group similar items together for easy access and to speed up security checks.
United Airlines Prohibited Carry-On Items
Certain items are strictly banned due to safety regulations:
Weapons & explosives:
- Knives, firearms, tasers, self-defense sprays (mace, pepper spray, tear gas)
- Fireworks, gunpowder, flare guns, novelty explosives
Hazardous materials:
- Flammable fuels, gel fuel, bleach, drain cleaners, epoxy, spray paint, pesticides
- Torch lighters, self-heating meals with flameless heaters
Recreational motorized devices:
- Hoverboards, airboards, electric scooters, skateboards, battery-assisted bicycles, motorized luggage, self-balancing devices
Other restrictions:
- Smart bags without removable batteries
- Powder-based substances over 12 oz (exceptions: baby formula, medications, duty-free items, human remains)
Pro tip: Always check the TSA website and United’s carry-on policy before packing. Policies can change, and gate agents enforce them strictly.
United Airlines Carry-on Baggage Weight: Is There a Limit?
Unlike some international airlines, United Airlines does not publish a strict weight limit for carry-ons on most flights. The only requirement is that you can lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted.
That said, if your bag looks overly heavy or unsafe to handle, a gate agent could require you to check it.
Pro tip: Keep your carry-on under 20–25 lbs (9–11 kg) for easier boarding and to avoid unwanted attention.
Gate-Checking Bags: What to Expect
Even if your carry-on meets United’s size rules, sometimes overhead bins fill up especially on smaller regional jets or during peak travel times. In these cases, United may ask passengers to gate-check their bags.
What happens:
- Bags are tagged at the gate and placed in the cargo hold.
- You retrieve them at baggage claim after landing.
- On Basic Economy, bringing a roller bag may trigger the standard checked-bag fee.
Tips to avoid gate-checking stress:
- Board early: Priority boarding through elite status, credit cards, or purchased upgrades helps secure overhead space.
- Use soft-sided bags: They compress easily into tighter spaces.
- Keep essentials in your personal item: Passport, wallet, medications, and electronics remain with you even if your carry-on is gate-checked.
United Airlines Carry-On Fees
For most travelers, carry-ons are included for free. However, there are exceptions, particularly for Basic Economy domestic flights. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Fare Type | Carry-On Policy | Fee (if not included) |
| Standard Economy & above | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item included | Free |
| Domestic Basic Economy | Only personal item included | Carry-on must be checked, fees apply (starts at $35 for first checked bag) |
| International Basic Economy | Carry-on + personal item included on many routes | Free |
Special Rules for Unusual Items
United also has specific guidelines for items that don’t fit the standard carry-on category:
- Musical instruments: Small instruments like violins or guitars can count as your carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Larger instruments may require a purchased seat or checked baggage.
- Strollers & car seats: Families traveling with young children can bring strollers or car seats, which are usually gate-checked for free.
- Sports equipment: Items such as skis, golf clubs, or surfboards generally fall under checked baggage rules and may incur additional fees. Always review United’s sports equipment policy before your trip.
International Routes & Exceptions with United Airlines
One common source of confusion: international Basic Economy fares.
- On many transatlantic and transpacific Basic Economy routes, you are allowed both a carry-on and a personal item.
- Regional restrictions can vary, so always confirm during booking.
How strict is United Airlines Basic Economy personal item?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Will United really check the size of my personal item?” The truth is, it depends.
On crowded flights or at busy hubs, gate agents are much more likely to enforce the rules and measure bags carefully. Regional jets with smaller overhead bins also tend to trigger stricter checks. That said, if your bag is only slightly larger but still looks like it will fit under the seat, you may get a pass.
Bottom line: Don’t gamble. Stick to United’s published personal item size of 17 × 10 × 9 inches for a stress-free boarding experience.
United Airlines Carry-On Packing Checklist (Rules & Smart Tips)
Packing for a United flight doesn’t have to be stressful. By sticking to the airline’s size rules and keeping essentials handy, you can avoid last-minute hassles at the gate. Use this quick carry-on checklist to stay within United’s policies:
- Carry-on bag size: must not exceed 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) including wheels and handles.
- Personal item size: limited to 17 × 10 × 9 inches (43 × 25 × 22 cm) — fits under the seat in front of you.
- Keep essentials in your personal item: passport, boarding pass, wallet, medications, electronics, chargers, and valuables.
- Choose a soft-sided bag: easier to fit into overhead bins, especially on smaller or fully booked aircraft.
- If flying Basic Economy: remember only a personal item is included — pack light or be prepared to check a larger bag.
Final Thoughts: United Airlines Carry-On
Planning ahead, choosing the right carry-on, packing smartly, and understanding item rules can prevent last-minute surprises and gate-check hassles. This makes boarding easier, travel smoother, and lets you focus on what matters most—enjoying every moment of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is United’s carry-on?
22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
Does United charge for carry-ons?
No, unless you’re flying domestic Basic Economy without elite status or a United credit card.
Is a backpack considered a personal item on United Airlines?
Yes, a backpack is considered a personal item if it fits under the seat (17 × 10 × 9 inches or smaller).
What if my bag is too big?
It will need to be checked, and you may have to pay the checked-bag fee.
Is there a weight limit?
Not officially, but your bag must be easy to lift into the overhead bin.