United Airlines carry-on size, weight & fees
🇺🇸 United States
Basic Economy includes only a personal item on most routes — a full-size carry-on costs extra and can be gate-checked with a fee. Basic Economy keeps the carry-on on South America, transatlantic and transpacific itineraries, and for Premier members, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying cardholders. For tickets bought on/after Apr 3, 2026, bringing a full-size carry-on to the gate in Basic Economy costs $45 prepaid / $50 airport lobby / $75 at the gate ($35/$40/$65 for earlier tickets). CommutAir flights allow a personal item only; other United Express carriers accept carry-ons but have limited bin space. A diaper bag and breast pump fly free even if you are not travelling with your child. Dimensions include handles and wheels.
- Carry-on size
- 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm
- Wheels and handles included
- Weight limit
- No published weight limit
- Personal item
- 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm)
- Carry-on fee
- Depends on fare — check your ticket type
⚠️ What security allows ≠ what your fare allows
TSA and CATSA do not care how big or heavy your bag is — that is United Airlines’s call. Measure your bag before you leave: gate-check fees are always more expensive than prepaying. Not sure an item can fly at all? Check the item rules.
United Airlines baggage FAQs
What is the United Airlines carry-on size limit?
United Airlines allows a cabin bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles.
How many bags can I bring on United Airlines?
It depends on the fare — basic tiers on United Airlines include only the personal item; standard fares add the full carry-on.
Does United Airlines charge for a carry-on bag?
It depends on the fare — on United Airlines, some basic fares include only a personal item. Check your ticket type.
Does United Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
No published weight limit
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →
What to double-check on United Airlines
Security rules are identical on every US flight — but these items behave differently depending on United Airlines's bag size, weight, or item-count policy: