How to Navigate United Airlines’ Strict Carry-On Rules
United Airlines is notorious for being strict about carry-on and personal item size. And it doesn’t help that there are different carry-on rules for Basic Economy and Economy. I’ve got you!
From the exact dimensions to the number of bag you’re allowed to carry on, this United Airlines carry-on size guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy a stress-free (and fee-free) flight.
What Is United Airlines’ Carry-On Bag Policy?
On most flights you can bring one carry-on and one personal item for free. To avoid paying extra fees, you will need to make sure your luggage meets United Airlines carry-on size rules.
United Airlines Carry-On Size Rules
Carry-ons cannot exceed 22 in x 14 in x 9 in (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm). Those dimensions include the handle and the wheels. There are no weight limits for carry-ons.
United Airlines Personal Item Size
United Airlines allows one personal item, such as a purse, backpack or laptop bag, to place under the seat in front of you. Unlike American Airlines, United’s personal item dimensions are is slightly smaller: 17 in x 10 in x 9 in (43 cm x 25 cm x 22 cm).
Looking for a bag that meets these strict requirements? Check out this post featuring the best United Airlines personal item size bags.
You can also bring these items on board for free:
- A diaper bag or breast pump (even if you aren’t traveling with a child)
- A car seat, child safety harness or stroller
- Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, canes and crutches
- Jacket or coat
- Umbrella
- Reading materials
- Food or other items bought at the airport
United Airlines Basic Economy Carry-On Rules
“Can I bring a carry-on with Basic Economy?” – every Basic Economy passenger. Unfortunately, carry-on bags are not included with Basic Economy fares. (Less baggage, less money, I guess.)
You may bring one personal item, such as a shoulder bag, laptop bag or purse. You cannot store personal items in the overhead bin. They must be placed under the seat in front of you.
Basic Economy passengers who have a personal item larger than 17 in x 10 in x 9 in will have to pay $65 to check it.
The one personal item rule for Basic Economy passengers doesn’t apply if:
- You are flying to Canada or South America
- You are flying across the Atlantic
- You are on an international flight across the Pacific
- You’re a United Premier Member
- You have a United credit card or you are a Star Alliance Gold Member
United Airlines Carry-On Pet Rules
Humans aren’t the only ones you have to follow United’s carry-on rules!
Dogs and cats are welcome on United Airlines flights, as long as they (and their pet parents) follow the rules. The most important rule is they must be in a carrier and it must fit under the seat in front of you. If the carrier doesn’t fit, you cannot fly with your pet.
The pet carrier size limit will depend on the type of carrier you bring. Hard-sided carriers should be no bigger than 17.5 in x 12 in x 9 in (44 cm x 30 cm x 22 cm). Soft-side carriers cannot exceed 18 in x 11 in x 11 in (45 cm x 27 cm x 27 cm).
Does Size Carry-On and Personal Item Size Really Matter to United Airlines?
There are hundreds, if not thousands of threads on Reddit that ask:
- Does United actually check carry-ons?
- What’s the best way to bring a carry-on AND a personal item with Basic Economy?
- Is the Basic Economy personal item size restriction actually enforced?
If you bring anything larger than the allowable personal item size of 17 in x 10 in x 9 in, you will have to check it.
The gate agents will know you’re in Basic Economy because it’s the last group to board. And the odds of there being any overhead bin space is unlikely, especially if the flight is full.
Still worried about your carry-on bag? You have three options:
- Make sure your carry-on or personal item meets United Airlines carry-on size requirements
- Buy an Economy fare instead of Basic Economy
- Apply for a United credit card for carry-on perks
If all else fails, you can check your bag for $35.
Have you had an issues with carry-ons on United? Share you experience in the comments!
