United Airlines Carry-On Size, Weight & Fees (2026)
Last verified · Sourced from United Airlines + TSA
United Airlines's carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 (56 x 35 x 23), including wheels and handles. There's No weight limit — you must be able to lift it into the bin unassisted. You can also bring one personal item up to 17 x 10 x 9. On Basic Economy, most domestic passengers get a personal item only — no full-size carry-on.
| Dimensions (in) | Dimensions (cm) | Weight limit | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 35 x 23 | No weight limit — you must be able to lift it into the bin unassisted | For tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026: checked bag from $45 prepay, $50 at lobby, $75 at the gate if a Basic Economy passenger brings a full-size carry-on that must be checked |
| Personal item | 17 x 10 x 9 | 43 x 25 x 22 | — | free |
Primary source: United Airlines — Carry-on bags (PRIMARY).
Does United Airlines charge for a carry-on?
For tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026: checked bag from $45 prepay, $50 at lobby, $75 at the gate if a Basic Economy passenger brings a full-size carry-on that must be checked
Basic economy: what you can and can't bring
For most trips, Basic Economy is limited to ONE personal item only — no full-size carry-on — EXCEPT on transatlantic, transpacific, and flights to/from Canada and South America. MileagePlus Premier members (Silver and above), Star Alliance Gold members, and most United co-brand card holders are exempt.
2026 policy note: United updated checked-bag prepay/lobby/gate fee tiers for tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026.
If your bag is too big at the gate
United uses rigid sizers at the gate. Bags that bulge past the frame, including wheels and handles, are flagged and may be gate-checked.
United Express regional jets may not fit a 22 x 14 x 9 bag in the cabin; bags may be valet-tagged at the jet bridge and returned at arrival.
How to measure your United carry-on
United’s published limit is 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm), and that measurement includes wheels, handles, and any side pockets. Soft bags that expand past the sizer still fail — the frame is rigid.
There is no published weight limit for a standard United carry-on. The practical rule is that you must lift it into the overhead bin yourself. If you cannot, agents can require a gate check.
- Measure length × width × depth with the handle retracted and wheels on the ground.
- Do not rely on “fits most airlines” marketing — test against 22 × 14 × 9 including hardware.
- If your bag is close to the limit, pack less in outer pockets so it does not bulge in the sizer.
Personal item vs carry-on (what actually fits)
Every United fare that includes a personal item allows one under-seat bag up to 17 × 10 × 9 inches (43 × 25 × 22 cm). It must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items: a small backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, or camera bag. A second tote that does not fit under the seat is treated as an extra carry-on and can be refused or checked.
- Economy and above: 1 full-size carry-on (overhead) + 1 personal item (under seat).
- Basic Economy (most domestic): personal item only — see exceptions below.
- Strollers, mobility devices, and approved medical items follow separate United rules and are not counted the same way as a leisure backpack.
Who still gets a full carry-on on Basic Economy
Beyond the route exceptions (transatlantic, transpacific, Canada, South America), United restores the overhead carry-on on restricted Basic Economy trips when status or an eligible co-brand card is on the reservation.
- MileagePlus Premier Silver and above
- Star Alliance Gold on the reservation
- Most United co-brand credit cards (MileagePlus number must be on the booking)
- Otherwise expect a gate check plus the higher airport/gate bag fee tier
United Express and gate sizers
Gate agents use rigid bag sizers. Soft bags that bulge past the frame fail even when the sewn dimensions look close. On Basic Economy trips where a full-size carry-on is not included, a failed sizer usually means the checked-bag fee at the more expensive lobby or gate tier.
On United Express regional aircraft, even a bag within 22 × 14 × 9 may be valet-tagged at the jet bridge because overhead bins are smaller. You typically reclaim it when you deplane — it is not a full checked bag to claim, but you will not have cabin access in flight.
Liquids, meds, and other cabin rules that still apply
United’s size rules sit on top of TSA (and foreign security) screening rules. In US security, liquids in carry-on still follow the 3-1-1 limit unless an exemption applies (for example, many medications and baby items).
Checked-bag rules are different: the 3-1-1 limit does not apply the same way in the hold. If you are deciding whether something belongs in the cabin or in a checked bag, see our packing guides linked below.
How United Airlines compares
See carry-on rules for Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines — dimensions, basic-economy rules, and fees differ airline by airline.
United Airlines terminals at major airports
Frequently asked questions
What is United Airlines's carry-on size?
22 x 14 x 9 (56 x 35 x 23), including wheels and handles.
Does United Airlines have a carry-on weight limit?
No weight limit — you must be able to lift it into the bin unassisted
Can I bring a carry-on on United Airlines basic economy?
For most trips, Basic Economy is limited to ONE personal item only — no full-size carry-on — EXCEPT on transatlantic, transpacific, and flights to/from Canada and South America. MileagePlus Premier members (Silver and above), Star Alliance Gold members, and most United co-brand card holders are exempt.
How much is United Airlines's carry-on or gate-check fee?
For tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026: checked bag from $45 prepay, $50 at lobby, $75 at the gate if a Basic Economy passenger brings a full-size carry-on that must be checked
Does United include wheels and handles in the 22 × 14 × 9 limit?
Yes. United’s carry-on dimensions include wheels, handles, and attachments. Soft bags that bulge past the sizer fail even if the sewn panel measurements look smaller.
What is United’s personal item size?
17 × 10 × 9 inches (43 × 25 × 22 cm). It must fit entirely under the seat in front of you — for example a small backpack, laptop bag, or purse.
Do United Express flights take a full-size carry-on?
Often not in the cabin. Even a bag within 22 × 14 × 9 may be valet-tagged at the jet bridge on regional jets and returned when you deplane.
Sources & citations
- United Airlines — Carry-on bags (PRIMARY) — verified
- United Airlines — Checked bags & fees — verified
- United Airlines — Basic Economy — verified
- TSA — What can I bring? (liquids / 3-1-1) — verified