United Airlines Carry-On Size & Baggage Allowance
Every United Airlines fare includes a small under-seat bag up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm). A cabin bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm) is not included on the cheapest fare (Basic Economy). Checked on 10 October 2026 against United Airlines' own policy; use the size checker to see whether your own bag fits.
What is carry-on, personal item and checked baggage?
Baggage allowance for United Airlines · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
A handbag, laptop bag or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
United publishes no weight limit for cabin baggage — the bag has to fit the sizer and the overhead bin.
A checked bag may be up to 76 × 52 × 30 cm (30 × 20 × 12 in) or 62 in in total, handles and wheels included. Economy and Premium Economy allow 23 kg per bag; Business, First and Polaris allow 32 kg. MileagePlus Premier status also raises the limit to 32 kg, and where cabin and status differ United applies the higher of the two. Basic Economy has its own allowance.
Allowance by Cabin Class / Fare
Baggage allowance for United Airlines · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
Cabin allowance by fare
The figures above are the standard allowance. On United Airlines it changes with the fare or cabin you book.
Excess & Oversize Fees
Charges are usually lower when paid online before travel than at the airport.
Good to Know
Will your bag fit United Airlines?
Enter your suitcase dimensions in the size checker and see instantly whether it meets these limits.
Check my bag for United AirlinesThe three baggage types, explained
Airlines split what you travel with into three allowances. Each has its own size and weight limit, and the one you exceed decides what you pay.
The small bag that goes under the seat in front of you — handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. Usually free and rarely weighed.
The wheeled case you take into the cabin and store in the overhead bin. Sized at the gate, and weighed by many airlines.
The large suitcase you hand over at the desk and collect at your destination. Charged by bag, with strict weight limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cabin bag free on United Airlines?
Not on every fare. The cheapest option (Basic Economy) includes only a small bag up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm) that fits under the seat. A cabin bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm) comes with Economy and above.
What happens if my bag doesn't fit United Airlines' sizer?
Staff can send it to the hold at the gate and charge for it, and a gate charge is usually far more than adding the bag online before you fly. The current amounts are on United Airlines' own fees page. United Airlines baggage fees
Can I bring a personal item in addition to my United Airlines cabin bag?
Yes. Besides the cabin bag you can bring one personal item up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm), such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, stowed under the seat in front of you.
Compare with other airlines
Baggage limits differ sharply between carriers — these are the ones travellers most often weigh against United Airlines.
