American: Basic economy customers are entitled to one personal item and one carry-on bag. United: Full-sized carry-on bags are not allowed on many routes, including U.S. domestic routes and those who bring a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be charged the applicable baggage fee, plus a $25 gate handling fee.

On United Airlines, the Basic Economy restriction is quite literal: you are allowed one small personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) that must fit under the seat in front of you, and a standard carry-on bag for the overhead bin is strictly prohibited. If you bring a full-sized carry-on to the gate, you will be forced to gate-check it and pay the standard checked bag fee plus a $25 handling surcharge. However, there are a few "lesser-known" exceptions in 2026. You can bring a full carry-on for free if you are a MileagePlus Premier member, a primary cardholder of a qualifying Chase United credit card, or a Star Alliance Gold member. Additionally, Basic Economy passengers on transatlantic or transpacific flights are typically allowed one full carry-on bag for free, unlike domestic flights. For most U.S. domestic travelers, however, the rule is firm: unless you have status or a specific credit card, your luggage must stay at your feet or go in the hold for a fee.