Did United get rid of carry-on bags?

Carry-on bag Carry-on bags are not included unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or on an international flight across the Pacific. You can prepay to check a bag or check a carry-on at your gate for the regular bag fee plus an additional $25.



No, United Airlines has not gotten rid of carry-on bags for the general public, but they have strictly limited them for Basic Economy passengers. In 2026, if you purchase a standard Economy, Economy Plus, or First Class ticket, you are still allowed one full-sized carry-on bag for the overhead bin and one personal item for under the seat. However, Basic Economy travelers are restricted to one personal item only; if they bring a larger carry-on to the gate, they are charged the standard checked bag fee plus a significant "gate handling" penalty (often $25 or more). This policy is designed to keep fares low for budget-conscious travelers while reducing the frequent struggle for overhead bin space. United has also retrofitted much of its fleet with larger "SpaceBins" that allow bags to be stored on their sides, significantly increasing the capacity for carry-ons for those who are eligible to bring them.

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You're not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you're a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold member.

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United Airlines (UA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free. Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions: 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.

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United Airlines allows passengers one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 inches) and one larger carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) free of charge. The personal item must fit under the seat, while the larger carry-on goes in the overhead bin. Basic Economy passengers, however, are limited to one personal item.

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United Express Carry-On Rules. United Express flights are operated by regional airline partners, who typically use smaller aircraft with less overhead space than United's regular aircraft. Often larger carry-on bags and roller bags will not fit in the overhead bins of Express aircraft.

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One full-sized carry-on bag 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm) plus one personal item 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). If you are travelling on a Basic Economy ticket, your personal item will be the only item you can bring on board.

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Carry-on bags are not included unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or on an international flight across the Pacific. You can prepay to check a bag or check a carry-on at your gate for the regular bag fee plus an additional $25.

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Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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The United Airlines carry-on allowance permits you to bring one cabin bag at 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), plus one personal item with maximum total dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).

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United's new Basic Economy fares will charge for carry-on bags. PUBLISHED: November 16, 2016 at 10:07 a.m. | UPDATED: April 8, 2018 at 2:24 p.m. The skies aren't so friendly if you're on a budget. United announced Tuesday that it's charging its lowest-fare passengers to use the overhead bins.

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depending on the plane, one inch might not be a big deal. If it is a problem, they make you either check it at the front desk, the gate, or if you're having trouble fitting it in the overhead bin or under your seat, the flight attendant will help you gate check it plane side.

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In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don't miss them from your measurements.

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If you purchased a basic economy ticket for United, it should be clearly indicated on your ticket or confirmation email. Look for the fare code - basic economy code for United is N. Are United Airlines' Mileage Plus points valuable enough to pay $50-100 extra for a long trip?

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Longtime airline industry observer William McGee says there's no consistency in how airlines enforce their luggage policies. When flights aren't full, crews typically look the other way when passengers bring large carry-on bags. But when every seat is occupied, they enforce the rules strictly.

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United international baggage fees On international routes, economy passengers generally receive one or two free checked bags, depending on the destination. Here's a summary of what you can expect to pay for baggage fees so long as your bag adheres to United's size and weight requirements.

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Standard, domestic, carry-on luggage size is currently limited to around 22 inches tall, 9 inches deep, and 14 inches wide. A few airlines allow larger bags to be carried on. If flying internationally, plan to pack lighter or check your bag.

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Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.

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