Basic Economy You can't bring a carry-on bag unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific. All other bags have to be checked. Note, if you check a carry-on at your gate, you'll be charged the standard bag fee plus an additional $25.

No, not always. Whether you get a carry-on with United Airlines depends entirely on the type of ticket you purchase. If you book a Basic Economy ticket for a domestic flight or a short-haul flight to Mexico or the Caribbean, you are not allowed a full-size carry-on bag for the overhead bin; you are only permitted one small personal item (like a backpack or purse) that fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a larger bag to the gate with a Basic Economy ticket, United will charge you the standard checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling fee. However, there are exceptions: if you are a MileagePlus Premier member, a Star Alliance Gold member, or the primary cardholder of a qualifying Chase United credit card, you still get a free carry-on even on a Basic Economy ticket. For all other fare classes—including Economy, Economy Plus, First Class, and Polaris—one full-size carry-on and one personal item are included for free. On international trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, United usually allows one free carry-on for all passengers, including Basic Economy.