Does United really charge for carry-on bags?

What is United Airlines' (UA) carry-on baggage policy? United Airlines (UA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.



The "charge" for carry-on bags on United Airlines applies specifically to the Basic Economy fare class for domestic and short-haul international flights. On these tickets, you are only allowed one personal item (like a backpack or purse) that fits under the seat; a full-sized carry-on for the overhead bin is not permitted. If you bring a full-sized bag to the gate on a Basic Economy ticket, you will be forced to check it and pay the standard checked bag fee plus a $25 gate-handling fee. However, for all other fare classes (Economy, Economy Plus, First, etc.), one carry-on bag is included for free. Furthermore, you are exempt from this Basic Economy restriction if you are a MileagePlus Premier member, a primary cardholder of a qualifying United credit card, or a Star Alliance Gold member. In 2026, travelers on trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights also generally receive a free carry-on even in Basic Economy, so always check the "Baggage" tab on your specific confirmation to avoid a surprise at the gate.

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Your bag must fit in the overhead bin, so it must be 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm). When measuring your bag, be sure to include the handle and wheels.

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You can avoid United checked bag fees by paying more to travel in premium economy, business or first class. Passengers in these cabins receive two free checked bags on domestic flights. Those flying in business or first class have a 70-pound baggage allowance.

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Many airlines will allow you to bring a carry-on bag and personal item for free. However, some airlines may only allow a personal item that fits under your seat for free. Anything larger (e.g. a bag that's too big to fit under the seat but can fit into the overhead compartment) may require extra payment.

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If you're flying on an airline that charges for carry-on bags and you try to bring one without paying, the airline will require you to check it at the gate, and there'll likely be a fee attached.

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A quick easy way is to go into your reservation on the United website or app and try to select a seat. If you are Basic Economy, it won't let you select a seat or have a seat assignment in advance unless you purchased one.

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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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Your bag will have to fit into the sizer for it to be approved as a carry-on. Having a flexible fabric bag is advantageous in this situation because you'll be able to squeeze it in even if it's slightly oversized. Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized.

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United's bag policy for basic economy tickets will continue to allow only a personal item. The airline polices this by restricting check-in options for basic economy travelers, something American did not do when it had a carry-on bag ban.

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While United's carry-on policy has limited luggage size, there is no maximum weight allowance. If you can fit it into your carry-on bag and it's acceptable to bring on board, it doesn't matter how much carry-on items weigh.

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Can I have a backpack and a carry-on on United? Yes, you're allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag (9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm)) and 1 personal item (9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm)) on most flights.

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A carry on bag is your larger, primary bag, which you'll stow in the overhead bin. A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you.

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They're among the most restrictive fares you'll find in the skies. While every other airline allows you to bring a carry-on bag while flying basic economy, United does not. And that means you can't check in online, either.

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But if you need a rule of thumb to go by, here's how we fall on the carry-on versus checked bag debate: Carry your bags on board for short trips, when you want to spend as little time as possible getting in and out of airports, and when avoiding checked bag fees is key.

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If overhead bins are full, ask the crew for help finding space. The worst that happens is that your luggage is checked for the trip at no charge.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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