Is United charging for carry-on bags?

United Airlines (UA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free.



In 2026, United Airlines' policy on carry-on bags depends entirely on your fare class. If you book a "Basic Economy" ticket on a domestic or short-haul international flight, you are not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag; you are restricted to one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a carry-on bag to the gate with a Basic Economy ticket, you will be required to check it and pay the standard checked bag fee plus a $25 to $65 gate handling charge. However, if you book a standard "United Economy" fare or higher, a full-sized carry-on bag is included for free. Furthermore, MileagePlus Premier members and primary cardholders of qualifying United co-branded credit cards receive a "carry-on allowance" even when flying in Basic Economy. For long-haul international flights (transatlantic/transpacific), United typically allows one free carry-on regardless of the fare class, but it is essential to check your specific flight details in 2026, as baggage rules continue to be a primary way airlines "unbundle" costs.

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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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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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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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United Airlines Carry-On Baggage 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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Domestic basic economy tickets are an exception to the free-carry-on policy. Those traveling on domestic basic economy tickets are only allowed to bring a personal item — no free carry-on. If you bring a carry-on bag with you to the gate, you'll have to pay the checked bag fee and a $25 gate handling charge.

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Charging for carry-on bags helps lower ticket prices by reducing the aircraft's load and saving fuel. Many airlines, including Spirit and Frontier, charge high fees for carry-on bags at the gate, increasing the cost of flying on these carriers.

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Carry-on luggage, for example, has the benefit of being much cheaper. You often don't have to pay any extra fees for carry-on bags. This means that you can save money by using only carry-on baggage.

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Keep in mind that upgrading to Economy Plus will only net you more legroom, guaranteed in-seat power access and a seat closer to the front of the plane; it will not get you an additional baggage allowance.

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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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With most airlines, there's no difference between the actual seats in the main cabin versus basic economy. But the policies outside of your seats — like how much luggage you can bring and how easy (and cheaply) you can change your flights — can be significantly different.

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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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What size is carry-on luggage? While measurement restrictions vary by airline, several major airlines use the following size requirements: Domestic Airline Carry-on Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches. International Airline Carry-on Size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches.

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United Airlines is debuting new plans to let economy passengers with window seats board first. The airline's new boarding process, called WILMA (windows, middle, aisle), is rolling out just ahead of the holiday travel months, with an aim to speed up boarding efficiencies.

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