What happens if you gate check?

Not only will you need to part with your bag, but you'll need to figure out where to pick it up after you land. In most cases, gate checked bags will be sent to the baggage claim along with all the paid, checked luggage. Meaning you'll have to say goodbye to that speedy exit at your destination.



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When overhead bins fill up, travelers with carry-ons that don't fit under the seat will be asked to gate check their bag. Gate checking is always free of charge, and basically means your carry-on will be put into the cargo hold with all the other checked luggage.

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Your gate-checked bag's journey In most cases, you will receive a special tag that you or the gate agent will place on your bag, and the bag will be taken away. In other cases, you may receive the tag and you'll be asked to leave it in a designated area when you board.

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Valet Checking is a faster and safer way to check a carry-on bag. Typically, passengers will only have to wait a few minutes to receive their bag on the jetbridge, and they will not have to leave the secured area and go to baggage claim (like they would with gate checking) to pick up their luggage.

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Bottom line. It's not uncommon to have to gate check a bag, either because overhead bins are simply full, or because your carry-on exceeds the limit. Sometimes this is because passengers try to travel with a kitchen sink, while other times it's because airlines have unrealistically low carry-on limits.

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Bags are weighed at check-in and many airlines have placed bag sizers at their gates. If your carry-on bags are too big, you will have to check them. This might cause them to be classified as extra bags which usually carries an extra charge.

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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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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival.

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.

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As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you'll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.

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Flyers with a basic economy ticket are not permitted to put a carry-on in the overhead bin – they're limited to one small personal item underneath the seat. With a normal economy fare, you can bring a normal carry-on bag onboard. Because of that, basic economy passengers cannot check in online or using the United app.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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