Everyone else who brings a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge. Changing a flight: Ticket changes are not allowed.

For United Airlines in 2026, if you are flying on a Basic Economy ticket and bring a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate, you will be charged the standard checked bag fee (starting at $35) plus a $25 gate handling charge, totaling at least $60. This policy is designed to discourage Basic Economy passengers—who are only entitled to one small personal item under the seat—from bypassing the check-in counter. However, if the flight is full and a standard "Economy" passenger is asked by the gate agent to check their bag because the overhead bins are at capacity, there is no charge for this service. Additionally, essential items like strollers, car seats, and assistive medical devices are always gate-checked for free. To avoid the $25 penalty, Basic Economy travelers must check their large bags at the airport lobby kiosks before passing through security.