What is the size of a carry-on for United?

The United Airlines carry-on allowance permits you to bring one cabin bag at 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), plus one personal item with maximum total dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).



For United Airlines in 2026, the standard carry-on bag must not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm), including handles and wheels. This bag must fit in the overhead bin. Additionally, you are allowed one personal item (like a backpack or purse) which must be no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm) to fit under the seat in front of you. Warning for Basic Economy: If you have a domestic Basic Economy ticket, you are only allowed the small personal item; you cannot bring a full-size carry-on unless you are on a trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flight, or if you hold specific elite status or a United co-branded credit card. If you bring a full-size carry-on to the gate with a Basic Economy ticket, you will be charged the standard checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling fee.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

How strict are the airlines about luggage dimensions? Carryon dimensions are limited to the size of the overhead bin. In those cases dimensions are strict. Anything too big gets gate checked.

MORE DETAILS

To calculate the size of your carry-on bag, measure the length, height, and depth (or width) of your bag. You can add the three numbers together to find the total linear inches. For example, a bag with a length of 20 inches, width of 12 inches, and depth of 6 inches would be 20+12+6 = 38 linear inches.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

United international baggage fees On international routes, economy passengers generally receive one or two free checked bags, depending on the destination.

MORE DETAILS

United restricts full-sized carry-ons for its basic economy tickets. Basic economy tickets are ineligible for refunds and don't include seat selection. Economy Plus features standard economy seats with extra legroom. Standard economy includes seat selection and a free carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

Is a 24-inch Carry-On Too Big? Most airlines can accommodate a 24-inch carry-on, but not all. Generally, a carry-on suitcase measuring 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, commonly seen as 22 x 14 x 9, would be the most widely accepted size.

MORE DETAILS

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don't miss them from your measurements.

MORE DETAILS

Items subject to the 3-1-1 rule include liquid and aerosol deodorant, cologne, perfume, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, lotion, sunscreen and toothpaste. Outside of your clear quart-sized bag, you can pack your solid deodorant, toothbrush (manual and electronic), tweezers and mirrors.

MORE DETAILS

In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

MORE DETAILS

Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9, which includes the handle and the wheels.

MORE DETAILS

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags? Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, and in some cases, personal items.

MORE DETAILS

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

MORE DETAILS