The short answer
- Personal item: free, up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm).
- Carry-on: free on standard fares, up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm).
- Checked bag: first bag $50 ($45 prepaid); up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches.
- United Basic Economy: Basic Economy includes only a personal item on domestic and most short international routes. A carry-on has to be checked: from $45 prepaid, $50 at the counter, or $75 if it’s found at the gate. Premier members, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying United credit cardmembers are exempt, and carry-ons are allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes.
United bag fees at a glance
| Bag | Price | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | Free | 17 × 10 × 9 in |
| Carry-on bag | Free | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| 1st checked bag | $50 ($45 prepaid) | Up to 50 lb / 23 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 ($55 prepaid) | Up to 62 linear in |
| Overweight bag | 51–70 lb (24–32 kg): $100. 71–100 lb: $200. Over 100 lb not accepted. | |
| Oversize bag | 63–115 linear in (160–292 cm): $200. Over 115 in not accepted. Overweight and oversize fees stack. |
Standard fees for United’s main routes as of our last check. Elite status, co-branded cards and some fares include bags.
Checked bags
Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (157 cm), length + width + height. The prepaid price applies when you pay online at least 24 hours before departure. United also expresses the size limit as 30 × 20 × 12 in.
Full details: United Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit.
United carry-on and personal item size
- Carry-on
- 22 × 14 × 9 in
- 56 × 35 × 23 cm · free
- Personal item
- 17 × 10 × 9 in
- 43 × 25 × 22 cm · free
United Basic Economy
Basic Economy includes only a personal item on domestic and most short international routes. A carry-on has to be checked: from $45 prepaid, $50 at the counter, or $75 if it’s found at the gate. Premier members, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying United credit cardmembers are exempt, and carry-ons are allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes.
Rules to know
- United’s personal item limit, 17 × 10 × 9 in, is one of the smallest in the US. Many backpacks are too wide for it.
- A small purse is not allowed in addition to your personal item and carry-on.
- MileagePlus Premier members get 1–3 free bags (up to 70 lb), and qualifying United Chase cards waive the first bag.
- On CommutAir-operated United Express flights, only a personal item goes in the cabin.
- Fees rose for tickets bought from April 3, 2026; the third bag costs $200.
Will your bag fit United?
Measure your bag at its widest points. Most carry-on bags are 21–22.5 in tall with wheels.
Bags that fit United
- Best 22x14x9 Carry-On Luggage (Fits Every US Airline)A 22 × 14 × 9 in bag fits United’s carry-on limit.
- Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks35–45 L travel backpacks built to the carry-on limit.
- Best Personal Item Bags & Backpacks for PlanesSmaller backpacks for United’s personal item limit.
- Best Underseat LuggageSmall wheeled bags that go under the seat.
United compared with similar airlines
| Airline | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag | Checked weight | Lowest fare carry-on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United | $50 ($45 prepaid) | $60 ($55 prepaid) | 50 lb23 kg | Personal item onlyUnited Basic Economy |
| American Airlines | $50 ($45 online) | $60 ($55 online) | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedAmerican Basic Economy |
| Southwest | $45 | $55 | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedSouthwest Basic |
| Delta | $45 | $55 | 50 lb23 kg | Carry-on includedDelta Main Basic |
Frequently asked questions
How much is a checked bag on United?
First bag: $50 ($45 prepaid). Second bag: $60 ($55 prepaid).
What is the weight limit for checked bags on United?
50 lb (23 kg) in economy. 51–70 lb (24–32 kg): $100. 71–100 lb: $200. Over 100 lb not accepted.
How can I avoid United baggage fees?
MileagePlus Premier members get 1–3 free bags (up to 70 lb), and qualifying United Chase cards waive the first bag.
What does United Basic Economy include?
Basic Economy includes only a personal item on domestic and most short international routes. A carry-on has to be checked: from $45 prepaid, $50 at the counter, or $75 if it’s found at the gate. Premier members, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying United credit cardmembers are exempt, and carry-ons are allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes.