The short answer
United’s carry-on limit is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles. It is free on standard economy fares.
Your personal item can be up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
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 size limits
Drawn to scale. All measurements include wheels, handles and pockets.
Carry-on bag
Overhead bin
- Maximum size
- 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm
- Weight
- No published limit
- Cost
- Free with standard economy
Personal item
Under the seat in front
- Maximum size
- 17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cm
- Weight
- No published limit
- Cost
- Free on every fare
Will your bag fit United?
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.
Bringing more? See United Checked Bag Size & Weight Limit and the full United Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees.
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 | Carry-on | Personal item | Carry-on weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| United | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm | 17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cm | No limit |
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm | 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm | No limit |
| Southwest | 24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat | No limit |
| Delta | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat | No limit |
Every airline in one chart: Carry-On Luggage Size by Airline (Master Chart).