United Airlines 2026 Baggage Allowance – Carry-On & Checked Rules Fully Explained
United is not “hard”, it’s just… picky. The rules change depending on your fare type, route, cabin, and when you pay for bags, which is how perfectly normal people end up repacking underwear next to a bin that smells like pretzels. This guide breaks down what you can bring for free, what triggers fees, and how to avoid the Basic Economy baggage banana skin.
You’ll get the actual size limits (with cm conversions), the fee situations that sting, and a real-world packing plan that does not rely on hope and vibes. We’ll also cover the stuff that quietly changes everything: status, credit cards, kids, special items, and connections on smaller planes. Let’s keep your money for snacks, not luggage penalties. 🧳✈️
United Airlines Baggage Allowance: Quick Facts at a Glance
✅ United carry-on size limit: 9 x 14 x 22 in (23 x 36 x 56 cm) including wheels/handles
✅ United personal item must fit under-seat: 9 x 10 x 17 in (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
✅ Basic Economy often means personal item only (carry-on rules can change by route, so check your booking)
✅ Checked bag max size: 62 linear in (158 cm) total (L+W+H), including wheels/handles
✅ Standard checked bag weight is commonly 50 lb (23 kg) in Economy and 70 lb (32 kg) in premium cabins
✅ The pain starts at 51 lb (23+ kg) because overweight fees kick in fast
✅ Biggest fee triggers: Basic Economy carry-on, paying late, overweight, oversize
✅ Best quick win: measure, weigh, then prepay if you’ll check a bag
✅ Best for: families, long-haul connections, ski trips, and anyone who hates surprise fees
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Screenshot your booking’s “Baggage” breakdown in the United app before travel day. It saves you from last-minute debate at the desk.
Quick United Airlines Baggage Allowance Q&As
What is United Airlines baggage allowance?
It’s the set of rules for what bags you can bring (carry-on, personal item, checked bags) and what fees apply based on fare, route, and timing.
What size carry-on does United allow?
Up to 9 x 14 x 22 in (23 x 36 x 56 cm) including wheels and handles.
Is a carry-on free on United Basic Economy?
On many routes, Basic Economy includes only a personal item. Some longer international routes can include a carry-on, so check your exact itinerary.
How much is a checked bag on United?
It varies by route and fare, but on many North America itineraries it’s typically cheaper if prepaid than at the airport.
What counts as a personal item on United?
A small backpack, purse, tote, or laptop bag that fits under the seat and stays within the size limit.
What are United’s overweight and oversize rules?
Over 50 lb (23 kg) and over 62 linear in (158 cm) can trigger extra charges. Very heavy or very large bags may be refused.
How do I get a free checked bag on United?
Common routes include elite status, Star Alliance Gold, certain United credit cards, premium cabins, and some international fares.
👉 Good to know: “Free” and “included” are not the same across fares. Always check the baggage line-item for your specific flight, not a general chart.
United Airlines baggage allowance 2026: the quick answer (free vs paid, in plain English)
Think of United baggage like a two-lane road. Lane one is what you bring onboard: a carry-on in the overhead bin plus a personal item under the seat. Lane two is checked bags, where fees and weight rules do most of their damage. The messy bit is that your fare type decides what “free” looks like, and Basic Economy plays by stricter rules on many routes.
The three traps to watch are simple:
- Basic Economy: often personal item only, and turning up with a bigger bag can cost more than you expect
- Overweight: crossing 50 lb (23 kg) is where fees start biting
- Oversize: big suitcases and awkward gear can trigger extra charges fast
🤚 Must-do: Before you pack, open your booking and check the “Baggage” section for your exact itinerary. That is your real rulebook.
✈️ Official United Airlines Cabin Bag Sizes and faqs
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Carry-on rules (and the size limit that actually matters)
United’s carry-on size limit is 9 x 14 x 22 inches (that’s 23 x 36 x 56 cm). The key phrase is “including wheels and handles”, because that’s the bit that gets you when your bag is technically fine… until you remember the wheels exist. If you’re shopping for a new case, buy for the limit, not for the marketing tag that says “cabin approved”.
A few real-world notes:
- The overhead bin is not infinite, especially on full flights and tight connections
- Soft-sided bags are more forgiving if you’re close to the edges
- If you’re boarding late, you’re more likely to be asked to gate-check
Quick measuring sanity check:
- Measure at the bulkiest point (wheels, hard corners, chunky handles)
- Don’t rely on “expandable” mode unless you enjoy stress
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If your bag expands, pack as if it doesn’t. Zip bulge is basically a neon sign that says “measure me”.
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Personal item rules: what counts and what gets flagged at boarding
Your personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you, with a published limit of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm). United’s classic examples are backpacks, purses, and laptop bags. The under-seat rule matters because gate agents don’t care how “personal” it feels. They care if it fits.
Safe bets (usually fine):
- Soft daypack (not stuffed like a vacuum bag)
- Tote bag that squishes
- Slim laptop bag
Risky bets (often flagged):
- Hard-shell “mini cabin” cases
- Overpacked backpacks with a big rigid frame
- Anything boxy that can’t squish under-seat
If you’re travelling with valuables, meds, chargers, and documents, your personal item is the best home for them. Gate-checked bags are not the place for your passport and your only pair of glasses.
💡 Fact: If your personal item can’t slide under-seat without a wrestling match, it’s not a personal item on travel day.
Basic Economy on United: the baggage rule that catches people out
Basic Economy is where people lose money fastest because it looks like a normal ticket until baggage shows up. On many domestic and short-haul routes, Basic Economy often means one personal item only. A full-size carry-on may not be included, and turning up with one can force you into a paid check-in scenario.
There are route-based exceptions on some longer international services, so you can’t use one blanket rule for every Basic Economy ticket. That’s why the only safe move is checking your exact booking’s baggage allowance before you arrive at the airport with a bag you’re “pretty sure is fine”.
If you’re travelling Basic Economy, plan like this:
- Choose a personal item that fits the under-seat limit
- Keep it soft-sided and squishable
- Don’t assume you can do a “free gate-check” move
👉 Good to know: Basic Economy is not the place for “I’ll chance it”. That gamble is priced like a casino.
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Checked bag basics: size, weight, and the rules that trigger charges
United’s standard checked bag size limit is 62 linear inches (total of length + width + height), which is 158 cm, including wheels and handles. They also describe a max example size of 30 x 20 x 12 inches (76 x 52 x 30 cm). If your bag goes over the size limit, you’re into oversize territory.
For weight, most Economy checked bags are typically capped at 50 lb (23 kg). Premium cabins often allow 70 lb (32 kg)per checked bag, and some international limits can vary by route or airport rules. United also states they generally won’t accept checked bags over 100 lb (45 kg), with exceptions like assistive devices and certain musical instruments.
Plain-English triggers:
- 51 lb is where fees start
- 63 linear inches is where oversize can kick in
- Over 100 lb can be refused, not just charged
🤚 Must-do: Add up your bag’s dimensions at home once, save it in your notes app, and stop guessing forever.
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Checked bag fees: what you’ll pay and what changes the price
Checked bag fees on United depend on route, fare, cabin, status, and when you pay. On many North America itineraries, the widely reported pattern is: Bag 1 is cheaper if prepaid (often $35 prepaid vs $40 at the airport), and Bag 2 is often $45prepaid vs $50 at the airport. That $5 difference sounds small until you’re paying it for multiple travellers, both directions.
Approx conversions (rates move):
- $35 ≈ £26 / €30
- $40 ≈ £30 / €34
- $45 ≈ £33 / €39
- $50 ≈ £37 / €43
| Scenario | Typical fee | Who can avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag on many North America routes | $35–$40 | Premium cabins, some cards, some status |
| 2nd checked bag on many North America routes | $45–$50 | Higher status, some premium fares |
| Paying at the airport instead of prepaying | +$5-ish per bag | Anyone who prepays |
| Extra bags (3rd+) | Often $100+ | Rarely avoidable without specific allowances |
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you’re already committed to checking a bag, prepaying is one of the easiest “no extra effort” savings you’ll ever get.
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Overweight fees: how 1–2 kg can cost you real money
This is the cruel part: you can be 1–2 kg over and still get hit with a fee that feels like you brought a piano. Overweight starts above 50 lb (23 kg) on many Economy tickets, with common tiers published around 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) and 71–100 lb (32–45 kg). The exact fee can vary by itinerary, but it’s often big enough that you’ll remember it forever.
How to fix it fast without chaos:
- Move dense items into your personal item (chargers, toiletries, books)
- Wear your bulkiest layers (coat, boots) during check-in
- Split into two lighter bags if you’re travelling with someone
- Pack a foldable tote for overflow
- Use a luggage scale at home, not your “hand estimate”
If you’re close to the line, aim for 48–49 lb (about 22 kg) to leave wiggle room for scale differences.
💡 Fact: The cheapest overweight fee is the one you never trigger. Aim under the limit, not on it.
Oversize fees: the sneaky penalty for big suitcases and awkward shapes
Oversize usually starts when your bag exceeds 62 linear inches (158 cm). People get caught by this more than you’d think because modern suitcases are tall, rigid, and love chunky wheels. Add an external pocket stuffed with jackets, and suddenly your “normal” case is a balloon with a handle.
Practical moves if you’re close:
- Measure the bag packed, not empty
- Avoid overstuffing outer pockets
- Swap to a softer bag if you’re right on the edge
- If you’re hauling something awkward (big pram, sports case), check special item rules early
Also note: oversize and overweight fees can stack on the same bag on some routes. That’s the “double sting” nobody wants.
👉 Good to know: If your suitcase is “large” in the shop, it’s usually flirting with the oversize line once packed.
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Fare types and cabins: Economy vs Premium Plus vs Polaris (what changes for bags)
This is where people accidentally overpay. Sometimes the price difference between fares is close to the cost of adding bags separately, and sometimes it’s not even close. Your booking will always show what’s included, but the general pattern is: Basic Economy is strict, standard Economy is more flexible, and premium cabins usually include more checked bags and higher weight allowances.
| Fare/cabin | Carry-on | Checked bags | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Often personal item only | Usually paid | Short trips with light packing |
| Economy | Carry-on + personal item | Often paid on North America routes | Most travellers who pack smart |
| Premium Plus | Carry-on + personal item | Often includes checked bags | Long-haul comfort + baggage value |
| Polaris / Business / First | Carry-on + personal item | Usually more included | Heavy packers, work trips, long-haul |
🤚 Must-do: Compare “upgrade cost” vs “bag fees for everyone, both directions”. It’s amazing how often the upgrade quietly wins.
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Free checked bags: the legit ways people get them
There are a few genuine, repeatable ways to reduce or remove checked bag fees on United. The big ones are MileagePlus Premier status tiers, Star Alliance Gold benefits (depending on the operating carrier and route), certain United-branded credit cards, and premium cabins. Active duty military allowances can also be different, and special items like assistive devices are handled separately.
Here’s the clean way to think about it:
- Status can grant free checked bags, and sometimes higher weight limits
- Cards can offer a free bag for the primary cardmember, sometimes on the same reservation (rules vary)
- Cabin upgrades can include checked bags, sometimes two
- International fares can include a bag even in Economy on some routes
Always confirm in your booking’s baggage line item, because “I read it online” is not a policy at the airport.
Flying with kids: what’s free, what’s allowed, what’s just extra faff
Travelling with kids adds bags like a magic trick. One moment you’re a minimal packer, the next you’re hauling snacks, a spare hoodie, and a small pharmacy. United’s rules for family items can depend on ticket type and what you’re checking, so always confirm on your booking. In general, many airlines allow things like strollers and car seats to be checked, and nappy bags can be treated differently than a regular “extra bag”.
Practical family packing logic:
- Keep essentials (wipes, meds, spare top) in the personal item
- Use a soft backpack for under-seat space
- Pack one “emergency outfit” per child in an easy grab pouch
- Put liquids and baby food in one separate section for security checks
One airport pacing tip: plan to arrive earlier than you think you need. Kids + bags + queues can stretch time like chewing gum.
👉 Good to know: The fastest family trip is the one where you are not rummaging for snacks at the scanner.
Sports gear and special items (including skis)
Sports gear is where baggage rules turn into a choose-your-own-adventure book. On some routes, skis and sports cases can count as a standard checked bag if they stay within size and weight limits. On others, they can be treated as special items with different handling rules. The same goes for golf bags, surfboards, and bulky kit.
To avoid surprises:
- Weigh the packed case, not the empty shell
- Keep boots and heavy items out of the ski bag if it risks overweight
- If the item is long or rigid, check if it’s treated as oversize on your route
- Label the bag clearly inside and out
If you’re travelling for a ski trip, the best move is often packing clothing around the gear smartly, and keeping fragile items in your personal item
Connections and regional aircraft: why gate-check happens (and how to not lose time)
Even if your carry-on is within size, regional aircraft and busy boarding groups can lead to gate-checking. It’s often a space problem, not a punishment. The issue is time: gate-checking can slow you down on tight connections, and the last thing you want is sprinting terminals with your essentials buried in a bag you handed over.
Pack your personal item like it’s your survival kit:
- Passport, wallet, meds
- Chargers, headphones, power bank
- A layer for cold cabins
- Anything fragile or valuable
- One “I got delayed” mini kit (toothbrush, deodorant, clean top)
If you’re connecting, avoid putting “must have immediately” items in your carry-on.
🤚 Must-do: Assume your carry-on could be separated from you for a while. If that idea scares you, repack now, not at the gate.
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Avoiding fees: the real-world packing plan
Here’s the boring-but-effective system that stops baggage fees before they start.
Pick the right bag size
- Carry-on: within 9 x 14 x 22 in (23 x 36 x 56 cm)
- Personal item: within 9 x 10 x 17 in (22 x 25 x 43 cm)
- Weigh at home
- Aim for under 50 lb (23 kg) if checking a bag
- Build a buffer, don’t pack to the exact limit
Pack heavy items smartly
- Dense stuff goes in the personal item (within reason)
- Wear bulky layers to the airport
Keep essentials under-seat
Docs, meds, chargers, valuables, one spare top
Night-before checklist:
- Measure bag once (packed)
- Weigh bag once (packed)
- Screenshot baggage allowance in your booking
- Prepay checked bags if needed
- Put a luggage tag and a contact card inside the bag
Baggage problems: delayed, damaged, missing (what to do fast)
If a bag goes missing or turns up looking like it did a tour of the baggage belt Olympics, speed matters. At the airport, go straight to the baggage service desk before you leave the secure area. Get a reference number, confirm your contact details, and keep copies of receipts for essentials you have to buy due to delay.
Do this immediately:
- Photograph the bag (and damage) before you leave the airport
- File the report in-person or via the airline’s official process ASAP
- Keep boarding pass, bag tag receipt, and the report number together
- Track updates through the airline’s tools if offered
This is also where having travel insurance can help, especially for baggage delay and essential replacement coverage, depending on your policy.
Common United baggage myths (and what’s actually true)
Airports are full of confident advice from strangers who are two coffees deep and wrong. Here are the myths that cause the most fee pain.
Myth: “They never measure bags.”
Reality: they measure when flights are full, bins are tight, or your bag looks chunky.
Myth: “Gate-check is always free.”
Reality: sometimes yes (space issues), sometimes no (fare rules, especially Basic Economy scenarios).
Myth: “My personal item can be any backpack.”
Reality: it needs to fit under-seat and stay within the size limit. Overpacked bags get noticed.
Myth: “Overweight is just a small fee.”
Reality: overweight charges can jump fast, and they stack with other fees on some routes.
Myth: “International always includes checked bags.”
Reality: many do, but fare types can change what’s included.
Most common airport mistakes that trigger fees
If you want the short list of “please don’t do this”, here it is. These are the exact moments where people end up paying extra.
- Packing to exactly 50 lb (23 kg) with no buffer
- Assuming Basic Economy includes a carry-on
- Turning up with a hard-shell “personal item” that can’t fit under-seat
- Paying at the airport instead of prepaying
- Overstuffing outer pockets so the suitcase bulges past limits
- Putting essentials in the bag most likely to be gate-checked
- Not checking operating carrier rules on codeshares
- If you’re connecting, the “time cost” of baggage issues can be worse than the fee. The whole goal is smooth, boring travel day energy.
FAQs about United Airlines Baggage Allowance
Is a carry-on free on United?
Often yes on standard Economy fares, but Basic Economy can be stricter on many routes. Always check your booking’s baggage allowance because some international routes have different inclusions.
What size carry-on is allowed on United?
United’s published carry-on limit is 9 x 14 x 22 in (23 x 36 x 56 cm), including wheels and handles. If your bag expands, measure it when packed.
How much is a checked bag on United?
It varies by route and fare. On many North America itineraries, fees are commonly lower if prepaid than if paid at the airport, so check your exact trip before travel day.
What happens if my bag is overweight on United?
Once you go over the standard weight limit (often 50 lb / 23 kg in Economy), overweight charges can apply. The fee depends on route and weight tier, so weighing at home saves real money.
How do I avoid checked bag fees on United?
Pack to fit onboard, avoid Basic Economy baggage traps, and prepay checked bags if you need them. Status, some credit cards, premium cabins, and certain international fares can also include free checked bags.
Final Thoughts
The strategy is simple, even if the rules feel like a maze: measure, weigh, pick the right fare, and prepay if you know you’ll check a bag. Avoid packing to the exact limit, and treat your personal item like your “stuff I can’t lose” kit. That one habit saves time, money, and stress in one go.
If you want a second opinion, tell me your route, fare type, and what bags you’re trying to bring, plus the one thing you’re most worried about. And if you’re building a stash of travel-day sanity tools, have a rummage around TheTravelTinker.com for more flight and packing guides. Also, if you’re landing late with heavy luggage, booking an airport transfer can be the difference between “smooth arrival” and “why is my taxi queue a novel”.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Author
Freddie Masters
I’m Freddie, a traveller who decided that life was a bit too short to spend it behind a desk. A few years ago, I packed a bag and set off to see what the world actually looks like, and I haven't really stopped since. From navigating the chaos of Southeast Asian markets to finding quiet corners in the Balkans, I’m all about those authentic, local experiences.
I started to write for TheTravelTinker.com to give you the real talk on travel. You won't find any glossy, staged nonsense here. Instead, I focus on practical tips, honest budget advice, and the truth about what happens when things don't go to plan. If I can figure out a local bus route or find a world-class meal for the price of a coffee, I want to make sure you can too.
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