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United Airlines Carry-On Rules 2026 22 x 14 x 9"

By Caden Sorenson Updated May 20, 2026 Sourced from the official United Airlines policy

Exact United Airlines carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

Quick answer

United Airlines carry-on bags can be up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm), with no published weight limit, and no carry-on fee on most fares.

Carry-on size: up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
Weight limit: no published weight limit
Carry-on fee: free on most fares
Personal item: up to 17 x 10 x 9", free on every fare
Gate-check risk: Medium
Last verified: May 20, 2026

United Airlines maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in): 22 x 14 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm): 56 x 35 x 23 cm
Weight limit: No published limit
Fee: Free
Gate-check risk: Medium

Basic Economy passengers (except on transatlantic routes) are limited to a personal item only, no full carry-on allowed.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in): 17 x 10 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm): 43 x 25 x 22 cm
Included: Yes, free

Must fit under the seat in front of you.

See checked bag fees & more

United Airlines carry-on dimensions and bag size

The maximum United Airlines carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which works out to 56 x 35 x 23 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on United Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

United Airlines carry-on weight limit

United Airlines does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate, and on some regional aircraft the crew may ask you to check an overweight bag as a courtesy.

Does United Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. United Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

What bags fit as a United Airlines personal item

Common bag types compared against the United Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type	Typical size	On United Airlines
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack	18 x 13 x 8"	Too big
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote	15 x 14 x 5"	Too big
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase	16 x 12 x 4"	Too big
Small duffel Gym or weekender	18 x 11 x 11"	Too big
Purse Handbag or crossbody	12 x 10 x 5"	Fits
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag	16 x 14 x 8"	Too big

United Airlines carry-on by fare class

Fare	Carry-on	Personal item	Notes
Basic Economy (domestic)	Not included	Included	Personal item only, 17x10x9; a carry-on triggers a gate fee.
Basic Economy (transatlantic / transpacific / South America)	Included	Included	Full carry-on allowed on these international routes.
Economy	Included	Included	Standard one carry-on plus one personal item.
Economy Plus	Included	Included	Extra legroom, same bag allowance as Economy.
United First / Business / Polaris	Included	Included	Priority boarding and guaranteed bin access.

United Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft

United Express flights on CRJ-200 and Embraer 145 regional jets cannot accommodate a 22x14x9 carry-on in the cabin. Those bags are valet-tagged at the jet bridge and returned planeside for free. Mainline 737 MAX, A319, A320, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft fit the standard carry-on, with larger bins on reconfigured 737 MAX fleets.

Avoiding gate-check on United Airlines

United's Basic Economy carry-on restriction is waived for MileagePlus Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum and 1K members, and for primary cardholders of most United co-brand cards including the Explorer, Quest, Club and Presidential Plus. If you plan to fly Basic Economy domestically without status or a card, either upgrade the fare or pay the gate-check fee in advance. Boarding otherwise runs from Group 1 global services down to Group 6 for Basic Economy.

What counts as a personal item on United Airlines

Allowed

Purse
Laptop bag
Small backpack
Briefcase
Small tote
Diaper bag

Counts as a second carry-on

Full-size roller bag on domestic Basic Economy
Large duffel exceeding 17x10x9
Standard carry-on spinner on domestic Basic Economy
Oversized shopping bag

Common United Airlines carry-on mistakes

Booking domestic Basic Economy and showing up with a roller bag, you will be turned back to the counter and charged.
Assuming transcontinental Hawaii flights count as international Basic Economy, they do not, Hawaii is domestic for this rule.
Using a United co-brand authorized user card to try to clear Basic Economy, only the primary cardholder's account waives the restriction.
Packing a personal item larger than 17x10x9, United's personal item limit is smaller than Delta's or American's.
Expecting free gate-check if caught at the gate on Basic Economy, there is a handling surcharge on top of the checked bag fee.

What happens if your bag does not fit on United Airlines

If a domestic Basic Economy passenger arrives at the gate with a full-size carry-on, United charges the applicable checked bag fee plus a gate handling surcharge and tags the bag to final destination. On regional jets, valet tags are free and the bag returns planeside. Specific dollar amounts vary by route, check United's optional services fee chart before traveling.

United Airlines vs American Airlines carry-on

United and American use the same 22x14x9 carry-on dimensions, but United's domestic Basic Economy is personal-item-only while American still includes a full carry-on in Basic Economy. American's personal item dimension is 18x14x8, noticeably more generous than United's 17x10x9. Status and co-brand credit cards matter far more on United, where they literally unlock the overhead bin on cheap fares. For the cheapest fare shopper, American is the easier carrier, United rewards loyalty.

See American Airlines carry-on size

United Airlines checked baggage fees

Domestic economy

1st bag$45

2nd bag$55

Long-haul / international

1st bagNot published

Weight limit50 lb

Linear dim62 in

Overweight & oversize

51–70 lb$100

71–100 lb$200

63–80 in$200

Domestic economy: $45 first / $55 second bag when prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure; $50 / $60 at the airport. Bags over 100 lb or 115 linear inches are not accepted.

Ways to skip the United Airlines checked bag fee

Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the United Airlines carry-on size.
Use a United Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

United Airlines special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard: Not published
Golf clubs: Not published
Bicycle: Not published
Pet in cabin: $150
Pet as cargo: Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on if within standard dimensions. Larger instruments can be checked within the standard allowance or booked in a separate seat.

Ski, snowboard, golf, and bicycle equipment typically count as one standard checked bag and incur only the standard checked bag fee. Pet-in-cabin fee is $150 each way on most routes.

United Airlines basic economy restrictions

Basic Economy United Airlines's lowest fare tier

Carry-on allowed: No
Personal item allowed: Yes
Checked bag surcharge: $45

Personal item only on most domestic routes (no full carry-on)
No seat selection until check-in
Last boarding group
No changes or refunds
No upgrades

Frequently asked questions

What is the United Airlines carry-on size limit?

United Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What are the United Airlines carry-on dimensions in cm?

The United Airlines carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 35 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 14 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the United Airlines carry-on weight limit?

United Airlines does not publish a carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate.

Does United Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. United Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.

What is the United Airlines personal item size?

The personal item on United Airlines must fit within 17 x 10 x 9" (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Will my bag be gate-checked on United Airlines?

United Airlines currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Can I bring a carry-on on United Airlines Basic Economy?

No. United Airlines Basic Economy passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a United Airlines carry-on?

Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the United Airlines carry-on limit of 22 x 14 x 9". Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on United Airlines?

A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the United Airlines personal item limit of 17 x 10 x 9". The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does United Airlines weigh personal items?

United Airlines does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on United Airlines?

The first checked bag on United Airlines costs $45 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $55. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

What are the United Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?

United Airlines charges $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb, $200 for 71 to 100 lb, and $200 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.

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Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-05-20 against the official United Airlines policy at https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/carry-on-bags.html . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with United Airlines before flying. See our research methodology.