With more passengers choosing not to check a bag, understanding an airline’s specific carry-on policies is key to a smooth travel experience. Here’s what to know about United Airlines carry-on size, personal items and more insider tips to avoid unexpected airline fees.
What is the carry-on size for United?
Unless you have a Basic Economy ticket, all United passengers are allowed one bag that goes in the overhead bin and a smaller item that fits under the seat in front of them. The larger bag size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 total inches, including wheels, handles, and attachments. United does not specify a weight limit for carry-on luggage or personal items.
United Airlines carry-on size for personal items
United carry-on rules for Basic Economy
United carry-on rules are significantly different for passengers with Basic Economy tickets. For most Basic Economy flights, passengers are allowed only a personal item, not a larger carry-on bag. If you check a carry-on bag at your gate, you’ll be charged not only the standard bag fee but an extra fee.
However, there are a few notable exceptions to that rule. The first is if you’re flying in Basic Economy to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific. In addition, you’re allowed a free carry-on if you are: a MileagePlus member with Premier status; traveling with a Premier member; the primary cardholder of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card; or a Star Alliance Gold member.
If you’re a light traveler and are headed to Canada, South America or across the Atlantic or Pacific, consider a Basic Economy ticket on United. Even in that lowest fare category, United allows passengers to bring a larger carry-on bag for free, as well as a personal item — a lesser-known way to save some money. Whether there will be enough overhead bin space for your bag is another question. But at least you won’t have to pay for it.
from expert traveler Blane Bachelor
What extra items can you bring on board United flights?
United allows passengers to bring on board extra items that do not count toward the carry-on allowance. The following items are neither considered a carry-on bag or smaller personal item:
- assistive/mobility devices such as walking canes
- wearable articles of clothing, like coats or jackets
- umbrellas
- food or other items purchased at the airport
United carry-on size and policies for children’s items
Like most major US carriers, United has fairly generous carry-on policies for parents or caregivers traveling with little ones. Strollers and car seats can be checked for free at the check-in counter or at the gate. Some car seats and strollers can be brought on board as carry-on items, but they must fit United carry-on size restrictions, as noted above. These items do not count toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
In addition, a diaper bag, milk, and breast pump also may be brought onboard — even if you’re not traveling with your child, which is a thoughtful bonus for parents who are nursing. These items do not count toward the standard carry-on limit.
Children with their own seat on United
As with all other carriers, children under two years old may travel as a lap infant for free. In this case, you will not be allowed to bring on a car seat for them. However, if you choose to purchase a seat for your child, they have the same carry-on allowances as adult passengers — as well as a car seat, if you choose to use one.
Car seat rules on United flights
If you are using a car seat onboard, it must be FAA approved, and it must fit within the seat. Note that car seats are allowed only in window and middle seats — never the aisle or any seat in an exit row.
Car seats must be FAA-approved, however. And if you’re flying United Polaris business class on Boeing 767, 777, or 787 aircraft, car seats are not allowed in these cabins.
Traveling with a stroller on United
United allows you to check one car seat and one stroller (or folding wagon) per child you’re traveling for free. This can be done during check-in, at the ticket counter, or at the gate. However, large or non-collapsible strollers and non-folding wagons must be checked (at no charge) at the ticket counter, not at the gate. (Keep in mind that United does not specify a size for these).
If you prefer to gate check your stroller (or collapsable wagon) on United, be sure to get a tag from the gate agent prior to boarding. Amid the hassles of traveling with young children, this is an easy step to forget. But it’s an important one so you can board on time.
Can you bring a stroller as a carry-on?
Compact strollers are allowed onboard. but they must meet United’s carry-on bag size guidelines when they are collapsed (such as the gb Pockit, which United mentions on its website).
United carry-on rules for musical instruments
Another important heads-up for anyone traveling with musical instruments: They fall under United’s “Fragile Baggage” category. That means, the carrier does not assume responsibility for such items in case of loss or damage. Rules may differ for domestic and international travel.
However, if you’re planning to bring a musical instrument onboard any flight, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand the rules – and perhaps consider purchasing insurance beforehand.
Top three United carry-on luggage tips
Which boarding group you’re assigned will have a big impact on whether there will be enough room in the overhead bins for your carry-on bag. United Airlines has seven boarding groups, and generally speaking, space begins to fill up around Groups 4 and 5. Plan accordingly to avoid being forced to gate check your bag unexpectedly.
If you want to be assured that you will have room for your carry-on bag, consider purchasing Priority Boarding, which is available on certain flights worldwide. It’s slightly less than the cost of checking a bag and lets you avoid the stress of the overhead bin battle. Priority Boarding allows you to board with Group 2.
United’s network is supported by United Express flights, which are operated by regional carriers including Mesa Air, CommuteAir, and SkyWest Airlines. Aircraft on these carriers are smaller, and while they do allow carry-on bags, space is limited. (CommuteAir passengers are only allowed one personal item on board.) As a result, you’re more likely to have your bag gate checked on United Express flights.
United Airlines carry-on bag FAQs
For quick answers to your questions about United carry-on bag size or other concerns, see the intel below.
United does not specify a weight limit. However, you must be able to lift your carry-on bags without assistance.
Like most airlines, United has tightened things up recently as more passengers try to avoid paying checked bag fees.
Of course! But they both must fall within United carry-on size dimensions.
Still have questions about United carry-on size?
Luggage policies can be confusing. For an easy way to compare carry-on rules across airlines, check out our carry-on luggage guide. Need help deciding between a carry-on or checked bag? Or perhaps you’re stuck on what to pack? We have plenty of handy tips for that, too. Finally, don’t forget to check what’s allowed in a carry-on before you head to the airport.
⏰ Last update: February 28, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.
