United Airlines carry-on bag, personal item size & baggage policy (2026)
United Airlines allows a free carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a free personal item up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches, both measured including wheels and handles. A first checked bag (62 inches total, 50 lb) costs ~$45.
| Bag | Max size | Weight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag | Max size22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)22 x 14 x 9 in56 x 36 x 23 cm | WeightNo limit | FeeFree |
| Personal Item | Max size17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 23 cm)17 x 10 x 9 in43 x 25 x 23 cm | WeightNo limit | FeeFree |
| Checked Bag | Max size62 in total (158 cm total)62 in total158 cm total | Weight50 lb | Fee~$45 |
Checked against United Airlines's published rules on 2026-08-03. Limits can differ by fare class, route, aircraft, and operating carrier, and gate enforcement varies - always confirm on the airline's site before you fly. Packfits is not affiliated with United Airlines. We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page.
Will your bag fit United Airlines?
Enter your bag's outside measurements - including wheels and handles, which United Airlines counts.
Carry-on Bag: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
FreeUnited Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured on the outside of the bag - wheels, handles, and straps all count. Free on most fares, including the handle and wheels. Basic Economy on most domestic and short-haul routes allows only the personal item - the carry-on requires paying to check it or booking Canada, South America, trans-Atlantic, or trans-Pacific Basic Economy, which keeps the normal allowance.
Source: United Airlines official
Bags that fit the carry-on bag limit
Every bag below clears the sizer with wheels and handles included - checked against the manufacturer's published measurements, because product names often understate the real size.
Personal Item: 17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 23 cm)
FreeUnited Airlines allows a personal item up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm), measured on the outside of the bag - wheels, handles, and straps all count. Must fit under the seat in front of you. Free on every fare, including Basic Economy.
Source: United Airlines official
Bags that fit the personal item limit
Every bag below clears the sizer with wheels and handles included - checked against the manufacturer's published measurements, because product names often understate the real size.
Checked Bag: 62 in total (158 cm total)
~$45United Airlines allows a checked bag up to 62 inches total (158 cm total) - that is length + width + height added together - weighing up to 50 lb. Wheels and handles count toward the 62-inch total. Premier Silver and above get a 70 lb limit instead of 50 lb.
United sets the exact fee by route, fare, and purchase date through its bag fee calculator rather than one flat number; $45 more than 24 hours before departure / $50 within 24 hours is the current domestic-economy figure (raised April 3, 2026). MileagePlus Premier members, premium-cabin passengers, and eligible United co-branded cardholders who meet their card's conditions check bags free.
Source: United Airlines official
Bags that fit the checked bag limit
These are full-size checked bags that stay inside the size limit with wheels and handles included. Checked size limits are generous - it's the weight limit that usually catches people - so each of these gives you close to the maximum packing space the rules allow.
How strict is United Airlines at the gate, really?
United Airlines enforces carry-on size mainly with the boarding-gate sizer during busy flights. A bag within about half an inch usually clears; a hard-side bag noticeably over is asked to be gate-checked. Wheels and handles count toward the measurement, so a "22-inch" bag is often 23-24 inches in practice.
United Airlines baggage FAQ
What is United Airlines's baggage policy?
Here is United Airlines's baggage policy at a glance: Carry-on Bag: Free, Personal Item: Free, Checked Bag: ~$45. Full size and weight limits for each bag type are in the table above.
What is United Airlines's carry-on size?
United Airlines's carry-on bag limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), measured including wheels and handles. It is included free with your fare.
What is United Airlines's personal item size?
The personal item limit is 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you. It is free with every fare.
How much is a checked bag on United Airlines?
A first checked bag costs ~$45. United sets the exact fee by route, fare, and purchase date through its bag fee calculator rather than one flat number; $45 more than 24 hours before departure / $50 within 24 hours is the current domestic-economy figure (raised April 3, 2026). MileagePlus Premier members, premium-cabin passengers, and eligible United co-branded cardholders who meet their card's conditions check bags free. It can be up to 62 inches total and 50 lb.
Does United Airlines measure bags with wheels and handles?
Yes. United Airlines, like all airlines, measures a bag's external size including wheels, handles, and side pockets, so a bag sold as "22 inch" is often 23-24 inches once measured.
Other airlines
This tool gives an estimate, not a guarantee: it compares your bag against published airline size and weight limits, which can be wrong, outdated, or not reflect fare class, route, aircraft, or gate-level enforcement. Always verify with the airline before you fly. Packfits is not affiliated with any airline named on this site and accepts no liability for a missed flight, gate fee, denied boarding, bag confiscation, or any other consequence of relying on this tool. Bag prices shown are approximate manufacturer list prices, not Amazon prices - the current price on Amazon may differ. See our Terms of Service for the full disclaimer.