Does united airlines charge for carry on luggage

Key dimensions: Typical overhead-bin maximum is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles. Under-seat personal item common limit is 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm). Regional jets may enforce smaller size limits and gate agents can require gate‑check when cabin storage is full; weight limits on mainline aircraft are rarely enforced but vary on international sectors.

Practical recommendations: Measure bags against the published limits before travel, confirm fare class shown on the itinerary, upgrade to a standard fare during booking when overhead-bin access is needed, or obtain a qualifying co‑branded card or elite status to retain full cabin allowances. Pack valuables and essentials in the under‑seat item and be prepared to gate‑check the larger bag on crowded flights.

If avoiding checked pieces is a priority, buy a fare that explicitly includes an overhead-bin item at purchase, check rules that apply to each flight segment since international allowances and weight rules differ, and arrive early to improve chances of stowing items in the cabin. Typical checked-bag fees start at $30 domestic for the first checked piece and $40 for the second; those fees do not apply to permitted overhead-bin items included with standard fares.

Hand baggage: fees and allowances

If booked on Basic Economy with this U.S. carrier, bring only a personal item; upgrade the ticket or hold Premier status or a qualifying credit card to include an overhead bag without extra payment, otherwise expect to check a larger item and pay standard first-checked fees (domestic first checked bag typically $35, second $45).

Size limits

Overhead-bin maximum: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm) including wheels and handles. Underseat personal item maximum: 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm). Domestic segments usually have no stated weight limit for hand items; verify weight and allowance on long-haul routings before departure.

Practical tips

Measure bags pre-trip and test-fit under a seat when possible. If booked on Basic Economy and an overhead bag is necessary, buy an upgrade during booking or at check-in rather than risking gate check plus checked-bag fee. Choose soft-sided, compressible bags with external pockets to maximize overhead-bin compatibility; see best luggage for europe revenue when selecting models that fit both overhead and underseat dimensions.

Which fare classes include a free cabin bag and which do not

If your ticket is Basic Economy on domestic routings, bring only a personal item that fits under the seat; buy a Main Cabin fare or add an overhead bag during booking to avoid higher airport fees.

Basic Economy (domestic): personal item only; no standard overhead bag included on most domestic itineraries. Main Cabin / Standard Economy: one standard overhead bag plus one personal item at no extra cost. Economy Plus (seat-upgrade only): same baggage allowance as Main Cabin. Premium Plus (premium economy): one standard overhead bag plus one personal item; many routes also include at least one checked bag in the price. Business / First / Polaris: one standard overhead bag plus one personal item, with larger checked-bag allowances on many international tickets.

Exceptions and partner-operated flights: some international Basic Economy fares still permit a standard overhead bag – allowance varies by route, country of origin, and the operating carrier. Codeshare or flights marketed by this carrier but flown by a partner follow the operator’s baggage rules, not always the marketing fare rules; check the exact itinerary baggage policy during booking or in your confirmation.

Size limits and practical tips: standard overhead bag maximum typically 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 35 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles; personal item should fit under the seat (approx. 17″ x 10″ x 9″/43 x 25 x 23 cm). Add an overhead bag online via Manage Reservations or during checkout to secure lower fees than buying at the gate. If you need an overhead piece, purchase an upgrade to Main Cabin or higher at booking time rather than relying on gate availability.

Second, oversized, overweight onboard-bag: fees & rules

Pay online during booking to add a second cabin item and save compared to airport or gate purchases; prepaying also prevents surprise counter fees.

Size and weight thresholds

• Standard cabin bag maximum: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
• Checked bag weight limits: avoid exceeding 50 lb (23 kg) to prevent overweight penalties; maximum accepted weight usually 100 lb (45 kg).
• Checked bag linear dimension limit: 62 in (158 cm); items beyond that incur oversize fees or may be refused as standard checked items.

Typical fees and what triggers them

• Extra piece: a second onboard-sized item that must be placed in the hold is treated as a checked bag; standard checked-bag fees apply when an extra piece is added at check-in or gate.
• Domestic checked-bag estimates: 1st checked bag ≈ $35, 2nd checked bag ≈ $45 (paying online during booking usually cheaper than airport rates).
• Overweight penalties: 51–70 lb (23–32 kg) ≈ $100; 71–100 lb (32–45 kg) ≈ $200. Items >100 lb typically not accepted as standard checked pieces.
• Oversize penalty: linear dimensions exceeding 62 in (158 cm) often incur ≈ $200; very large items may ship as cargo with higher handling fees.
• Gate-check practice: if cabin stowage runs out, agents may gate-check allowable items without an extra-piece fee; additional pieces beyond the permit will be billed as checked bags.

Practical tips: redistribute contents to keep each checked bag ≤50 lb, use soft-sided bags to squeeze into tight spaces, buy checked-bag allowance during booking, and weigh bags at home on a bathroom scale. Consider attaching small accessories externally with a compact bracket such as best universal golf umbrella holder.

Domestic vs international cabin-bag allowances and fees on the carrier’s routes

If booked on a Basic Economy domestic ticket, do not expect an overhead-bin bag to be included; upgrade, purchase an add-on online before departure, or restrict packed items to a personal item sized 17 x 10 x 9 inches.

• Domestic short-haul: Basic Economy typically permits one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 in) only; standard cabin bag (22 x 14 x 9 in) is usually excluded.
• International long-haul: Many standard economy fares include one cabin bag plus a personal item; some international Basic Economy fares still include a cabin allowance, so verify the specific fare rules on the booking confirmation.
• Dimensions: cabin bag maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm); personal item maximum 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm). Most routes do not state a universal weight limit for cabin items, but physical ability to lift a bag into the overhead bin is enforced.
• Fee behavior: adding a cabin-bag add-on online during or after booking is usually cheaper than purchasing at the airport; gate enforcement of Basic Economy may result in a bag being gate-checked or an assessed fee at the airport desk.
• Regional exceptions exist: certain international markets impose strict weight caps or different size allowances (examples include some Asia and South America routes). Always confirm the baggage rules shown on the itinerary page.

1. Check the fare rules on the reservation page immediately after booking.
2. Measure both main bag and personal item; keep dimensions within 22 x 14 x 9 and 17 x 10 x 9 inches respectively.
3. If overhead-bin space is required on a domestic Basic Economy ticket, upgrade the fare or buy the cabin-bag add-on during online check-in to minimize expense.
4. At the gate, allow extra time and expect enforcement: oversized items may be gate-checked or assessed airport fees.

Practical ways to avoid cabin-bag fees at booking or at the airport

Buy a fare that explicitly includes a cabin bag plus a personal item and pay with a travel card that grants a complimentary cabin allowance; this often saves $30–$60 versus adding an item at the gate.

At booking

Compare total ticket cost with pre-paid checked baggage versus a higher-tier fare that already permits a cabin bag; run the math including seat selection and priority boarding since bundles frequently cover overhead-item allowance and remove the need to add extras later.

Add a co-branded credit card or elite status to your profile during purchase; those benefits commonly include at least one cabin allowance and priority handling, making add-on fees unnecessary. Check the itinerary summary after payment to confirm the included items.

Pack liquids and small fragile bottles into a personal item sized to fit under the seat; keep containers at or under 100 mL (3.4 oz) and sealed in a clear quart bag. (Related reading: are there carbs in red wine)

At the airport

Use a soft-sided personal bag and transfer bulky items (coats, boots, laptop) into worn clothing to reduce measured dimensions; soft-sided designs tolerate slight compressions that hard cases do not. If bin space is tight, request a gate check for the soft bag–many carriers will accept gate-checked cabin items without billing.

Consolidate packing: move small items into your personal item at security or at the gate to keep the overhead bag within published size limits (typical maximums: 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). If staff measures an item, present the personal item as the primary onboard item and the larger bag as checked if necessary.

If an agent insists on an upgrade or add-on, accept a one-way solution: pay using a benefit-bearing travel card that refunds baggage-related transactions, then file for a reimbursement through card protections.

Exceptions and special-case policies: military, medical items, and elite passengers

Present active-duty ID and military orders at check-in to secure documented fee waivers and priority handling.

Military travelers

At ticket counter, display a valid military ID plus any official travel orders; request written confirmation when an extra bag allowance or waived fee is granted. Common procedural outcomes include waived excess-bag fees, additional checked-item allowance, priority check-in and boarding, and special handling of bulky equipment. If deploying with heavy gear, contact the carrier’s military desk at least 72 hours prior to departure to confirm size/weight exemptions and to arrange oversized-item handling. Keep copies of all approvals on mobile device and printed paper.

Medical items and elite passengers

Medical devices and supplies: Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are permitted with carrier approval and medical clearance; submit documentation and model/specs at least 48–72 hours prior to travel. Liquid oxygen (LOX) and passenger-carried oxygen cylinders are generally prohibited without specialized advance arrangements. CPAP machines, ventilators and other lifesaving devices may be stowed in the cabin; notify the carrier and bring batteries and power adapters. Medications may exceed standard liquid limits when declared at security; carry original prescriptions or physician letters and keep meds in a cabin-accessible bag.

Battery rules: spare lithium-ion batteries must remain in the cabin with terminals taped or in individual protective pouches. Limits: ≤100 Wh – permitted without special approval; 100–160 Wh – permitted only with prior carrier approval and usually limited to two spares; >160 Wh – not permitted on passenger aircraft. Always declare medically necessary batteries and submit any battery-spec sheet requested by the carrier.

Mobility aids and assistive devices: Wheelchairs, walkers and prosthetics do not count toward standard bag allowances and normally receive free gate-check or cabin stowage when space permits. Remove or secure batteries according to the carrier’s battery-handling policy and arrive early to allow ramp crews to assist.

Elite-status passengers: Top-tier frequent travelers typically receive priority boarding and checked-bag fee waivers as stated in their benefits summary. Status does not automatically override restrictive fare rules on the lowest fares; verify whether your ticket’s fare class preserves status privileges by checking the fare conditions at booking or contacting reservations. If denied a benefit at the gate, request a supervisor and produce membership documentation; when possible, secure written confirmation prior to arrival to reduce dispute risk.

Action checklist: 1) call the carrier’s special assistance or medical desk 48–72 hours prior to departure; 2) bring physician letters, device manuals and battery spec sheets; 3) carry active-duty ID and orders when applicable; 4) request written confirmation of any waived fees or special allowances and retain screenshots or printed copies.