Michael Turner
The specified measurements above refer to total external size, including wheels, handles and external pockets. Airline staff measure items against boarding-size frames at the gate; soft-sided bags that compress slightly are more likely to be accepted than rigid cases that exceed any dimension by even 0.5–1 in (1–2 cm).
There is generally no published weight limit for the overhead piece on domestic routes operated by this carrier, but international segments or partner-operated flights may impose kilogram limits or stricter quantity rules. Discounted fare classes or aircraft with reduced bin space might require additional items to be checked at the gate – review the operating carrier listed on your itinerary before arriving to the airport.
Practical recommendations: measure your bag fully assembled (wheels, handle extended, external pockets zipped), keep valuables and travel documents in the personal item, and pack liquids in a clear quart-sized bag for security. If you expect overfill, choose a soft-sided cabin bag, remove nonessential items, or bring a collapsible tote to transfer items at the gate if bin space is limited. Label exterior with name and phone number and photograph the packed bag for quick verification if gate staff question contents.
Maximum dimensions for onboard bags – UA policy
Bring one cabin bag no greater than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm), including wheels and handles; plus one personal item that fits under the seat measuring up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm).
- Measure with zippers closed and pockets full; include wheels, handles and any external attachments.
- No published universal weight limit for cabin items on most flights, but regional jets and some international routes may have tighter limits – check the aircraft type and itinerary before departure.
- Fare class and boarding group affect overhead bin access; certain restricted fares may limit overhead placement even if dimensions comply.
- Oversized or overweight items may be gate-checked and could incur a checked-bag fee or an oversized-bag charge if they exceed hold dimensions.
Special items and exemptions:
- Infant car seats, collapsible strollers, assistive devices and duty-free purchases are permitted in addition to the two standard pieces in many cases; present them at the gate for confirmation.
- Small musical instruments that fit within the dimensional limits may be carried on; larger instruments often require a purchased seat or gate check.
Packing and preflight checks:
- Measure your packed bag at home with a tape measure; if it exceeds limits, transfer items to your personal item or check the bag to avoid gate surprises.
- Prefer soft-sided bags for slight overfills – they compress for overhead bin fitting better than hard-shell cases.
- Board earlier when possible to secure overhead space; if overhead bins fill, be prepared to have the item gate-checked.
- Keep valuables, medication and travel documents in the under-seat personal item for easy access and reduced risk if gate-checked.
Final check: verify the carrier code on your booking (UA) and review the specific requirements shown on your itinerary and during online check-in to confirm any route- or fare-specific differences.
Maximum onboard bag dimensions and where to find the official spec (UA)
Recommendation: Use a main onboard bag no greater than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm) including wheels, handles and exterior pockets; carry one personal item that will stow under the seat, up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm).
| Item | Max dimensions (in) | Max dimensions (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main onboard bag | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 35 x 23 | Measure including wheels and handles; no published weight limit but gate agents may require gate check on full flights |
| Personal item | 17 x 10 x 9 | 43 x 25 x 23 | Must fit under the seat in front of you (briefcase, backpack, purse) |
| Oversize / gate-checked | N/A | N/A | Items exceeding above dimensions are usually gate-checked and may be delivered at baggage claim |
Official specification and quick checks
Verify model- and route-specific allowances on the carrier’s official baggage rules page: official baggage rules. Measure bags flattened (not compressed), include wheels and handles, and test fit in the overhead bin or under-seat area before travel.
Packing tip for compact rain gear
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Measuring your bag correctly: include wheels, handles and pockets
Measure the external dimensions with wheels and telescopic handle both extended and retracted; use the larger result for compliance checks. Record Height × Width × Depth to the nearest 0.5 cm (1/8 in) and maintain at least a 2 cm (0.8 in) margin under the carrier’s stated maximum.
Procedure: set the case upright on a flat floor, fully zip all compartments, close external pockets as they will be during transport. Use a rigid metal tape measure. Height: measure from the floor to the highest point, including wheel housings and any fixed top handles. Width: measure across the widest external point, including side pockets and protruding wheel housings. Depth: measure front to back at the thickest point, including bumpers, straps and external pockets; press the soft shell to the typical packed firmness before measuring.
Handle and wheel specifics: take measurements with the telescopic handle fully extended and fully retracted; many carriers include handles in permitted dimensions, so rely on the larger figure when deciding if a case meets requirements. For spinner wheels that protrude laterally, include the wheel housings in width measurements. If straps or accessory pockets are removable, measure both attached and detached states and use the attached dimensions if they will remain during travel.
Tools and verification: use a metal tape, a carpenter square for right angles and a marker to mark the highest/outermost points. Create a cardboard sizer by cutting a box to the allowed dimensions and test the packed case without compressing it excessively; if the case must be forced into the box, reduce packed volume. Convert units using 1 inch = 2.54 cm; measure in both metric and imperial if the carrier lists limits in one system only.
Example conversion for quick checks: 22 × 14 × 9 in = 56 × 36 × 23 cm. For fragile electronics and small photographic gear consult product guides such as best digital camera for 150 pounds to choose items that fit typical cabin-sized cases.
Personal item size limits and combining items without extra charges
Recommendation: aim for a personal bag no bigger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm); for international itineraries keep hand-carried weight under 7–10 kg (15–22 lb) when possible, while domestic US operators typically do not publish a strict weight limit for that piece.
Sizing quick reference
Typical personal item dimensions: 15–18 in (38–46 cm) length × 10–13 in (25–33 cm) height × 6–9 in (15–23 cm) depth. Use the smaller end of the range for compact seats or discount fares. Acceptable extra small articles: purse, laptop sleeve, infant bag, duty‑free shopping bag, small camera case, umbrella; most carriers permit one of these in addition to the personal bag, but rules vary by fare class and route.
Packing and combination tactics to avoid fees
Pack with nesting in mind: place a slim tote or laptop sleeve inside a slightly larger personal bag so both present as a single item at the gate. Wear the bulkiest outerwear and boots onboard to free internal bag capacity. Use a soft-sided bag that compresses when placed under the seat; a 1–2 inch overage in measurements often becomes acceptable if the item squashes flat. Reserve the overhead compartment for a second, larger cabin piece only if your ticket includes that allowance.
If questioned by staff, demonstrate that the item fits entirely beneath the seat in front by stowing it during boarding; this visual proof typically prevents a checked‑bag charge. For flights with strict enforcement, consolidate essential items (documents, medications, electronics) into the personal bag and put nonessentials in a small purchased tote that will be checked at the gate if needed.
What gate agents do when a cabin item exceeds permitted dimensions
Move valuables and prescription medication into your personal item and either accept a gate-check tag or redistribute contents to fit the stowage limit.
Gate agents measure using a rigid sizer box or tape measure that includes wheels, handles and exterior pockets; measurement frequently happens at the jetbridge or aircraft door. If the bag does not fit, agents will either allow placement in the overhead bin only if space is available, tag the bag for gate-check (it will go in the aircraft hold and be retrieved at baggage claim or the jetway on arrival), or require the bag to be checked through at the ticket counter with any applicable fees.
Decision factors agents apply: booking class and fare rules, elite status or priority boarding, aircraft type and bin capacity, and compliance with the carrier’s checked-item policy. Fee ranges vary by carrier and route; typical amounts encountered on domestic routes run roughly from $30 to $200 for first checked pieces or oversize handling, but final charges depend on the airline’s official tariff.
If instructed to gate-check, remove electronics, fragile goods, valuables and medication before handing over the tag. Request a high-visibility tag and keep the claim stub. Photograph the bag’s dimensions, the tag and the passport/boarding pass barcode for later reference.
If you dispute the measurement or fee, ask calmly for a lead agent or supervisor, present the manufacturer’s size label or your own measurements, and request that the measurement be repeated in view of a supervisor. If the supervisor upholds the decision, accept the tag and follow the checked-bag rules to protect contents.
Gate-checked bags are subject to standard checked-item handling: risk of delay, potential for damage, and arrival at the baggage carousel. To reduce loss or damage risk, use a sturdy exterior tag, wrap fragile items in clothing, and file a damage or loss report at the airline’s baggage office immediately upon arrival if problems occur.
Quick checklist at the gate: move valuables/meds to your under-seat item, show product size labeling if available, request supervisor when necessary, photograph tags and bag, remove fragile items before gate-checking.
Options and fees: gate check, checked baggage or repacking at the airport
If a bag does not fit the cabin allowance at the gate, request a gate check or repack immediately; when overhead bins are full most agents will tag and stow the item without a fee, but voluntary ticket-counter check typically incurs charges – first checked piece commonly $30–35, second $40–45 on U.S. domestic itineraries.
Gate-check process: the agent issues a paper tag and the bag is placed in the aircraft hold; retrieval may be at the aircraft door or at the baggage carousel depending on the carrier and airport. Remove valuables, essential medication and spare lithium batteries from any item destined for the hold; those must remain with you in your cabin item. Gate-checked items are more exposed to rough handling and delayed delivery, so pack accordingly.
Checked-bag standards and surcharges: industry baseline for a standard checked piece is 62 linear inches (158 cm) and 50 lb (23 kg) for economy without extra cost. Oversize pieces (about 63–80 in / 160–203 cm) usually trigger $100–200 fees; overweight pieces (51–70 lb / 23–32 kg) typically carry $100–200 surcharges. Items exceeding 70 lb or 80 in may require cargo shipment or be refused at the ticket desk.
Practical repacking at the airport: use a portable scale at the kiosk or gate, transfer heavy items into a checked piece or a travel companion’s allowance, wear bulky layers through security, consolidate small items into compression cubes or a tote that fits under the seat, and move toiletries into an approved clear bag placed inside your cabin item. Ask the gate agent for a brief area to reorganize; most agents permit a quick repack before final boarding.
Fee disputes and timing: if charged for a gate-checked item that the agent ordered, obtain a receipt and tag photo immediately and request a refund at the airline service desk or via customer service with boarding pass evidence. Make repacking or checking decisions before the final boarding call; after doors close refunds become harder to obtain and options are limited.
Differences on international routes and partner carriers to check before flying
Confirm the operating carrier’s cabin policy for every flight segment: the airline actually operating the aircraft enforces size and weight rules at gate and boarding. Look for “operated by” on your itinerary and open that carrier’s baggage page rather than relying on the marketing partner’s rules.
Typical measures to expect: many full-service international carriers publish a standard cabin allowance around 55 x 40 x 20 cm with a 7–10 kg guideline; low-cost European and some Asian budget operators often restrict items to roughly 40 x 30 x 20 cm or 40 x 20 x 25 cm and strict weight limits (usually 7 kg or less). Premium cabins and some Middle Eastern network airlines may permit a second piece or higher weight limits – verify class-specific allowances on the operating carrier’s site.
Connecting flights and separate tickets: when the connection is on a different ticket or with a low-cost partner, baggage transfer is not guaranteed and each carrier’s policy applies for the leg it operates. If you need through-checking, confirm an interline agreement exists and have the operating carrier reissue baggage tags at check-in; otherwise prepare to reclaim and recheck items at the connection airport.
Aircraft type matters: regional jets (CRJ, E-Jet, ATR) often have smaller overhead bins and stricter enforcement; widebodies and larger narrowbodies typically accept standard cabin items. Check your aircraft model on the booking and review cabin bin photos or manufacturer cabin specs if bin capacity is critical for oversize items.
Codeshares and alliance flights: a code-share marketing label does not change onboard rules – the operating airline’s policy governs. For multi-carrier itineraries with interline tagging, the first operating carrier usually issues the tag; confirm with the first check-in agent that the tag covers all segments and matches allowance limits shown on the final carrier’s site.
Actions to reduce risk: verify policies 72 hours before departure and again at online check-in, save screenshots or a PDF of the operating carrier’s cabin rules, measure with wheels/handles included, and prepare a secondary bag plan (under-seat item sized to ~40 x 30 x 20 cm) for segments with stricter limits or regional equipment.
