Travel-Size Products: United Airlines' Rules

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. However, Basic Economy ticket holders are only permitted to bring one personal item, unless they are travelling to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific, in which case they can bring a carry-on bag. Carry-on luggage must be no larger than 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm), and personal items must be no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).

Carry-on bag sizer

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board for free. The carry-on bag should not exceed 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm) in size, including any handles and wheels. If your carry-on bag exceeds these dimensions, you will need to check it at the departure gate and pay a fee. It's important to note that United Express flights have limited overhead storage space, so you may need to check your carry-on bag for free at the gate.

When choosing a carry-on bag, it's important to consider the size restrictions. The bag should not exceed the maximum dimensions of 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm). This includes the handles and wheels, so be sure to include them in your measurements. To ensure your bag fits within the allowed dimensions, you can use a carry-on bag sizer. This tool helps you measure your bag accurately and determine if it meets the size requirements. You can find carry-on bag sizers online or at some travel stores.

In addition to the size restrictions, there are also weight considerations. While United Airlines does not specify a maximum weight for carry-on bags, it is important to ensure that you can comfortably lift and store your bag in the overhead compartment. If your carry-on bag is too heavy, you may need to check it in, which may incur additional fees.

Personal items, such as backpacks, laptop bags, and purses, are also allowed on board. These items must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed the dimensions of 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm). Like carry-on bags, personal items are not subject to weight restrictions.

It's important to note that there are different rules for United Basic Economy fares. Passengers with Basic Economy tickets are only allowed to bring one personal item on board and no carry-on bag, unless they are travelling on transatlantic, transpacific, or certain South American routes.

Basic economy rules

Basic economy tickets are the cheapest fare class available on many airlines, but they come with a number of restrictions. Here are the basic economy rules for United Airlines:

Carry-on Baggage

Basic economy passengers are only allowed to bring one small personal item on board, such as a purse or a small backpack, that must fit under the seat in front of them. The dimensions of the personal item must not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm). If the personal item does not meet the size requirements, it will need to be checked, and an additional baggage fee will apply.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Basic economy passengers are allowed to bring a standard carry-on bag on transatlantic, transpacific, or South American flights. Additionally, if you are a MileagePlus Premier member, a qualifying MileagePlus credit card primary cardmember, or a Star Alliance Gold member, you are allowed to bring a standard carry-on bag without any additional fees.

Checked Baggage

Basic economy passengers will need to pay for checked baggage. The fees for checked baggage depend on the route and can be calculated using United's baggage fee calculator. For domestic flights within the U.S. and Canada, the first checked bag costs $35, and the second bag costs $45.

Seat Selection

Basic economy tickets do not allow for seat selection. Seats are assigned to you, and you cannot change them.

Refunds and Changes

Basic economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. If your travel plans change, you will not be able to recoup the costs of your flight.

Boarding

Basic economy passengers will board last. However, if you have elite status with United, an eligible MileagePlus credit card, or Star Alliance Gold status, you may be eligible for priority boarding.

Upgrades

Basic economy tickets are not eligible for upgrades.

MileagePlus Miles

Basic economy tickets earn MileagePlus miles, but they do not count as Premier Qualifying Flights, which are needed to reach elite status.

Credit Card Benefits

If you have a United co-branded credit card, you may be eligible for benefits such as priority boarding and a free checked bag allowance. To receive these perks, you must add your MileagePlus number to your reservation and purchase your ticket with the qualifying credit card.

Military Allowance

United offers five free checked bags to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their accompanying dependents when traveling on official business. For personal travel, the allowance is lowered to three checked bags. Military members also receive pre-boarding privileges.

Personal item dimensions

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and can be a backpack, laptop bag, or purse.

Personal items cannot be larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm). This is slightly smaller than the carry-on bag allowance of 22 x 35 x 56 cm (9 x 14 x 22 inches).

It is important to note that these size restrictions apply to the total dimensions of the bag, including handles and wheels. If your personal item exceeds these dimensions, you may be required to check it in and pay a fee.

United Airlines' personal item size allowance is fairly standard across the industry, but it is always a good idea to check the specific rules of the airline you are flying with before your trip.

In addition to your personal item, you can bring other items on board, such as assistive devices, an FAA-approved child restraint system, and food and merchandise purchased at the airport.

Prohibited items

United Airlines has a list of prohibited items that are not allowed on their flights. These items are restricted for the safety and security of passengers and crew. The prohibited items include:

Explosives and Fireworks

United Airlines does not allow passengers to carry explosives or fireworks on board. This includes items such as flare guns, gunpowder, and Christmas crackers.

Lithium Batteries

All personal devices with lithium batteries must not exceed 100-watt-hours. Loose lithium batteries are not allowed, but if the airline permits, they must be insulated by taping the exposed terminals or kept in their original retail packaging.

Camping Equipment

Camping equipment that contains any kind of fuel is prohibited. This includes items such as camping stoves, which cannot be carried in carry-on or checked baggage.

Gasoline-powered Tools and Equipment

Gasoline-powered tools and equipment are not allowed unless they are brand new and in their original packaging. A letter from the manufacturing company stating that the fuel source has been removed or purged may be required.

Aerosols and Household Items

Aerosols, such as hairspray and deodorant, are allowed in limited quantities (3 ounces for carry-on and 16 ounces for checked baggage). However, flammable or corrosive household items are prohibited, including bleach, gel fuel, drain cleaners, insecticides, glue, paint, spray starch, and torch lighters.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic drinks with less than 24% alcohol by volume have no restriction for checked bags. For drinks containing 24%-70% alcohol, the limit is 5 liters per person, and the packaging must be smaller than 5 liters. Beverages with over 70% alcohol are not permitted.

Lighters, Matches, and E-cigarettes

Torch lighters, personal vaporizers, and electronic cigarettes are prohibited in carry-on baggage.

Tasers and Defense Sprays

Tasers, mace, and pepper sprays are not allowed due to the lithium batteries these devices contain. Only devices with batteries under 100WH are permitted, and the batteries must be removed for inspection.

Avalanche Packs

Avalanche packs containing 1.4s or CO2 are prohibited. However, CO2-powered inflatable life jackets are allowed as checked or carry-on baggage, provided the CO2 cartridges are packed separately in checked baggage.

Smart Bags and Self-balancing Devices

Smart bags without removable lithium batteries are prohibited. Self-balancing or self-riding bags, wheeled devices, battery-assisted bicycles, and motorized suitcases are also not allowed.

Powder-based Substances

Powder-based substances over 12 fluid ounces (350 milliliters) are prohibited, except for medically prescribed powders, baby formula, human remains, and duty-free powders, which must be sealed in tamper-evident bags.

Knives, Guns, and Weapons

Any kind of knives, guns, or other weaponry is strictly prohibited. Sporting equipment that could be used as a weapon is also not allowed.

Passengers are advised to check the prohibited items list on the United Airlines website or with the TSA before packing to ensure a smooth security check process.

Extra items allowed on board

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. However, there are some extra items that are also permitted, which are detailed below.

Assistive Devices

United Airlines allows passengers to bring assistive devices such as canes and crutches on board.

FAA-Approved Child Restraint System or Safety Seat

You can bring a child safety seat on board, provided it is FAA-approved.

Food and Drink

Food and drink purchased after passing through security can be brought on board.

Merchandise

You are allowed to bring merchandise purchased at the airport, such as magazines, books, cameras, and souvenirs, onto the plane.

Pet Carrier

A pet carrier is allowed on board, but service charges will apply.

Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments, such as guitars and violins, are permitted on board, provided they are packed in a hard case and there is available space in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Please note that musical instruments count as part of your carry-on allowance.

Frequently asked questions