Personal-item bag · 13.4 × 7.5 × 5.9 in (34 × 19 × 15 cm)
Fits 6.4 cm (2.5 in) to spare on the width
United Airlines carry-on and personal item size
Checked against United Airlines' baggage page on 5 October 2026
Personal item (under the seat)
17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cm
Carry-on (overhead bin)
22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm
Will your bag fit United Airlines?
Personal item. Free on every fare. Must fit under the seat in front (purse, backpack, laptop bag). Small purses are not allowed in addition to the personal item and carry-on.
Carry-on. Not included on Basic Economy, CommutAir (United Express). Wheels and handles count. Must fit in the overhead bin; measure including handle and wheels. No weight limit stated. Not included in Basic Economy on most routes.
What each United Airlines fare includes
| Fare | Personal item | Carry-on | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Included | Not allowed | Personal item only, except to South America, transatlantic or transpacific. Premier, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying MileagePlus cardmembers get a free carry-on. |
| Economy and above | Included | Included | One carry-on plus one personal item free. |
| CommutAir (United Express) | Included | Not allowed | Only one personal item allowed on CommutAir-operated flights. |
Will a standard carry-on fit United Airlines?
The most common US carry-on size is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm, wheels included). On United Airlines it just fits, with under 1 cm to spare. The common European cabin size, 55 × 40 × 20 cm, doesn't fit (4.4 cm (1.7 in) too wide).
United Airlines' carry-on allowance holds about 45 litres. Only 26 of the 151 airlines we track have a smaller one.
Bags that fit United Airlines
We checked 1,046 bags with published sizes. 8 fit the personal-item size with at least 1 cm to spare on every side, and another 37 are within a centimeter. 544 fit the carry-on size comfortably.
Personal item
Personal-item bag · 40 × 25 × 20 cm (15.7 × 9.8 × 7.9 in)
Tight 0.4 cm (0.2 in) to spare on the width
Personal-item bag · 40 × 25 × 20 cm (15.7 × 9.8 × 7.9 in)
Tight 0.4 cm (0.2 in) to spare on the width
Personal-item bag · 40 × 25 × 20 cm (15.7 × 9.8 × 7.9 in)
Tight 0.4 cm (0.2 in) to spare on the width
Carry-on
Carry-on suitcase · 19.1 × 12.8 × 8.9 in (48.5 × 32.5 × 22.6 cm)
Tight 0.3 cm (0.1 in) to spare on the depth
Carry-on suitcase · 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm)
Tight exactly at the limit on the length
Carry-on suitcase · 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm)
Tight exactly at the limit on the length
Carry-on suitcase · 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm)
Tight exactly at the limit on the length
All bags that fit United Airlines → · United Airlines basic economy bag rules →
If your bag is too big at the gate
Basic Economy bags must be checked. Tickets bought from 3 Apr 2026: bag fees start at $45 prepaid, $50 in the lobby, $75 at the gate (before 3 Apr 2026: $35/$40/$65). Source
Power banks on United Airlines
You can use a power bank on board. Power banks up to 100 Wh go in the cabin; 100–160 Wh needs the airline's approval. Limit: 2 per passenger. Never in checked bags. Up to two portable chargers, kept on you or in your personal item; not in overhead bins and not recharged from aircraft power. Up to two 100-160 Wh batteries allowed in carry-on.
Work out your power bank's watt-hours · Power bank rules on every airline
Worth knowing
- Basic Economy carry-on exception applies on South America, transatlantic and transpacific trips.
- Basic Economy gate bag fee rose to $75 for tickets purchased on or after 3 April 2026.
- Smart-bag lithium batteries must be removed before boarding.
- Put vapes, medication and keys in your personal item in case the carry-on is gate-checked.
Airlines with similar limits
- American Airlines: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- Delta Air Lines: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- JetBlue: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- WestJet: 22 × 14 × 9 in
United Airlines bag questions
What size is the United Airlines personal item?
United Airlines' free personal item can be up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm). Must fit under the seat in front (purse, backpack, laptop bag). Small purses are not allowed in addition to the personal item and carry-on.
How big can a United Airlines carry-on be?
Up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm). Wheels and handles count toward the size.
Does every United Airlines fare include a carry-on?
No. Basic Economy, CommutAir (United Express): these fares include only the personal item; the bigger bag costs extra or isn't allowed.
Which bags fit United Airlines' limits?
Of the 1,046 bags we track, 8 fit the personal-item size with at least 1 cm to spare and 544 fit the carry-on size. See the list.
Can I take a power bank on United Airlines?
Yes, in your cabin bag only. You can use a power bank on board. Power banks up to 100 Wh go in the cabin; 100–160 Wh needs the airline's approval. Limit: 2 per passenger. Never in checked bags.
Sources. carry-on bags page · electronic devices / portable chargers page. Rules checked 5 October 2026. Some details the airline doesn’t publish are marked as such above. Airline staff have the final say at the gate. Spotted a change? Tell us.
Will This Bag Fit is independent and not affiliated with United Airlines.