Personal-item bag · 34 × 19 × 15 cm (13.4 × 7.5 × 5.9 in)
Fits 6.4 cm (2.5 in) to spare on the width
United Airlines Basic Economy: what bags you can bring
Personal item
17 × 10 × 9 in
Included on Basic Economy.
Carry-on
Not included
Not allowed on Basic Economy. Personal item only, except to South America, transatlantic or transpacific. Premier, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying MileagePlus cardmembers get a free carry-on.
Checked against United Airlines' pages on 5 October 2026 · All United Airlines fares and rules
How Basic Economy compares with United Airlines' other fares
| 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. |
Personal-item bags that fit United Airlines
With only the under-seat bag included, this is the bag that has to carry everything. These fit with at least 1 cm to spare on every side:
Personal-item bag · 11 × 8.9 × 4.9 in (28 × 22.5 × 12.5 cm)
Fits 2.9 cm (1.1 in) to spare on the width
Personal-item bag · 16.1 × 7.9 × 5.1 in (40.9 × 20.1 × 13 cm)
Fits 2.3 cm (0.9 in) to spare on the length
Personal-item bag · 15.8 × 9.1 × 3.2 in (40.1 × 23.1 × 8.1 cm)
Fits 2.3 cm (0.9 in) to spare on the width
Personal-item bag · 16.1 × 7.9 × 4.7 in (41 × 20 × 11.9 cm)
Fits 2.2 cm (0.9 in) to spare on the length
All bags that fit United Airlines → · Basic economy on other airlines →
Check your bag
Questions people ask
Can I bring a carry-on on United Airlines Basic Economy?
No — Personal item only, except to South America, transatlantic or transpacific. Premier, Star Alliance Gold and qualifying MileagePlus cardmembers get a free carry-on.
What size is the personal item on United Airlines Basic Economy?
17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm). It has to fit under the seat in front of you.
What happens if I bring a full-size carry-on on Basic Economy?
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).
Airline staff have the final say at the gate. Will This Bag Fit is independent and not affiliated with United Airlines.