✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
United Airlines’ baggage rules in 2026 hinge on one thing: which fare you bought. A standard Economy ticket includes a full-size carry-on plus a personal item; Basic Economy on domestic and short-haul international routes gives you a personal item only — no free carry-on. Checked bags are almost always paid in Economy, and United raised its fees in April 2026, so the numbers below are higher than older guides show.
Carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels; the personal item is 17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and must fit under the seat. United does not publish a strict weight limit for carry-ons on most flights — the bag simply has to fit the overhead bin and be liftable unaided. Checked bags max out at 50 lb (23 kg) in Economy and 70 lb (32 kg) in premium cabins, with a 62-linear-inch size limit.
Quick facts
| Personal item | 17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 22 cm) — included on every fare |
| Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) — NOT included on domestic Basic Economy |
| 1st checked bag (domestic Economy) | $45 prepaid / $50 at airport |
| 2nd checked bag (domestic Economy) | $55 prepaid / $60 at airport |
| Checked weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) Economy; 70 lb (32 kg) Business/First/Polaris |
| Checked size limit | 62 linear inches (L+W+H) |
| 1st checked bag (international Economy) | Often free; varies by route |
| Basic Economy gate carry-on penalty | $50 bag fee + $25 gate handling = $75 |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | 17 x 10 x 9 in (43 x 25 x 22 cm). Included on every fare, including Basic Economy. Must fit under the seat in front of you. Purse, laptop bag or small backpack. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm), incl. handles/wheels · No fixed weight limit on most flights — must fit overhead bin Free on standard Economy and above; NOT included on domestic/short-haul-international Basic Economy |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | 0 free in domestic/most Economy (paid add-on); typically 1 free in transatlantic/transpacific/South America Economy; 2 free in Premium Economy/Business/Polaris |
| Weight limit | 50 lb (23 kg) Economy; 70 lb (32 kg) Business/First/Polaris |
| Typical fee | Domestic Economy: 1st bag $45 prepaid / $50 airport; 2nd bag $55 prepaid / $60 airport (April 2026 increase). International 2nd bag commonly $100. Varies by route, fare and MileagePlus status. |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy (domestic / short-haul intl) | 1 included | Not allowed (personal item only) | Paid: $45 prepaid / $50 airport (1st) |
| Economy (Standard) | 1 included | 1 included | Paid on domestic: $45 prepaid / $50 airport (1st) |
| Premium Economy | 1 included | 1 included | 2 included (international) |
| United Business / First / Polaris | 1 included | 1 included | 2 included, up to 70 lb (32 kg) each |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What United’s cheapest fare actually includes at deal prices: a personal item and (on most international long-haul) a full-size carry-on — but no free checked bag. United Basic Economy treats the checked bag as a paid add-on, so a sub-$400 transatlantic headline almost always means cabin baggage only.
⚠️ The Basic Economy carry-on trap: on domestic and short-haul international (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean) Basic Economy, you get the under-seat personal item only — no overhead carry-on. Show up at the gate with a roller and it’s a $75 hit ($50 bag fee + $25 gate handling). On transatlantic and most South America Basic Economy, the full-size carry-on IS allowed, which makes those fares genuinely better value than the domestic version of the same fare bucket.
Always prepay online: paying 24+ hours out drops the first domestic bag from $50 to $45. If you check two bags both ways, prepaying saves you real money versus the airport counter.
Oversize, sports & special items
Overweight & oversize: bags 51-70 lb (23-32 kg) incur an overweight fee up to $100; 71-100 lb (32-45 kg) up to $200. Bags over 62 linear inches are oversize (typically +$200), and United will not accept any bag over 115 linear inches (L+W+H).
Sports & special items: golf clubs, skis/snowboards and bicycles are accepted as a checked bag — within standard size/weight they count toward your allowance with no special surcharge on most routes (bikes must be in a hard or padded case). Items over the weight/size limits attract the overweight/oversize fees above.
Musical instruments: small instruments (violins, guitars) can be carried on if they fit the overhead bin or under the seat; larger instruments may require a purchased seat or travel as checked baggage within size limits.
Status & card benefits: MileagePlus Premier elites, eligible United co-brand credit card holders and Star Alliance Gold members get free checked bag allowances that override the fees above. A free carry-on is also restored for these travelers even on Basic Economy.
Frequently asked questions
Does United Basic Economy include a carry-on bag?
Not on domestic or short-haul international (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean) flights — you get one personal item only. On transatlantic and most South America routes, Basic Economy does allow a full-size carry-on. Bring a carry-on to a domestic Basic Economy gate and you'll pay $75 ($50 bag fee + $25 gate handling).
How much does a checked bag cost on United in 2026?
After the April 2026 increase, domestic Economy is $45 prepaid (24+ hours before departure) or $50 at the airport for the first bag; the second bag is $55 prepaid / $60 at the airport. International fees vary by route — the second international bag is commonly around $100.
What is United's carry-on size limit?
22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. It must fit in the overhead bin. United doesn't enforce a fixed carry-on weight on most flights, but you must be able to lift it unaided.
What is the personal item size on United?
17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm). It must fit under the seat in front of you and is included on every fare, including Basic Economy.
What is United's checked bag weight limit?
50 lb (23 kg) per bag in Economy and Premium Economy; 70 lb (32 kg) in United Business, First and Polaris. The size limit is 62 linear inches (length + width + height); overweight and oversize bags carry additional fees up to $200.
How can I avoid United baggage fees?
Prepay your bag online at least 24 hours before departure to save $5 per bag, fly with MileagePlus Premier status or a qualifying United credit card (free checked bags), or pack within the personal-item and carry-on limits on fares that include a free cabin bag.
Does United include a free checked bag on international flights?
Often yes — most long-haul Economy fares to Europe, Asia and South America include one free checked bag, and Premium Economy and Polaris include two. Always confirm for your specific route and fare, as Basic Economy international fares charge for the first bag.
Can I bring sports equipment or a musical instrument on United?
Yes. Golf clubs, skis and bicycles travel as checked baggage and count toward your allowance within standard size/weight on most routes (bikes need a case); overweight/oversize fees apply if they exceed limits. Small instruments can be carried on if they fit the bin or under-seat; larger ones may need a purchased seat or go as checked baggage.