United Airlines Baggage Policy

United Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 35 x 22 cm), including handles and wheels. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

The personal item on United Airlines must fit within 17 x 10 x 9" (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

The first checked bag on United Airlines costs $40 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $50. Domestic economy: $35 first / $45 second bag when prepaid online at least 24 hours before departure; $40 / $50 at the airport. Bags over 100 lb or 115 linear inches are not accepted.

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $100. Bags 71 to 100 lb are charged $200. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $200. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

No. United Airlines Basic Economy passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee. A checked bag on Basic Economy costs around $40.

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the United Airlines carry-on size of 22 x 14 x 9"); (2) hold a United Airlines co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

United Airlines currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.