United Airlines: Carry-On & Checked Bags Made Easy
Flying with United? We have you covered with all the details!
Here’s a quick, easy breakdown of what you can bring so you don’t run into surprises at the airport.
United lets you bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.
| Carry-On Size | Personal Item Size |
|---|---|
| Max size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Must fi t under the seat |
| Yes, wheels and handles count | Suggested size: 17 x 10 x 9 inches |
| If it’s bigger, they may take it at the gate and check it in | Think laptop bag, small backpack, or a small tote |
Prohibited Item in Carry On
Corrovives
Explosives
Flammable Liquids
Firerams (Undecared)
Blunt
Liquids > 100ml
Poisons / Toxics
Sharp Objects
Tools
What You Can Bring Inside
Clothes, gadgets, chargers, snacks, medicines, and books, and most everyday things are fi ne. You can’t bring big liquid bottles, flammable items, or anything the TSA doesn’t allow.
Liquid Rules
United follows TSA’s simple 3-1-1 rule:● Liquids must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
● All your liquid bottles should fi t into one quart-sized clear bag
Carry-On Allowance for Lap Infants
Lap infants don’t get their own carry-on bag, but you can bring a separate diaper bag along with your own carry-on and personal item. Baby essentials like formula, snacks, medicines, and breast pumps are allowed, and United also checks one stroller and one car seat for free, making travel with a little one much easier.
Stroller Guidelines
● You can bring your child’s stroller for free.
● You can check it either at the counter or right at the gate.
● Small foldable strollers can usually be taken through the aircraft door.
· Large or non-folding strollers go to the counter. · Pick them up at the gate or baggage claim. · They don’t use up your baggage allowance.
Quick Carry-On Summary
● 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
● No weight limit
● Must follow size rules
● TSA liquid rules apply
Stick to the sizes, and you’re set.
This is where most fees start. The rules depend on your fare type, route, and cabin.
Weight Limits
● Economy: up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
● Business & First: up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
Prohibited Item in Check-In
Corrovives
Explosives
Flammable Liquids
Poisons / Toxics
| Class / Status | Weight Limit per Bag |
|---|---|
| Economy | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Premium Economy | 50 lb (23 kg) |
| Business Class | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| First Class | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| Polaris Business | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| MileagePlus Premier Silver | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| MileagePlus Premier Gold | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| MileagePlus Premier Platinum | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| MileagePlus Premier 1K | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| Star Alliance Gold Members | 70 lb (32 kg) |
| U.S. Military (active duty, on orders) | 70 lb (32 kg) per bag (varies by number of bags allowed) |
| U.S. Military (personal travel) | 50–70 lb, depending on cabin |
Checked Bag Size
● Max size: 62 linear inches (L + W + H)
Oversized bags will cost extra.
How Many Free Bags?
● Domestic Economy: No free checked bag
● International Economy: Usually 1 free bag
● Premium cabins: Often 2 free bags
● MileagePlus members: Extra allowance may apply
Your route and ticket type decide the fi nal allowance.
Baggage Fees | Typical Range
Fees vary, but for many U.S. fl ights:● First bag: about $35
● Second bag: about $45
.
You’ll see the exact price during online check-in.
● “Check-in baggage fee for United Airlines.”
● “United Airlines check-in baggage price.”
● “How much is baggage check-in for United Airlines?”
All these simply mean checked bag costs.
Oversize & Extra Charges The Correlation
United charges extra for:● Additional bags
● Bags over the weight limit● Bags over the size limit
These fees can get expensive, so check them before you travel.
United Airlines – Checked Baggage Fees by Route
| Route / Region | 1st Checked Bag (Economy) | 2nd Checked Bag (Economy) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic U.S. | $35 (prepaid) / $40–45 (airport) | $50 |
| Canada / Mexico / Caribbean / Central America | ~ $35–40 | ~ $45–55 |
| Long-haul International (Europe / Asia / India etc.) | Usually 1st bag free – ~$100 | — |
| Additional Bags | $150–200+ | — |
United Airlines Check-In | The Different Ways
You can check in:● Online
● Through the United app
● At kiosks or counters
The easiest one, “Online check-in,” is easier and often shows your baggage fees upfront. It’s usually cheaper to pay online than at the airport.
Carry-On vs. Check-In? | The Difference
| Carry it if | Check it if |
| ● It has valuables | ● It’s heavy |
| ● You need it during the fl ight | ● It’s too big for the cabin |
| ● You want to skip baggage claim | ● It has liquids or bulky items |
Why Size Rules Matter
Different airlines have different size limits. If you have connecting fl ights, especially with non-U.S. airlines, your United bag might not fi t their rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the baggage allowance?
One carry-on bag and one personal item are free. For checked bags, it depends on your ticket and route.
Q: Do I need to pay extra for a carry-on?
Most of the tickets include a free carry-on. Some Basic Economy fares may charge for it.
Q:Can I carry liquids in my carry-on?
Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule: 100 ml (3.4 oz) containers, everything in a quart-size clear bag.
Q: Checked baggage policy?
Max 50 lbs (23 kg) is allowed for Economy class. 70 lbs (32 kg) is for the Premium class. Maximum size should be 62 linear inches.
Q.What to do if I have overweight or oversized bags?
Extra charges will be applied for overweight, oversized, or extra bags.
Q.Carry-on vs. checked bag?
Carry-on stays in the cabin. Checked bags go in cargo. Carry-ons are smaller but usually free.
Q: Carry-on size?
22 x 14 x 9 in for carry-on. 17 x 10 x 9 in for a personal item.
Q: Checked bag fees?
Domestic fl ights cost $35 for the fi rst bag and $45 for the second. Fees may vary by route.
Q: What can be packed in the carry-on?
Clothes, electronics, meds, and duty-free items. You can avoid large liquids and sharp or hazardous items.
Q: Free checked bags?
The domestic economy is usually none. International: often 1 free bag.
Q.How to check in?
Check-in can be done online, via app, counter, or kiosk. Early check-in can save you time and money.
