How strict is United with Carry-on? 2023

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United Airlines planes from plane window
Photo by Uğurcan Özmen on Pexels.com

So how strict is United Airlines with carry on size limits?

Just like most of the US airlines, United Airlines restricts the carry on size to 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

But he good news is in addition to the main carry-on bag you can also bring a personal item free of charge that fits under the seat in front of you, the item size differs from airlines to others depending on the aircraft under seat dimensions.

Keep reading to know more about United Airlines carry on size rules and how to get the most of your carry on bag.

Let’s dive right in.

Carry On Size and Weight restrictions

Carry on bag

United carry on size

United Airlines carry on baggage allowance restrictions is as follows:

The maximum dimensions you can bring is 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters) and don’ forget to include the handles and wheels.

so the carry on bag can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in from of you.

If the bag doesnt’ feet in one of these places say ADIEU to your carry on because it will be gate checked.

Suggested: : What is the Best Carry On Bag For United Airlines?

Personal item

 United personal item size

In addition to your main carry on bag, you can bring a tiny personal item that can be a backpack, a laptop bag, and small gadget bag.

The ideal dimension for them is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches ( 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

All these items are free of charge.

The basic ticket holders are allowed only a personal item as the only item they can bring on board.

Additional Items

In addition to a single carry-on bag and a personal item bag, you can bring the following items on board:

  • A diaper bag
  • A breast pump
  • A camera bag
  • A jacket
  • An umbrella
  • Reading material, like books
  • Food or merchandise that you buy in the airport
  • Assistive devices (such as a collapsible wheelchair, cane, crutches, medical device for prescription medications, or portable oxygen concentrator
  • FAA-approved child restraint system or safety seat
  • A pet carrier (service charges apply for in-cabin pets)

United Liquids allowance

If you are planning to take any liquids and toiletries in your carry on, you will need to follow the TSA liquid rules.

All US airlines’ liquid limits are regulated with the TSA, and here is what the TSA stated about liquid limits.

You are allowed to bring liquids in carry-on baggage, but in limited quantities, only 3.4 ounces ( 100 milliliters) or less are allowed on each container, and must be placed in a single quart sized bag.

Checked Luggage

Even if you are traveling carry-on only, you still need to know the rules for checked baggage.

In case the airline doesn’t have space on board the airplane, or for any other reason.

united airlines baggage allowance

United Airlines accepts most of the sport equipment, find out more about our policies.

  • 2 bags standard (charges apply for Economy Class tickets)
  • Maximum dimensions: 62 inches or 157 centimeters (length + width + height)
  • Maximum weight: 50 pounds or 23 kilograms

Weight limits by class of service

ClassMaximum weight of Bags
United Economy50 pounds (23 kilograms)
United Business
United First
United Polaris business class
70 pounds (32 kilograms)

Weight limits by MileagePlus status

MileagePlus statusMaximum weight per bag
Premier Silver
Premier Gold
Premier Platinum
Premier 1K®
Star Alliance™ Gold
70 pounds (32 kilograms)

Oversized / Overweight Baggage

Due to the limited space on the aircrafts, United Airlines Limited its carriage of allowed baggage, and they charge more for any additional oversized or overweight baggage. So, if one bag is oversized, overweight and above the limit, additional charges will apply:

Oversize Baggage

United airlines will not accept bags that measure (length + width + height) more than 115 inches (292 centimeters).

Oversize Baggage

United airlines will not accept bags weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). However, musical instruments and assistive devices are exceptions.

musical instruments up to 165 pounds (75 kilograms) and all assistive devices are allowed.

Related :

Final Thoughts

No matter what airline you are traveling with , you always need to follow their luggage policies.

United airline carry on size policy didn’t differ from other US airlines,

So you need to be aware of their luggage rules whether you are traveling with United air or American Airlines, you can’t just expect what will happen if you show up to the airport with a large carry on size.

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