United Airlines cabin bag size
Everything you can bring on board United Airlines — sizes, weight and cost.
United Airlines cabin baggage explained
United publishes separate boxes for the under-seat personal item and the overhead carry-on. The main fare distinction is Basic Economy: on many itineraries it allows only the smaller piece unless an exception applies.
What your fare changes
The personal item is about 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm). The regular carry-on is about 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 22 cm). Standard Economy and higher fares include both; check the booking for Basic Economy and route-based exceptions.
What to check before you fly
United’s personal-item box is narrow at 25 cm. A backpack that works at 30–35 cm on another airline may fail here even when it is short enough. Confirm the operating carrier on United Express and codeshare segments.
Full baggage allowance
| Allowance | Max size | Weight | Fare | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Personal item / under-seat ≈ 17 × 10 × 9 in. | 43 × 25 × 22 cm 16.9 × 9.8 × 8.7 in | — | All fares | Free |
Cabin bag / carry-on ≈ 22 × 14 × 9 in. Basic Economy: personal item only on many routes. | 56 × 35 × 22 cm 22 × 13.8 × 8.7 in | — | Standard (not Basic Economy) | Free |
Worked bag-size example
Take a narrow daypack measuring 42 × 24 × 21 cm. Compare it with the personal-item limit of 43 × 25 × 22 cm.
The smallest dimensional margin is 1 cm, so the bag is within the size limit.
We compare the three outside edges after orientation, including protruding parts. A result with less than 0.5 cm of clearance is marked tight because measuring and packing can change the real size.
United Airlines baggage FAQ
What size cabin bag can I take on United Airlines?+
United Airlines's cabin bag limit is 56 × 35 × 22 cm (22 × 13.8 × 8.7 in). Measure your bag including wheels and handles.
Does United Airlines include a free personal item?+
Yes — United Airlines lets you bring a personal item up to 43 × 25 × 22 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you at no extra cost.
How do I check if my bag fits United Airlines?+
Measure height, width and depth in cm or inches and enter them into the checker — you'll see instantly whether your bag fits United Airlines for free, is tight, or is over the limit, with the exact margin.
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