Traveling can be both thrilling and intimidating. This is because when it comes to packing, you need to be cautious of the instructions or regulations defined by your airline. So, if you are embarking on your next adventure with United Airlines, one of the major carriers in the U.S., knowing the airline’s baggage policies, especially for carry-ons or hand luggage, is among the most crucial parts of your travel preparations. Fret not! You can focus on other significant aspects of your flight arrangements, as we help you decode the United Airlines carry-on size guidelines in toto.
Such rules or procedures set forth by United Airlines are basically meant for a seamless boarding process and an efficient cabin experience for passengers. So, you can pass through the airport security checkpoint with confidence and fly with absolute comfort and ease.
Let’s examine the specifics of carry-on baggage and go through certain expert tips.
Proceed ahead!
Understanding United Airlines Carry-On Bag Size Policy
Here’s everything you need to know!
Dimensions of Carry-On Bags
You are allowed to take a carry-on or cabin bag with dimensions not exceeding 9 in x 14 in x 22 in or 23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm. These measurements are specified including the handle and wheels. This size bag can easily fit into the overhead bin on your flight.
Considering the convenience of travelers, United Airlines has made available a facility at airports for you to use their bag sizers. If you are doubtful about the size of your bag, you can use the sizer to measure the same.
If your carry-on bag’s size goes beyond the given limit, you need to check it beforehand.
Dimensions of Personal Items
You can also bring a personal item like laptop bag, backpack, purse etc., whose size must be up to 9 in x 10 in x 17 in or 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm. These items must fit under the seat located right in front of you.
If you take additional bags along with your carry-on and personal item, you need to check the same.
Important Points to Consider
Apart from adhering to the United carry-on size policy, you ought to consider the following points as well.
- United Airlines allows you to bring a few items, along with your carry-on bag and personal item, without charging any fees. Such items include books, umbrella, camera, jacket, coat, food, wheelchairs, crutches, car seat, stroller, child safety harness, and diaper bag.
- Only one personal item is allowed most of the times when you travel in Basic Economy. Carry-on bags are not allowed in this class. However, it can be brought at an additional charge.
- You can bring a carry-on bag (included in your flight) only if you fly to Canada, South America, within the Atlantic, or if it’s a flight scheduled for an international destination within the Pacific. You are required to get other bags checked. Carry-on bags are checked before the airport security section for a fee starting at $35. If your carry-on won’t fit under the seat, it needs to be checked at a fee of $65.
- You are allowed to bring one carry-on bag without any charge only if you have signed up for MileagePlus membership with Premier status, flying with a Premier member, have the primary card membership of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or have the Star Alliance Gold membership. If you are flying in Basic Economy and you hold United GatewaySM Card or the United MileagePlus® Select Card membership, you will not be allowed to bring a carry-on bag for free.
Essential Tips for Packing a Carry-On Bag
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind while you consider getting your carry-on ready for an upcoming flight with United Airlines.
A Right Bag Does Matter!
You are advised to purchase a carry-on bag that is apt as per the United Airlines carry-on size policy. You must also be able to maximize space efficiency.
Know the TSA Rules!
Make sure to read carefully all the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding packing liquids, sharp objects, and other restricted items. Failing to adhere to the rules may land you in trouble at the airport security checkpoint. Your favorite items may be confiscated by the TSA personnel.
Be Thoughtful and Pack Smartly!
You can organize items in a well-planned manner in your bag. Don’t clutter them as you may have to take out certain items at the security checkpoint. If they are well placed and quickly accessible, it will save your time and of other passengers as well in the queue.
Lightweight Options are Good!
If you feel your carry-on bag is getting heavy, you may think of packing lighter alternatives. In fact, you can also pack certain items that may not be of use on the flight in your checked bag.
Think of Including a First-Aid Kit!
Along with packing small necessary items including toiletries, you may also include a small first-aid kit that might be required during the flight or when you land at your destination airport.
Concluding Thoughts
In a nutshell, understanding the United Airlines carry-on baggage size policy is important if you wish to travel stress-free. Following the dimensions for both carry-on bags and personal items helps you navigate through the airport security checkpoint and the boarding gate without any issue.
While size and weight specifications remain the primary point of concern, this guide also underscored certain tips for effective packing for an elevated trip experience. Well, if you pack items properly in your bag and keep them accessible, it will also help the TSA personnel to conduct a quick check at the security checkpoint.
Thus, comply with the defined carry-on regulations and go smoothly from take-off to landing, regardless of how long or short your trip is!
Have a great journey with United Airlines!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some most commonly raised queries! Take a quick look!
According to the United Airlines carry-on size rules, the dimensions of your bag must not exceed 9 in x 14 in x 22 in or 23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm, including the handle and wheels. Besides, it must fit into the overhead bin easily. Carry-on bags with more than the allowed size limit may need to be checked at additional charges.
United Airlines does not allow you to bring a carry-on bag if you have reserved a Basic Economy Flight. If you wish to bring, you need to pay charges for the same. But you can bring a personal item without paying any charge.
If you are flying in Basic Economy, you can bring only one personal item, and no carry-on bags are allowed. But you can bring it and need to check it by paying a charge of $35. If your bag won’t fit properly under the seat and you bring it to the gate then you will have to get it checked with a fee of $65.
Absolutely! Passengers traveling between Japan and Micronesia can bring one carry-on bag on their flight. Please check detailed information on the website of United Airlines.
Backpack is generally considered a personal item on a United Airlines flight. The size of such an item must not exceed 9 in x 10 in x 17 in or 22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm, and it must fit easily under the seat set right in front of you.
You can bring a carry-on bag if you are flying to Canada, South America, the Atlantic or you have an international flight to the Pacific. It needs to be checked before airport security at a charge beginning with $35. Passengers flying in the Basic Economy class are not allowed to bring carry-ons. They can be brought and have to be checked at an additional charge.
