United Airlines Baggage Policy 2026: Carry-On, Checked Bags, Fees & Allowances

The United Airlines baggage policy covers allowances, dimensions, weights, fees, and restrictions for carry-on and checked items, influenced by fare class (Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First), route (domestic U.S./Canada, international), and MileagePlus or Star Alliance status. Policies are updated periodically; as of January 2026, core rules remain consistent with prior years, though fees saw a $5 increase in most markets effective February 2024. Use the airline's baggage calculator for itinerary-specific calculations.
Carry-On Baggage
Passengers in standard Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item at no charge on most domestic and international flights.

Carry-on dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 35 × 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Personal item dimensions: 17 × 10 × 9 inches (43 × 25 × 22 cm); must fit under the seat.

For Basic Economy fares:

Only one personal item is allowed free on domestic U.S./Canada and many short-haul international routes.
A carry-on bag requires checking: $35 fee if done in the airport lobby before security; $65 if enforced at the gate.
Exceptions: Basic Economy includes one carry-on + personal item free on flights to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific.

Additional allowances (not counting toward limits) include duty-free items, jackets, umbrellas, reading materials, airport-purchased food/beverages, mobility aids (wheelchairs, canes), car seats, strollers, diaper bags, breast pumps, and cameras. MileagePlus Premier members, certain credit card holders, or Star Alliance Gold members receive one free carry-on in Basic Economy.
Checked Baggage
Checked bags must not exceed:

Linear dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm) total (length + width + height).
Weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag in Economy/Premium Economy; 70 pounds (32 kg) in Business, First, or Polaris business class, or for Premier Silver/Gold/Platinum/1K members (larger limit applies if conflicting). Star Alliance Gold allows 70 pounds in Business, 50 pounds in Economy.

Allowance and Fees (varies by route and fare; prepay online for $5 savings per bag):

Domestic U.S./Canada (standard Economy): First bag $40 ($35 prepaid); second $50 ($45 prepaid). Third+ bags $150 each.
Basic Economy (domestic): Same fees apply; no complimentary bags.
International: Many routes include 1–2 free checked bags in standard Economy (e.g., 1 to Europe, 2 to Asia). Basic Economy often requires fees: first bag $75–$100, second $100–$200 on transatlantic/transpacific. Pacific routes may include one free bag in Basic Economy. Military personnel (on orders) get up to 5 free bags.

Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Fees

Extra bags (beyond allowance): $150–$200 each, depending on route.
Overweight (Economy: 51–70 lbs): $100–$200; 71–100 lbs: $200. Bags over 100 lbs generally not accepted.
Oversized (63–115 linear inches): $200. Over 115 linear inches: prohibited.

Special Items

Sports equipment (skis, golf bags, bikes): Counts as one checked bag; fees apply if exceeding allowance. Bikes require disassembly and boxing ($150 fee if extra).
Musical instruments: Carry-on if fitting under seat/overhead (no fee); otherwise checked as one bag (up to 165 lbs, $150–$300 fee if oversized).
Firearms/ammunition: Checked only, declared, unloaded, in locked hard case; ammo limited to 11 lbs. No fee if within allowance.
Pets: In-cabin (small pets, $125 fee) or checked cargo ($200–$300, breed restrictions). Service animals free in cabin.
Mobility aids: Free and unlimited; no size/weight limits.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Liquids/gels: Carry-on limited to 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in one quart-sized clear bag (3-1-1 rule). Checked: no limits except hazardous.
Lithium batteries: Spare batteries (up to 100 Wh) in carry-on only; installed in devices allowed checked. Over 160 Wh prohibited.
Prohibited (all baggage): Explosives, flammable liquids/solids, corrosives, radioactive material, self-inflating life vests. Sharp objects (knives) allowed checked only.