United Airlines carry-on size 2026

United Airlines' carry-on limit is 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm, with no published weight limit. The personal item limit is 43.2 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm, with no published weight limit. The carry-on isn't included on the cheapest fare. Wheels and handles count towards the size.

Last checked 2 Nov 2026 against a recent travel guide that quotes the rules.

United Airlines hand luggage limits

For the cheapest Economy ticket.

Bag	Size	Weight	Included
Carry-on	55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm	No published limit	No, paid add-on
Personal item	43.2 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm	No published limit	Yes

22 × 14 × 9 in. Not included on domestic Basic Economy unless you hold MileagePlus status or a co-brand card.
17 × 10 × 9 in, smaller than Delta's or American's.
No published carry-on weight limit.

Source: published guide, checked 2 Nov 2026. Report a change

Check your bag against United Airlines

Pick your bag or enter its size. Add connecting flights if you're changing planes.

Drag to turn it around, scroll or pinch to zoom

Loading the 3D view…

Side the bag fails onPart that sticks outSizer frame

Won't fit

Too wide by 1 cm. It's 36.6 cm side to side and United Airlines allows 35.6 cm.

BagAway Carry-On

Cabin bagUnited Airlines

Length: 55.1of 55.9 cm0.8 cm spare
Width: 36.6of 35.6 cm1 cm over
Depth: 22.9of 22.9 cmExact fit

WeightNo published limit on United Airlines

Packed weightkg

Gate staff can still refuse a bag you can't lift into the bin yourself.

What you can do

Take a bag 35.6 cm wide or less. 3 bags we list fit.
Or check it in when you book. It's usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
Fits 2 other airlines, including Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines. See all

See bags that fit United Airlines

United Airlines rules checked 2 Nov 2026. Source. Sizes include wheels and handles.

Bags that fit United Airlines' carry-on

3 of the bags we list fit. Each links to the full check.

Horizn Studios Gion Shoulder Bag27 × 18 × 5.5 cmFits17.4 cm to spareBag page
WANDF Personal Item Duffel45 × 32 × 16 cmFits3.6 cm to spareBag page
CabinZero Classic 36L45 × 31 × 20 cmFits2.9 cm to spareBag page

Popular bags that don't fit

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L56 × 33 × 23 cmWon't fit0.1 cm too deepBag page
Osprey Farpoint 4055.1 × 35.1 × 23.1 cmWon't fit0.2 cm too deepBag page
Cabin Max Metz 30L45 × 36 × 20 cmWon't fit0.4 cm too wideBag page
Away Carry-On55.1 × 36.6 × 22.9 cmWon't fit1 cm too wideBag page
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner58.4 × 38.1 × 24.8 cmWon't fit2.5 cm too wideBag page
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Spinner58.4 × 36.8 × 22.9 cmWon't fit2.5 cm too longBag page

How it compares with other North American airlines

Airline	Carry-on	Versus United Airlines
Air Canada	55 × 40 × 23 cm	11% more space
American Airlines	55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm	Same space
Delta Air Lines	55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm	Same space
Frontier Airlines	61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm, 15.9 kg	38% more space
Southwest Airlines	61 × 40.6 × 25.4 cm	38% more space

United Airlines hand luggage questions

What size is the United Airlines carry-on?

United Airlines' carry-on limit is 55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm, with no published weight limit. That includes wheels and handles.

What size personal item does United Airlines allow?

United Airlines' personal item limit is 43.2 × 25.4 × 22.9 cm, with no published weight limit. It's included on every fare.

Is the carry-on free on United Airlines?

No. 22 × 14 × 9 in. Not included on domestic Basic Economy unless you hold MileagePlus status or a co-brand card.

Will a 22-inch carry-on fit United Airlines?

A standard 22 × 14 × 9 in (55.9 × 35.6 × 22.9 cm) case: tight fit. Exactly the limit on at least one side. A bulging pocket would push it over.

Which bags fit United Airlines' carry-on limit?

3 of the 14 bags we list fit, including Horizn Studios Gion Shoulder Bag, WANDF Personal Item Duffel and CabinZero Classic 36L.