Are You Allowed a Free Carry-On With United Airlines?

Most travelers are confused after booking a Basic Economy fare. So it is important to understand what type of fare exactly includes carry-on luggage. 

This updated guide explains United Airlines' carry-on baggage policy, including the size limits, restrictions for Basic Economy fares, and international restrictions.

Do You Get a Free Carry-On With United Airlines?

Yes. If you have a United Airlines flight within the US, you’re allowed to carry one hand luggage and one personal item for free. This rule does not apply to Basic Economy fares. 

In other words, passengers traveling on Standard Economy, Premium Economy, United First, United Business, or United Polaris are allowed:

• 1 free carry-on bag

• 1 free personal item

This rule applies to all domestic routes and select international routes.

What are the carry-on size limits with United Airlines?

Your carry-in bag must fit in the overhead bins, and the size must be within:

For personal item: The size must be within 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm)

Personal items can be small backpacks, laptop bags, and purses.

Basic Economy

Basic Economy fare is where the United Airlines baggage policy gets differentiated.

For Domestic Travel:

Unlike all other United Airlines fares that offer at least 1 carry-on and 1 checked bag for free, Basic Economy charges for 

• Carry-on bag for a fee of 35 USD

• Checked baggage for a fee of 65 USD

• Seat selection

• No cancellation

• No flight change

Basic Economy fare comes with one personal item only.

For International Travel:

Passengers who book a United Airlines flight on a Basic Economy fare on an international flight are allowed:

• One carry-on bag

• One personal item

This is applicable for Transatlantic, Transpacific, and South American routes. 

This is important for travelers who booked a Basic Economy fare and are traveling to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. On these routes, the airlines allow a full-size carry-on bag for free. 

Shorter international routes like Mexico and the Caribbean do not offer free carry-on. You must always check the baggage section on the Manage Booking tab.

Basic Economy Carry-On Baggage Restriction for Elite Passengers

Following elite cardholders and tier status members are allowed to bring one free full-size carry-on luggage:

• United MileagePlus Premier members

• Passengers flying with United MileagePlus members on the same reservation. 

• MileagePlus credit card holders

• Star Alliance Gold members

Note: United Gateway Card and United MileagePlus Select Card holders are not eligible for free carry-on on Basic Economy fares.

So, What Should You Do If You Want to Travel With Carry-on Luggage on United Airlines?

For passengers who are carrying just one small bag and don't want to encounter any extra fees at the check-in counter, it is best to avoid Basic Economy fares. 

The cost of upgrading to Main Cabin Economy fare is almost equal to paying for an extra carry-on baggage fee. Plus, you are entitled to free seat selection and request changes/cancellation, if necessary.

Conclusion

Yes, United Airlines allows a free carry-on bag on most fares except domestic Basic Economy. Main Cabin fares and other higher classes of service, such as Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, allow one free carry-on and one personal item. On the other hand, the domestic Basic Economy permits one personal item only. 

However, Basic Economy on long-haul international flights such as Europe, Asia, and South America are allowed to carry a free full-size carry-on bag.

Travelers with MileagePlus Premier status, Star Alliance Gold status, or eligible United credit cards offer free carry-on on Basic Economy fares.