Yes—on most United fares a carry‑on is free; Basic Economy includes only a personal item except on transatlantic, transpacific, and South America routes.
Short answer: On United, a standard carry‑on is free with most fares. Basic Economy is the exception on many routes, where only one personal item is included. If you fly across the Atlantic, across the Pacific, or to South America on a Basic Economy ticket, a full‑size carry‑on is allowed. Status and some United credit cards can also restore a carry‑on on Basic Economy. See United’s current carry‑on page and the Basic Economy rules before you pack.
This guide spells out what’s free, what isn’t, sizes to follow, and smart ways to avoid last‑minute fees at the gate.
United Fare Types And Free Carry‑On At A Glance
| Fare Type | Carry‑On Included? | Notes / Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean) | No full‑size carry‑on | One personal item only. Bring a full‑size bag to the gate and it must be checked for a fee; United often quotes a flat amount at the gate. |
| Basic Economy (Transatlantic / Transpacific / South America) | Yes | Carry‑on plus personal item allowed on these routes under Basic Economy. |
| Economy, Economy Plus, Premium cabins | Yes | Carry‑on and personal item included on most trips; follow the size box at the gate. |
| Basic Economy with Premier status / Star Alliance Gold | Yes | Elites may bring a carry‑on even on Basic Economy. |
| Basic Economy with a qualifying United credit card | Yes | Primary cardmembers on eligible cards can bring a carry‑on when that benefit applies. |
United’s site lists the full rules and any route‑based exceptions. Always check your exact itinerary, and use the airline’s bag fee tool for a final look.
Is A Carry‑On Free With Basic Economy On United?
Not on most North America routes. Basic Economy there includes only one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Bring a full‑size carry‑on to the gate and the agent will tag it for the hold and charge you. United now quotes a flat gate amount in many cases, which combines the bag fee and a handling charge. The airline’s baggage pages and fee charts show a $65 gate total in many markets; older charts list the handling piece separately. Online check‑in for Basic Economy may ask you to pre‑authorize that amount if you indicate you’ll bring a bag.
Routes That Still Allow A Carry‑On In Basic Economy
Three groups of Basic Economy trips permit a full‑size carry‑on: transatlantic, transpacific, and South America. On these, you may board with a standard carry‑on plus a personal item. United outlines these carve‑outs on its Basic Economy page.
Who Else Can Bring A Carry‑On On Basic Economy
MileagePlus Premier members, travelers on the same booking as a Premier member, and Star Alliance Gold members can bring a carry‑on even on Basic Economy. The primary cardmember of a qualifying United co‑branded credit card may also bring a carry‑on on Basic Economy when that benefit applies. If you rely on a card perk, make sure the card shows on the reservation and that you qualify under the terms for your specific card product.
Standard Carry‑On Rules On United
On fares that include it, your carry‑on must fit in the overhead bin at 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 23 cm), handles and wheels included. United’s sizers at the gate use these measurements. If your bag bulges past the frame, expect to check it. The airline posts these numbers on its carry‑on page.
Personal Item Size And Examples
Your personal item must fit under the seat at 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm). Think small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. Coats, umbrellas, duty‑free purchases, and food you’re carrying on board don’t count toward your limit. Medical devices and assistive items ride with you as well.
Musical Gear And Specialty Items
Small instruments that fit in the overhead or under the seat count as your carry‑on or personal item. Oversized instruments can travel in a paid cabin seat when booked as cabin seat baggage. Pack fragile gear right and arrive early to sort details with an agent.
Are Carry Ons Free On United International Flights?
With standard Economy or higher, yes. A carry‑on and a personal item come with the ticket on most international itineraries. Basic Economy is different: across the Atlantic, across the Pacific, and to South America you can still bring a full‑size carry‑on. On other international trips sold as Basic Economy, only a personal item is included.
Rules can vary by market and date. When in doubt, use United’s bag fee calculator for your booking and review the carry‑on page for your route.
Ways To Avoid Carry‑On Fees On United
Pick The Right Fare
If overhead space matters to you, book standard Economy or higher instead of Basic Economy on routes where Basic Economy blocks carry‑ons. The fare difference is often less than a forced gate check, and you’ll board with a bag that stays with you.
Use Status Or The Right Card
Premier status and Star Alliance Gold unlock a carry‑on on Basic Economy. The primary cardmember of a qualifying United credit card may also bring a carry‑on on Basic Economy when that card benefit applies. If you often fly United on the cheapest fares, running the numbers on a card with priority boarding and bag perks can make sense.
Pack An Under‑Seat Bag
If you do choose Basic Economy on a route that blocks overhead space, bring one personal item that truly fits under the seat. Slim 16–20‑liter backpacks and compact totes work well. Keep meds, travel documents, and electronics in that bag since it stays with you. Measure the bag at home against the 17 × 10 × 9 in box and leave room for a water bottle or snack.
Measure Your Bag
Measure height, width, and depth, including wheels and handles. Soft bags can puff out, so cinch them tight. If your carry‑on looks borderline, the sizer at the gate will settle it. A small luggage scale and a tape measure remove guesswork and reduce stress at boarding time.
Know The Gate Charge
Show up with a full‑size carry‑on on Basic Economy where it isn’t included and you’ll be charged the checked bag fee plus a gate handling amount. United has moved to a single gate figure on many routes to speed boarding. Pay online in advance when offered and skip delays at the podium. If you’d rather avoid that hit, buy up to Economy at booking or during check‑in.
What Counts Toward Your Allowance
| Item | Counts Toward Carry‑On/Personal Item? | Pack Where |
|---|---|---|
| Coat, small umbrella, food purchased in the terminal | No | Carry on board in hand |
| Standard stroller, folding wagon, car seat for a child | No | Use to the gate; check for free at the jet bridge (see United’s traveling with children page) |
| Medical devices (CPAP, portable oxygen) and assistive items | No | Bring on board; keep accessible |
| Small musical instrument | Yes | Counts as carry‑on or personal item if it fits; larger gear needs a seat |
| Duty‑free purchases | No | Carry in addition to your allowance |
Liquids And Batteries: Quick Rules That Save Time
Liquids And Gels
For security screening, follow the TSA “3‑1‑1” rule: each liquid must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all containers fit in one clear quart‑size bag, and one bag per traveler. Pack larger bottles in checked baggage. Full details live on the TSA liquids page.
Lithium Batteries And Power Banks
Spare lithium batteries and power banks ride carry‑on only. Limit is 100 Wh for most, with up to two spares in the 101–160 Wh range when the airline approves it. Tape or cover loose terminals and prevent crushing. The FAA’s PackSafe page lists the latest battery rules.
Practical Packing Tips That Keep You In The Clear
Choose A True Under‑Seat Bag For Basic Economy
Pick a bag that matches the 17 × 10 × 9 in box and you’ll breeze past the sizer. Many “personal item” bags are sold to that spec; look for a structured base so it slides under the seat. A slim backpack or tote with a sleeve for your laptop keeps things tidy and quick at screening.
Load Order Matters
Heavy items go near the wheels on a roller. That keeps the bag stable while walking through the terminal. Keep chargers, prescriptions, and a spare shirt in your personal item in case the overheads fill up. If you plan to place a jacket in the bin, set it on top so you’re not fishing under suitcases during rush boarding.
Use Pouches And Compression Wisely
Packing cubes tidy things up, but don’t over‑stuff them. A bulging cube can turn a legal carry‑on into a bend‑the‑zipper project that misses the sizer. Roll knitwear, fold structured shirts, and wear your bulkiest shoes. Airline sizers aren’t flexible; a neat rectangle beats a rounded, overfilled bag every time.
Give Yourself Time At The Airport
Bag questions get sorted faster when you’re not sprinting to the gate. If the app flags a possible gate check, talk to a service agent early and weigh choices: check the bag, repack into your personal item, or buy up to a fare that includes a carry‑on. If you’re worried about liquid limits, move items into a clear quart bag before you leave home to avoid repacking at the checkpoint.
Bottom Line: When Is A Carry‑On Free On United?
Most United fares include one standard carry‑on and a personal item. Basic Economy is the outlier on many routes, where only a personal item is included and overhead space is off‑limits unless you qualify through status, a qualifying United credit card, or you’re flying Basic Economy on transatlantic, transpacific, or South America routes. Know your route, measure your bag, and you won’t get surprised at the gate. For the latest rules, review United’s carry‑on page and run your booking through the bag fee calculator before you head to the airport.