Do I Have To Pay For Carry On United Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you planning to fly with United Airlines and wondering if you have to pay for carry-on luggage? Well, you’re not alone! Many travelers are confused about the airline’s baggage policy and the fees associated with it. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about United Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy, so you can avoid any surprises at the airport.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, understanding the baggage rules of your airline is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. From the maximum size and weight of your carry-on bag to the fees and restrictions, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started and find out if you have to pay for carry-on luggage on United Airlines!

Do I Have to Pay for Carry on United Airlines?

Do I Have to Pay for Carry on United Airlines?

United Airlines is a major American airline that operates both domestic and international flights. One of the most common questions that passengers have is whether they have to pay for carry-on baggage on United Airlines. In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with all the necessary information about United Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance on United Airlines

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board. The personal item can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or a similar item that fits under the seat in front of you. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

The maximum dimensions for carry-on bags on United Airlines are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. If your baggage exceeds these dimensions, it will be checked at the gate and you will be charged a fee.

Do You Have to Pay for Carry-on Baggage on United Airlines?

The answer is: it depends. United Airlines offers different fares that come with different baggage restrictions. If you have purchased a Basic Economy fare, you will only be allowed to bring one personal item on board. You will have to pay extra if you want to bring a carry-on bag on board. The fee for a carry-on bag on Basic Economy fares is $35 each way.

If you have purchased a Standard Economy, Economy Plus, or a higher fare, you will be allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board for free. However, if your baggage exceeds the maximum dimensions, you will be charged a fee.

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Benefits of Carrying on Your Baggage on United Airlines

Carrying on your baggage on United Airlines has several benefits. First, you don’t have to wait at the baggage claim area after your flight. You can simply grab your bag from the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and head straight to your destination. Second, you don’t have to worry about lost or delayed baggage. If you check your bag, there is always a chance that it may get lost or delayed. Third, carrying on your baggage can save you money. If you have purchased a Basic Economy fare, you can save $35 each way by not bringing a carry-on bag on board.

Vs Checking Your Baggage on United Airlines

Checking your baggage on United Airlines also has some benefits. First, you don’t have to carry your baggage around the airport. If you have a lot of baggage or heavy baggage, it can be easier to check it and let the airline handle it. Second, you don’t have to worry about carrying your baggage on board and finding space in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Third, if you have a long layover or a connecting flight, it can be easier to check your baggage and not have to worry about it until you reach your final destination.

How to Pay for Carry-on Baggage on United Airlines

If you have purchased a Basic Economy fare and want to bring a carry-on bag on board, you can pay for it during online check-in or at the airport check-in counter. The fee for a carry-on bag on Basic Economy fares is $35 each way.

If you have purchased a Standard Economy, Economy Plus, or a higher fare and your baggage exceeds the maximum dimensions, you can pay for it at the airport check-in counter. The fee for oversized baggage on United Airlines is $100 each way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If you have purchased a Basic Economy fare, you will have to pay extra if you want to bring a carry-on bag on board. If you have purchased a Standard Economy, Economy Plus, or a higher fare, you will be allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board for free. However, if your baggage exceeds the maximum dimensions, you will be charged a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about carrying baggage on United Airlines:

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

United Airlines allows one personal item and one carry-on bag for free on all flights. Checked baggage fees vary depending on the type of fare purchased and the destination. United also offers the option to pre-pay for checked baggage online, which can save you money compared to paying at the airport.

It’s important to note that United Airlines has size restrictions for carry-on bags. Your carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) including handles and wheels. If your bag exceeds these dimensions, you may be asked to check it at the gate, which may result in additional fees.

Does United Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No, United Airlines does not charge for carry-on bags. Each passenger is allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag for free on all flights. However, if your carry-on bag exceeds the size limit of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) including handles and wheels, you may be asked to check it at the gate and incur additional fees.

If you need to bring additional bags or your bag exceeds the size limit, you will need to pay for checked baggage. The fees vary depending on the type of fare purchased and the destination.

How much does United Airlines charge for checked baggage?

The cost of checked baggage on United Airlines depends on the type of fare purchased and the destination. For domestic flights within the United States, the fee for the first checked bag starts at $35, while the fee for the second checked bag starts at $45. Fees for international flights and flights to/from Canada may be higher.

It’s important to note that United Airlines offers the option to pre-pay for checked baggage online, which can save you money compared to paying at the airport. Additionally, United Airlines offers free checked baggage to certain elite members of their loyalty program, as well as active duty military personnel and their dependents.

Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on bag on United Airlines?

Yes, United Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. Your personal item can be a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, while your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and not exceed 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.

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If your backpack exceeds the size limit, you may be asked to check it at the gate and incur additional fees. It’s important to note that United Airlines also has weight restrictions for carry-on bags – your bag must not weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kg). If your bag exceeds this weight limit, you may need to check it.

What happens if my carry-on bag is too big for United Airlines?

If your carry-on bag exceeds the size limit of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) including handles and wheels, you may be asked to check it at the gate and incur additional fees. The fee for checking a bag at the gate can be higher than if you pre-pay for checked baggage online.

It’s important to note that United Airlines also has weight restrictions for carry-on bags – your bag must not weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kg). If your bag exceeds this weight limit, you may need to check it.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, United Airlines does require passengers to pay for carry-on baggage. This policy applies to all passengers, regardless of their travel class or frequent flyer status. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it is important to remember that United Airlines offers a wide range of fare options that allow passengers to customize their travel experience.

It is also worth noting that United Airlines offers a variety of ways to save on baggage fees. For example, passengers can prepay for their baggage online or through the United app to save money compared to paying at the airport. Additionally, passengers who hold certain credit cards or elite status with United may be eligible for waived or discounted baggage fees.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid surprises and save on baggage fees when flying with United Airlines is to carefully review the airline’s baggage policies and plan ahead. By taking advantage of the airline’s various cost-saving options and being mindful of what you pack, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free travel experience with United Airlines.

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