How Big Can Your Personal Bag Be On United Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you planning on taking a trip with United Airlines soon but unsure of the baggage allowance? One of the most common questions travelers have is how big their personal bag can be on United Airlines. Well, worry not! In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about United Airlines’ personal item policy, including the size, weight, and restrictions.

Carrying a personal item can be vital for travelers, especially those on short trips. With United Airlines, you can bring one personal item onboard, in addition to your carry-on bag. Whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or a business trip, understanding the personal item policy can make your travels much smoother. So, let’s dive in!

How Big Can Your Personal Bag Be on United Airlines?

How Big Can Your Personal Bag Be on United Airlines?

If you’re planning to fly with United Airlines, it’s essential to know the airline’s baggage policy. United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag onboard. While there are specific guidelines for carry-on bags, passengers often overlook the rules for personal items. In this article, we’ll discuss how big your personal bag can be on United Airlines and what items you can bring.

United Airlines Personal Item Policy

A personal item is a small bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. United Airlines defines a personal item as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or backpack. The dimensions of your personal item should not exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm).

If your personal item exceeds these dimensions, United Airlines will require you to check it in as a carry-on bag. You will need to pay the applicable baggage fees and follow the airline’s carry-on bag policy.

What Items Can You Bring in Your Personal Item?

Your personal item should contain essential items that you may need during the flight or at your destination. You can bring items such as a laptop, a book, a camera, a small umbrella, or a jacket. However, there are restrictions on some items that you can bring in your personal item, such as liquids, sharp objects, and flammable items.

Here’s a list of items that you can bring in your personal item:

  • Laptop
  • Tablet
  • Camera
  • Mobile phone
  • Earphones/headphones
  • Books/magazines
  • Small umbrella
  • Light jacket
  • Prescription medications
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Benefits of Traveling with a Personal Item

Traveling with a personal item has several benefits. It allows you to keep essential items close to you during the flight and access them easily. You don’t have to wait for your carry-on bag to arrive at the baggage claim, which can save you time and hassle.

Moreover, you can save money on baggage fees by packing all your essentials in your personal item. As long as your personal item meets United Airlines’ size requirements, you don’t have to pay any extra fees.

United Airlines Carry-On Bag Policy

Apart from a personal item, United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag onboard. The dimensions of your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

If your carry-on bag exceeds these dimensions, United Airlines will require you to check it in as a checked bag. You will need to pay the applicable baggage fees and follow the airline’s checked bag policy.

What Items Can You Bring in Your Carry-On Bag?

Your carry-on bag should contain items that you may need during the flight or at your destination. You can bring items such as clothes, toiletries, shoes, and electronics. However, there are restrictions on some items that you can bring in your carry-on bag, such as liquids, sharp objects, and flammable items.

Here’s a list of items that you can bring in your carry-on bag:

  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Shoes
  • Electronics
  • Books/magazines
  • Food/snacks
  • Non-alcoholic beverages

Carry-On Bag Vs. Checked Bag

Choosing between a carry-on bag and a checked bag depends on your travel needs. If you’re traveling for a short trip, a carry-on bag can be a convenient option as you don’t have to wait for your luggage at the baggage claim. Moreover, you can save money on baggage fees by packing light and fitting everything in your carry-on bag.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling for a longer period and need to bring more items, a checked bag may be a better option. You can pack more items in a checked bag and avoid carrying heavy bags onboard.

Conclusion

Knowing United Airlines’ baggage policy can save you time, money, and hassle. Your personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and contain essential items that you may need during the flight or at your destination. Your carry-on bag should be within the airline’s size limits and contain items that you may need during the flight or at your destination. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a stress-free travel experience with United Airlines.

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Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the size of personal bags on United Airlines:

What is the size limit for a personal bag on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows one personal item per passenger, such as a purse, backpack, or laptop bag. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). This bag must fit under the seat in front of you, so it should be small enough to fit in that space.

If your personal item is larger than the maximum size limit or cannot fit under the seat, you will need to check it as a carry-on or checked bag, depending on its size and weight.

Can I bring a carry-on bag in addition to my personal item on United Airlines?

Yes, United Airlines allows one carry-on bag in addition to your personal item. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm), including wheels and handles. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, so it should be small enough to fit in that space.

If your carry-on bag is larger than the maximum size limit or cannot fit in the overhead bin, you will need to check it as a checked bag instead.

What happens if my personal item or carry-on bag exceeds the size limit on United Airlines?

If your personal item or carry-on bag exceeds the size limit on United Airlines, you may be required to check it as a checked bag instead. Checked baggage fees will apply if your bag exceeds the size or weight limits for carry-on bags or personal items.

If you are unsure about the size of your personal item or carry-on bag, it is best to measure it before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises or additional fees.

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What is the weight limit for a personal bag on United Airlines?

United Airlines does not have a specific weight limit for personal items. However, your personal item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. If your personal item is too heavy to fit under the seat, you may be required to check it as a checked bag instead.

Keep in mind that there are weight limits for carry-on bags, so if you are planning to bring both a personal item and a carry-on bag, make sure they are within the weight limits specified by United Airlines.

Can I bring a pet carrier as my personal item on United Airlines?

Yes, you may bring a pet carrier as your personal item on United Airlines, as long as it fits within the maximum size limits of 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) and can fit under the seat in front of you. Your pet must also be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.

If you are traveling with a pet, you will need to follow United Airlines’ guidelines and requirements for pet travel, which may include additional fees and paperwork.

How to pack a United Airlines Basic Economy Bag 17 x 9 x 10 for 3 to 5 days (9x17x10)


In conclusion, it is important to know the size and weight limitations for your personal bag when flying with United Airlines. While the dimensions may vary depending on your ticket type and destination, it is generally safe to stick to the standard size of 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches and a weight limit of 25 pounds.

It’s always a good idea to check United Airlines’ official website for the latest information on personal bag size and weight restrictions. By doing so, you can avoid any potential surprises at the airport and ensure that your travel plans go smoothly.

Remember, packing light and efficiently is key to a stress-free travel experience. So, before you start packing, take a few minutes to review United Airlines’ personal bag guidelines and make sure that your bag meets the requirements. Happy travels!

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