Does United Airlines Have Free Carry On?

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Flying can be stressful enough without the added worry of extra baggage fees. If you’re planning on flying with United Airlines, you may be wondering if they offer free carry-on baggage. After all, who wants to pay extra for a small bag that fits in the overhead bin?

The good news is that United Airlines does indeed allow passengers to bring a carry-on bag for free. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines that you should be aware of before packing your bags. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of United’s carry-on policy and answer some common questions about what you can and can’t bring on board.

Does United Airlines Have Free Carry on?

Does United Airlines Have Free Carry on?

United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world that offers a wide range of services to its customers. Among the many questions that travelers have, one of the most common ones is whether United Airlines has free carry-on luggage. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with all the information you need to know.

What is a Carry-On Luggage?

Carry-on luggage is a bag or suitcase that a passenger can bring with them on the plane. It is typically small enough to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of the passenger. Many airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, free of charge.

United Airlines Carry-On Policy

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm) including handles and wheels.

If you have purchased a Basic Economy fare, you are only allowed to bring one personal item on board. However, if you are a MileagePlus Premier member, a Star Alliance Gold member, or a primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag in addition to your personal item.

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Benefits of United Airlines Carry-On Policy

United Airlines’ carry-on policy allows passengers to bring their essential items with them on the plane, such as medications, laptops, and other valuables. This policy ensures that these items are kept safe and secure and are easily accessible during the flight.

Additionally, by allowing passengers to bring a carry-on bag and personal item free of charge, United Airlines helps passengers save money on baggage fees. This is especially beneficial for those who are traveling on a budget and want to avoid extra expenses.

VS Other Airlines

When it comes to the carry-on policy, United Airlines is similar to other major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. All of these airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.

However, some smaller airlines, such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, charge passengers for carry-on bags. Passengers who want to bring a carry-on bag on these airlines have to pay an additional fee, which can be quite expensive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines does have a free carry-on policy that allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board free of charge. This policy is beneficial for passengers as it allows them to bring their essential items with them on the plane and saves them money on baggage fees.

It is important to note that passengers must comply with the size and weight restrictions for their carry-on bags to avoid additional fees. By following these guidelines, passengers can have a hassle-free travel experience with United Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most flights. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Checked baggage fees vary depending on your flight and destination, so it’s important to check United Airlines’ website before you travel.

Passengers can avoid checked baggage fees by joining United Airlines’ loyalty program, MileagePlus. Members of this program typically receive free checked baggage allowances, depending on their membership level and the destination they are traveling to.

Can I bring a carry-on bag for free on United Airlines’ basic economy fare?

Unfortunately, passengers traveling on United Airlines’ basic economy fare are not allowed to bring a carry-on bag for free. They are only allowed to bring a personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, that fits under the seat in front of them. If you need to bring a carry-on bag, you will need to upgrade to a higher fare or purchase a separate carry-on bag fee.

It’s important to note that United Airlines’ basic economy fare is typically cheaper than other fares, so if you don’t need to bring a lot of luggage with you, this could be a good option.

What kind of personal items can I bring on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring a variety of personal items on board, as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. Some examples of acceptable personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, backpacks, and small duffel bags. It’s important to note that if your personal item is too large or does not fit under the seat, you may be asked to check it at the gate.

If you’re not sure if your personal item meets United Airlines’ requirements, it’s a good idea to check their website before you travel or contact customer service for more information.

What are United Airlines’ fees for checked baggage?

United Airlines’ fees for checked baggage vary depending on your flight and destination. Generally, the first checked bag costs $30, the second checked bag costs $40, and any additional bags cost $150 each. However, fees can be higher for international flights or for bags that are overweight or oversized.

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Passengers can save money on checked baggage fees by joining United Airlines’ loyalty program, MileagePlus. Members of this program typically receive free checked baggage allowances, depending on their membership level and the destination they are traveling to.

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

If your carry-on bag is too big to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, you may be asked to check it at the gate. United Airlines’ baggage handlers will then store your bag in the cargo hold and you will be able to retrieve it at baggage claim after your flight.

It’s important to note that checked baggage fees may apply if you are asked to check your carry-on bag at the gate. To avoid this, make sure your carry-on bag meets United Airlines’ size requirements before you travel.

United Airlines Baggage Fees Explained


In conclusion, United Airlines does offer free carry-on baggage for all of their passengers. This means that you can bring a bag on board with you without having to pay any extra fees. However, it is important to note that there are certain size and weight restrictions for carry-on items, so be sure to check United Airlines’ website for the most up-to-date information.

Overall, having the option to bring a carry-on bag for free can be a huge benefit for travelers. It allows you to pack everything you need for your trip without having to worry about the added cost of checking a bag. Plus, it can save you time at the airport since you won’t have to wait for your luggage at baggage claim.

Therefore, if you’re planning to fly with United Airlines, rest assured that you can bring a carry-on bag for free. Just make sure to double-check the size and weight restrictions before you pack to avoid any surprises at the airport. Happy travels!

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