Carry-on baggage information
For travel worldwide on United, you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer.
- A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.
- Carry-on bag dimensions should not be more than 9 x 14 x 22 in/22 x 35 x 55 cm (length + width + height) or 45 linear in/112 linear cm (the length, height and width added together).
United may require that a carry-on item travel as checked baggage if the item cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight.
United exempts the following personal items from the one piece limit:
- Child safety seats for ticketed children
- Assistive devices (e.g. canes, crutches, etc.)
- Outer garments (e.g. coats, hats, etc.)
United Baggage Guidance on flights from the U.K.
All customers departing from or connecting through London Heathrow will be allowed one piece of carry-on baggage (not exceeding 45 linear inches) plus one small personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer.
- A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.
- Carry-on bag dimensions should not be more than 9 x 14 x 22 in/22 x 35 x 55 cm (length + width + height) or 45 linear in/112 linear cm (the length, height and width added together).
UK customers now have the same carry-on baggage allowance as other United travellers worldwide.
Carry-on baggage restrictions for flights from/within the European Union and Japan
Liquids, gels and/or aerosols are permitted through security checkpoints. Items must fit in one clear, re-sealable quart or liter-sized plastic bag, in containers of 3oz/100ml or less. In the European Union, items must fit in one clear, re-sealable liter-sized plastic bag, in containers of 100ml/3oz or less. (Please note: The TSA's exact measurements are stated above. But for ease of memory please follow the 3-1-1 rule.)
Plastic bags must be completely sealed and will be x-rayed at the security checkpoint separately.
The following items are allowed, but must be presented to officials at security checkpoints if they are not contained in clear plastic bags or are of greater volume than 3oz/100ml in the U.S. or 100ml/3oz in the EU:
- Baby formula/milk, including breast milk, and baby food in containers. A baby or small child does not have to be traveling with the parent.
- Medications (liquid, gel or aerosol)
- Liquids, juices or gels for diabetic passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition. (A letter from your physician is not necessary).
Passengers are permitted to take liquids, gels, and/or aerosols purchased in the boarding area onboard the aircraft. This includes all duty free items.
Though there is some flexibility regarding duty free items within the EU, restrictions still apply elsewhere. Duty free liquids, gels, and/or aerosols that exceed the TSA limit will not be permitted on most connection flights worldwide.
On flights to/from Japan
View the carry-on baggage policy. Plus, view the PDF download (official document) from Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation (JCAB, MLIT).
You will need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print your guide. While viewing the Quick Reference Guide in Acrobat Reader, please be sure to choose Save from the File menu.
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Carry-on baggage restrictions for flights departing other locations
Security checkpoint procedures vary outside the U.S. Passengers on non-U.S. departure flights should check with a United representative at the departure airport while checking in and before entering the security checkpoint.
Connecting flights within the U.S.
Duty free liquids, gels and/or aerosols are not accepted on connecting flights within the U.S, unless they meet U.S. domestic carry-on criteria.
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Additional information
For more carry-on guidelines, visit the TSA's website at www.tsa.gov.
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Related information
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