Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
American vs United: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for American Airlines and United Airlines, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- The carry-on limits are about the same size on American and United.
- American's personal item allowance (18 x 14 x 8 in) is bigger than United's (17 x 10 x 9 in).
| American | United | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 35 x 23 cm |
| Carry-on weight | No published limit | No published limit |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included | Included (Not included in Basic Economy on most routes) |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm | 17 x 10 x 9 in / 43 x 25 x 22 cm |
| Checked bag size | 158 cm (62 in) in total | 158 cm (62 in) in total |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag |
| Online check-in opens | 24 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) | Not published |
| At the gate by | 15 min before | Not published |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules |
Carry-on that fits both
22 x 13.8 x 9.1 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
16.9 x 9.8 x 7.9 in (43 x 25 x 20 cm)
The smallest limit on each side
Flying both on one trip? The trip checker shows which airline sets each limit, and the gate card keeps the rules on your phone.
Will your bag fit?
Measure with wheels, handles and pockets included. The order of the sides doesn't matter.
Questions people ask
Is the American carry-on bigger than United?
The carry-on limits are about the same size on American and United.
What carry-on size fits both American and United?
A bag no bigger than 22 x 13.8 x 9.1 in (56 x 35 x 23 cm) fits both carry-on limits, and 16.9 x 9.8 x 7.9 in (43 x 25 x 20 cm) fits both personal item limits. Check weight limits too.