Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
Lufthansa vs United: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for Lufthansa and United Airlines, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- Lufthansa's carry-on limit is roomier (55 x 40 x 23 cm) than United's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 12% more space.
- Lufthansa: 8 kg (18 lb) carry-on weight limit. United: no published carry-on weight limit.
- United's personal item allowance (17 x 10 x 9 in) is bigger than Lufthansa's (40 x 30 x 15 cm).
| Lufthansa | United | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 55 x 40 x 23 cm / about 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 35 x 23 cm |
| Carry-on weight | 8 kg (18 lb) | No published limit |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included (Not on Economy Basic (short and medium haul)) | Included (Not included in Basic Economy on most routes) |
| Personal item | 40 x 30 x 15 cm / about 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in | 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 (51 lb) per bag in economy, 32 kg (71 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 | 30 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before | Not published |
| At the gate by | Not published | Not published |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules |
Carry-on that fits both
55 x 35 x 23 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
40 x 25 x 15 cm (15.7 x 9.8 x 5.9 in)
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 Lufthansa carry-on bigger than United?
Lufthansa's carry-on limit is roomier (55 x 40 x 23 cm) than United's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 12% more space.
What carry-on size fits both Lufthansa and United?
A bag no bigger than 55 x 35 x 23 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in) fits both carry-on limits, and 40 x 25 x 15 cm (15.7 x 9.8 x 5.9 in) fits both personal item limits. Check weight limits too.