What Qualifies As A Personal Item On United Airlines?

admin
Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Are you a frequent flyer with United Airlines? Do you struggle with packing for your trip and determining what items are considered personal items? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss what qualifies as a personal item on United Airlines and provide you with helpful tips to make your packing process a breeze.

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. While most flyers are familiar with carry-on size restrictions, the rules for personal items can be a bit more confusing. So, let’s dive in and clear up any confusion you may have about what items qualify as a personal item on United Airlines.

What Qualifies as a Personal Item on United Airlines?

What Qualifies as a Personal Item on United Airlines?

When it comes to packing for your next flight, it’s important to know the rules and regulations of your airline. United Airlines, like most airlines, allows passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item onboard. But what exactly qualifies as a personal item on United Airlines? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at United’s personal item policy and what you can bring onboard.

United Airlines Personal Item Policy

United Airlines defines a personal item as a small bag or item that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. This can include a purse, backpack, briefcase, laptop bag, or other small item. The dimensions of the personal item cannot exceed 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm), including handles and wheels.

It’s important to note that United Airlines does not consider a jacket, umbrella, duty-free items, or food and drink purchased before boarding to be a personal item. These items should be stored in your carry-on bag or in the overhead bin.

When packing your personal item, consider what you’ll need during the flight. United Airlines recommends packing your travel documents, medication, and other essential items in your personal item, as well as any electronics you may need during the flight.

Read More:  How To Get A Call Back From United Airlines?

Examples of Acceptable Personal Items

So, what are some examples of items that qualify as a personal item on United Airlines? Here are a few:

Backpacks

A small backpack can be a great personal item, especially if you’re traveling with a laptop or other electronics. Look for a backpack with a padded laptop compartment and plenty of pockets to keep your items organized.

Purses

A purse or small handbag can also be a good option for a personal item. Look for a bag with a zipper closure and enough room to hold your essentials, like your phone, wallet, and travel documents.

Laptop Bags

If you’re traveling with a laptop, a laptop bag or briefcase can be a good personal item choice. Look for a bag with a padded compartment to protect your device and enough room to hold your other essentials.

Personal Item Restrictions

While United Airlines allows a personal item onboard, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. For example, the personal item must fit underneath the seat in front of you, so it cannot be too large or bulky. In addition, United Airlines only allows one personal item per passenger, so you cannot bring multiple personal items onboard.

If you’re traveling with a larger bag, like a suitcase or duffel bag, you’ll need to check it at the gate or at the ticket counter. United Airlines provides complimentary gate checks for carry-on bags that cannot fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat.

Benefits of Packing a Personal Item

Packing a personal item can have several benefits for travelers. For example, having a small bag or item with your essentials easily accessible can save you time and hassle during the flight. You won’t have to dig through your carry-on bag to find your phone or travel documents, for example.

In addition, packing a personal item can also help you stay organized during your trip. You can keep all of your most important items in one place and easily accessible, making it easier to navigate airports and other travel situations.

Personal Item vs. Carry-On Bag

It’s important to note the difference between a personal item and a carry-on bag. While a personal item is a small bag or item that can fit underneath the seat in front of you, a carry-on bag is a larger bag that can be stored in the overhead bin. United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard.

When choosing your personal item and carry-on bag, consider your travel needs and the items you’ll be bringing with you. A larger carry-on bag may be necessary if you’re traveling for an extended period of time or need to bring multiple outfits or larger items with you.

Read More:  Does United Airlines Fly To Paris?

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing what qualifies as a personal item on United Airlines can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Remember that a personal item is a small bag or item that can fit underneath the seat in front of you, and that United Airlines allows one personal item per passenger. By choosing a personal item that fits your needs and packing it with your essentials, you can make your flight more comfortable and organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about personal items on United Airlines.

What size can my personal item be?

Your personal item on United Airlines must fit under the seat in front of you and be no larger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm). This includes items such as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack. If your item is too large, it will need to be checked in as a carry-on or checked bag.

It’s important to note that if you’re flying Basic Economy, you’re only allowed one personal item and it cannot be a full-sized carry-on. If you need to bring a larger bag, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher fare class or pay an additional fee.

Can I bring a backpack as my personal item?

Yes, you can bring a backpack as your personal item as long as it meets the size requirements of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and can fit under the seat in front of you. However, if your backpack is too large, it will need to be checked in or carried on as a larger bag.

It’s also important to note that if you’re traveling with a backpack that has multiple compartments, each compartment will count as a separate item. So, if you have a backpack with a laptop compartment and a front pocket, those will count as two separate items.

Can I bring a garment bag as my personal item?

Yes, you can bring a garment bag as your personal item as long as it meets the size requirements of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and can fit under the seat in front of you. However, it’s important to note that garment bags can be bulky and may not fit easily under the seat.

If you’re traveling with a garment bag, it may be more convenient to carry it on as a larger bag or check it in as a checked bag. United Airlines also offers a closet service on select flights where you can hang your garment bag during the flight.

Read More:  How To Check In At United Airlines?

Can I bring a pet carrier as my personal item?

Yes, you can bring a pet carrier as your personal item as long as it meets the size requirements of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and can fit under the seat in front of you. However, it’s important to note that there are restrictions on the types of pets that can travel in the cabin and additional fees may apply.

If you’re traveling with a pet, it’s important to contact United Airlines before your flight to make sure you have all the necessary documentation and to confirm that your pet meets the requirements for cabin travel.

Can I bring a musical instrument as my personal item?

Yes, you can bring a musical instrument as your personal item as long as it meets the size requirements of 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and can fit under the seat in front of you. However, if your instrument is too large, it will need to be checked in or carried on as a larger bag.

It’s important to note that musical instruments are considered fragile items and may require special handling. If you’re traveling with a musical instrument, it’s recommended that you contact United Airlines before your flight to make arrangements for its transport.

Boardinglue.org United Airlines Personal Item Under Seat Bag.


In conclusion, knowing what qualifies as a personal item on United Airlines can save you time and money. By understanding the size limitations and types of items allowed, you can pack efficiently and avoid having to check in bags at the airport. With United’s policy, you can bring a personal item such as a small backpack or purse in addition to your carry-on luggage.

It’s important to remember that United Airlines has strict rules on what is considered a personal item. Any bag larger than the specified dimensions or items not allowed on board may result in additional fees or the need to check in your bag. Be sure to check the guidelines before you travel to avoid any issues at the airport.

In summary, packing for air travel can be stressful, but understanding what qualifies as a personal item on United Airlines can make the process smoother. By following the guidelines, you can ensure that your personal item is within the allowed size and type, helping you to avoid any unexpected fees or complications.

adminChief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Leave a Comment