Personal Item
United Airlines43 x 25 x 22 cm
American Airlines45 x 35 x 20 cm
United Airlines vs American Airlines baggage rules
United States
A source-backed comparison of United Airlines and American Airlines personal item and carry-on limits, fare conditions and weight rules.
Quick verdict
Neither airline is universally more generous; the answer changes by item or by edge.
Personal item and carry-on side by side
| Bag type | United Airlines | American Airlines | Dimensional result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 43 x 25 x 22 cm Weight not listed Included · Standard | 45 x 35 x 20 cm Weight not listed Included · All cabins | Neither airline is universally more generous; the answer changes by item or by edge. |
| Carry-on | 56 x 35 x 23 cm Weight not listed Check fare conditions · Standard; Basic Economy depends on route and benefits | 55 x 35 x 22 cm Weight not listed Included · All cabins | United Airlines is dimensionally more generous; American Airlines is stricter for this bag type. United Airlines's published frame contains American Airlines's listed size. |
Source match date
Source checkedPublished dimensions were matched to the source within four months; verify ticket and weight conditions before travel.
Source match date Aug 7, 2026
Relative published size frames
Carry-on
United Airlines56 x 35 x 23 cm
American Airlines55 x 35 x 22 cm
Bar area is a simple volume comparison for orientation only. Airline sizers enforce each edge separately; volume alone cannot prove that a bag fits.
Official policy sources
Explore the published size limits
Common questions before you pack
Neither airline is universally more generous; the answer changes by item or by edge. Compare both rows because personal-item and overhead-bag results can differ. Fare and weight rules remain separate from dimensions.
Possibly, but only if every packed edge fits both airlines' current limit and your fares include that item. Use the prefilled comparison, then verify both official sources.
Not necessarily. Inclusion can depend on the fare, route, cabin or add-on even when the dimensions fit. The table shows the published inclusion status; your ticket controls the final allowance.