Does United Allow a Backpack and a Carry - On? The first question most people ask themselves when packing for their trip is: Does United permit a backpack along with a carry - on? The simple answer is yes — but there are quite a few rules regarding United Airlines’ baggage policy and United Airlines’ baggage allowance that apply. If you know these rules, you will be able to prevent the additional fees or the situation of ha ving to gate - check your bag. United’s Baggage Allowance: How Many Bags Can You Bring? According to United’s regular policy, the majority of passengers have the right to take along a carry - on bag and a personal item. A personal item can be a backpack, a pur se, or a laptop bag — as long as it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. This system gives flexibility to those who prefer to travel light but still want to take a small backpack. What Is the United Carry - On Size Limit? United has a particular size limit for carry - on luggage: the maximum dimensions of 22 × 14 × 9 inches, with handles and wheels included. In case your bag exceeds this size, you might be asked to gate - check it in case there is no room for it in the overhead bin. United, however, d oes not publicly claim a specific weight limit for carry - on bags; yet, it is important that you can lift and store your bag by yourself, especially during boarding. Can Your Backpack Count as a Personal Item? Definitely — a backpack regularly counts as you r personal item. For most travelers, this is the most reasonable way of carrying their essentials. United’s cabin allowance usually limits personal items to around 17 × 10 × 9 inches, although it may change slightly. If your backpack is within those limits , you’re probably good to go. If packed wisely, it will fit easily under the seat, leaving the overhead bin for your other carry - on luggage. What About Basic Economy Tickets? If you're on a Basic Economy ticket, the situation is somewhat different. With mo st Basic Economy fares, the limit for carry - on is only one personal item — which is quite small and hence no full - size bag is checked in at the overhead bin. When you are carrying both a suitcase and a backpack, you may incur extra charges or the bigger on e will have to be put at the gate for checking. Exceptions may apply based on the route or your membership level, but irrespective of the case, do not consider both bags allowed automatically for you. Practical Tips for Traveling With a Backpack + Carry - On • Weigh your luggage before going to the airport. Confirm your carry - on and backpack sizes one last time to ensure they are within United’s guidelines. • Opt for a backpack made of soft material. A soft - sided backpack's flexibility makes it easy to slid e in under the seat or in cramped areas. • Keep it in mind during boarding. For airplanes with no empty seats, flight attendants might closely monitor the “one carry - on + one personal item” rule. • Understand the type of ticket you have. In case of Basic Economy, do not presume a full - size carry - on to be part of your allowance — look at your ticket information very carefully. • Be prepared to gate - check if needed. Should your bag be too large, or the room for carry - ons be filled, you may have to c heck yo ur carry - on at the gate. Conclusion Indeed — It is a general policy of United Airlines to allow passengers, upon compliance with size and number of bags rules, to take both a backpack (as their personal item) and a carry - on bag. The dimensions of your carr y - on should be equal to or less than 22 × 14 × 9 inches, whereas that of your backpack (if used as the personal item) should ideally be even smaller, around 17 × 10 × 9 inches. Nevertheless, if your purchase was a Basic Economy ticket, you might be entitle d to just one personal item with no full - size carry - on allowed. If you get acquainted with United Airlines' luggage rules and confirm your ticket class, you will be able to fly with less worry and more confidence.