The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently requiring enhanced security measures for all flights departing from non-U.S. locations to the United States. Additionally, limits have been placed on the number and size of carry-on bags permitted on board flights departing Canada.
We recommend that you ensure that any liquids, aerosols or gels that are included in your carry-on bags adhere to the restrictions currently in place.
Customers are advised to arrive at the airport one (1) hour prior to normal processing times.
For details regarding TSA security measures, go to www.tsa.gov. For details regarding carry-on bags for flights from Canada, go to Transport Canada.
If you are traveling with any liquid, gel or aerosol items, here are a few things you should remember:
- Customers departing from U.S. airports on any flight may bring carry-on bags through security and aboard the aircraft with trial-size toiletries (3.4 ounces or less) which can be purchased at any drug store.
- Toiletries must fit comfortably in one, quart-size (7.5-inch x 8-inch), clear plastic zip-top bag.
- The zip-top bag may need to be presented separately at airport security so make sure it is easily accessible when you approach the screening area.
Additionally, beverages or toiletries purchased inside the airport beyond the security checkpoints will be allowed onboard the aircraft.
If you are connecting to another flight and are required to reenter through a security checkpoint, the regulations outlined above will apply, and no exemption will be made for items you purchased in the boarding area of your originating airport.
Items greater than 3.4 ounces and/or not contained in a zip-top bag may be allowed on board but must be declared to the TSA at the security checkpoint for screening. These items include baby formula, milk (to include breast milk), baby food, juice, medications and liquids/gels that are needed for diabetic or other medical conditions.
Restrictions vary for flights departing from non-U.S. locations. Travelers should check with the departure airport for specific security restrictions.
It's always a good idea to check the airport processing times before departing for the airport to ensure that you allow enough time for additional processing when required.
Please note, customers are prohibited from bringing aboard any device to alter or limit the functionality (permanently or temporarily) of any aircraft structure, seat assembly, tray table, etc.
Additional references with detailed information and examples of allowable items may be found at the TSA's website.
For customers traveling to and from Canada, carrying incapacitating sprays, liquids, or powders is prohibited by Canadian law. These restricted items include, but are not limited to, mace, pepper spray (including bear and dog sprays), capsicum and tear gas. Anyone carrying these items may be subject to legal action.
Due to higher security levels at airports worldwide, gifts and packages are subject to the same inspection as your carry-on baggage. To reduce delays at the airport security checkpoint, United Airlines recommends that you travel with your packages unwrapped. This will allow for easy inspection, if necessary.
United Airlines will permit one bag plus one personal item (see below), per customer to be carried on the aircraft.
The maximum combined linear measurement (length + width + height) of carry-on bags must not exceed 14 inches x 9 inches x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm).
Please note: All carry-on items must be stowed under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. Items may not be stowed in the seat back pocket. Any item in excess of carry-on baggage size or allowance requirements as listed above will be checked to your final destination and may be subject to applicable checked baggage fees.
Any item that is requested to be carried inside the cabin of an aircraft and is determined to be acceptable, but is so fragile or bulky that a seat is required, will be considered cabin-seat baggage. United Airlines will allow a customer to purchase a ticket for a cabin-seat baggage item so that the item may be carried on board and transported in a seat.
In addition to one carry-on item, you may bring one personal item, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item (no larger than 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches, or 36 linear inches).
The following items are not counted toward your one bag and one personal item limit:
- Overcoat or wrap
- Umbrella
- A reasonable amount of reading material
- Pet carrier (fees apply)
- A collapsible wheelchair
- Child restraint seat meeting FAA approval standards
- Camera
- Diaper bag
- A limited amount of duty-free merchandise or food purchased in the airport
- Assistive devices (a cane, one set of crutches, prescription medications and any medical devices needed to administer the medications, a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), etc.)
Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases.
Note: Most knives are not allowed past the security checkpoint (including, but not limited to, pocket knives, folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition, box cutters, X-Acto knives, scissors with a pointed tip, straight razors, Leatherman or Swiss Army Knives). Plastic and round-bladed butter knives are permitted in carry-on baggage.
Battery-operated personal air-purifying devices are prohibited onboard all United flights.
The TSA will allow passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new “checkpoint friendly” standards. For a bag to be considered checkpoint friendly, it should meet the following standards:
- A designated laptop-only section
- The laptop-only section completely unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray belt
- No metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on top of the laptop-only section
- No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section
- Nothing packed in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.
For details of checkpoint friendly designs and guidance on use, go to www.tsa.gov.
Note: Baggage allowances for United's codeshare partners or United Express flights operated by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. or Chautauqua Airlines may be different.
*Given TSA's use of random screening protocols, TSA reserves the right to re-screen any bag or laptop regardless of the design of the bag.
Our aircrafts are equipped with a closet to accommodate limited storage of items including:
- Folding collapsible wheelchair*
- Canes and walking sticks
- Garments (e.g., wedding dress)**
*Priority will be given to customers pre-boarding with folding collapsible wheelchairs.
**On a space available basis.