American vs Delta vs United Baggage Rules Comparison 2026: Carry-on, Personal Item & Checked ​

Shopping for the cheapest flight between American, Delta, and United? That Basic Economy fare that saves you 20 or 30 dollars up front can cost you way more at the gate if you bring the wrong bag. The three biggest US airlines look almost identical on the surface, but their baggage rules are definitely not the same — especially for the cheapest tickets.

This side-by-side comparison breaks down exactly what you get on each airline, from personal item sizes to checked bag prices to the Basic Economy traps that catch people out every day. Use it to pick the right airline and avoid surprise fees.

Luggage Rules Calculator ​

Baggage Rules Overview ​

All three airlines follow the same general pattern for domestic economy fares. You get one carry on bag and one personal item for free, but you have to pay extra for every checked bag. The biggest differences are in Basic Economy rules, personal item sizes, and checked bag prices.

Important Things to Watch & Strictness Guide ​

American Airlines — Strictness: 7 (Strict) ​

American Airlines allows one personal item (45 × 35 × 20 cm) and one carry on bag (56 × 36 × 23 cm) on every fare including Basic Economy, which is more generous than some competitors. The first checked bag costs 45 dollars when paid online, and the second costs 55 dollars. Oversized bags cost 75 dollars extra and overweight bags cost about 10 dollars per kilogram over the 23 kilogram limit.

Delta Air Lines — Strictness: 6 (Strict) ​

Delta is slightly more relaxed than the other two with a strictness score of 6. The carry on size is 56 × 35 × 23 cm and there is no published weight limit. Delta does not publish an exact personal item size on their website, so you should use common sense and make sure it fits under the seat. Basic Economy tickets on domestic routes do not include a carry on bag, only a personal item. The first checked bag costs 45 dollars online.

United Airlines — Strictness: 7 (Strict) ​

United has the cheapest first checked bag fee at 35 dollars for domestic economy, which is 10 dollars less than American and Delta. The carry on size is 56 × 35 × 23 cm / 22 × 14 × 9 in with no weight limit, and the personal item is 43 × 25 × 22 cm / 17 × 10 × 9 in. Basic Economy passengers on most domestic routes cannot bring a full carry on bag — they only get a personal item that fits under the seat.

Strictness scores come from official airline rules: what is included in the cheapest fare, bag size limits, gate fee amounts, and how many extra rules apply to basic tickets.

Which One Should You Choose? ​

If you only travel with a carry on bag and a personal item, all three airlines are very similar and you can pick based on price and schedule. The carry on sizes are almost identical across all three.

If you need to check a bag, United Airlines is the cheapest option at 35 dollars for the first bag compared to 45 dollars on American and Delta.

If you are booking Basic Economy, American Airlines is the best choice because it still includes a full carry on bag. Delta and United both remove the carry on benefit from Basic Economy tickets on domestic flights, which means you can only bring a small personal item.

Always double check your specific route and fare class before you fly, because international flights and premium cabins have different baggage allowances.

Wishing you a wonderful trip! 🎉