Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Brussels or United?

Brussels: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). United: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Brussels allows the larger bag.

Are Brussels and United partners?

Yes. Both belong to Star Alliance, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

SN vs UA · 2026 comparison

Brussels vs United

Q: Do Brussels and United include a carry-on on basic economy?

Brussels: Economy Basic within Europe includes only a personal item; Economy Light keeps the 8 kg carry-on. United: Basic Economy includes only a personal item on most U.S. and short-haul flights. A full-size carry-on is allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes, and for MileagePlus Premier members and eligible United cardmembers.

Brussels wins on a bigger carry-on; United wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Brussels

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

United

Wins 2 categories

A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

Quick verdict

Brussels wins on a bigger carry-on; United wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: Brussels: 55 × 40 × 23 cm · United: 22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Brussels: Not on some basic fares · United: Not on some basic fares

Side by side

	Brussels	United
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 23 cm	22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	8 kg (17.6 lb)	None published
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	17 × 10 × 9 in
Network
Alliance	Star Alliance	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Miles & More	MileagePlus
Main hubs	BRU	ORD, DEN, IAH, EWR, SFO

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Brussels allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), and United up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), so Brussels's is roomier.

Brussels's Economy Basic can be personal-item only, while United's Basic Economy can be personal-item only.

Brussels caps carry-ons at 8 kg (17.6 lb); United publishes no limit.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Brussels, and 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on United.

Basic economy

Brussels (Economy Basic): Economy Basic within Europe includes only a personal item; Economy Light keeps the 8 kg carry-on.

United (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes only a personal item on most U.S. and short-haul flights. A full-size carry-on is allowed on transatlantic, transpacific and South America routes, and for MileagePlus Premier members and eligible United cardmembers.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are Star Alliance members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: Miles & More (Brussels) and MileagePlus (United).

Brussels's main hubs are BRU. United's are Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Brussels if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from BRU

Choose United if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from ORD, DEN, IAH

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.