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

Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). United: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). United allows the larger bag.

Are Emirates and United partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Emirates: none; United: Star Alliance), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

EK vs UA · 2026 comparison

Emirates vs United

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

Emirates: Every Economy fare includes the 7 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.

Emirates wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; United wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

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

Emirates

Wins 1 category

A carry-on on its cheapest fare

United

Wins 2 categories

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

Quick verdict

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

Carry-on size: Emirates: 55 × 38 × 20 cm · United: 22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Emirates: Included on every fare · United: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Emirates: 2 free bags · United: $45

Side by side

	Emirates	United
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 38 × 20 cm	22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	7 kg (15.4 lb)	None published
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	17 × 10 × 9 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	2 free bags	$45
Network
Alliance	None	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Emirates Skywards	MileagePlus
Main hubs	DXB	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

Emirates allows a carry-on up to 55 × 38 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15 × 7.9 in), and United up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), so United's is roomier.

Emirates includes it on every fare, while United's Basic Economy can be personal-item only.

Emirates caps carry-ons at 7 kg (15.4 lb); United publishes no limit.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Emirates, and 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on United.

Emirates includes two bags with Economy Saver on flights between the U.S. and Dubai, and a first checked bag on United costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean flights.

Basic economy

Emirates (Economy Special): Every Economy fare includes the 7 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

Emirates is not in an alliance and United is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: Emirates Skywards (Emirates) and MileagePlus (United).

Emirates's main hubs are Dubai (DXB). 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 Emirates if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
nonstops from DXB

Choose United if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
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.