JL vs UA · 2026 comparison
JAL vs United
JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare; United wins on 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
JAL
JLWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
United
UAWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Quick verdict
JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare; United wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm · United: 22 × 14 × 9 in
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- JAL: Included on every fare · United: Not on some basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- JAL: 2 free bags · United: $45
Side by side
| JAL | United | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 25 cm | 22 × 14 × 9 in |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Not on some basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 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 | oneworld | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | JAL Mileage Bank | MileagePlus |
| Main hubs | HND, NRT | 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
JAL allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), and United up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), so JAL's is roomier.
JAL includes it on every fare, while United's Basic Economy can be personal-item only.
JAL caps carry-ons at 10 kg (22 lb); United publishes no limit.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on JAL, and 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on United.
JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan, and a first checked bag on United costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean flights.
Basic economy
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
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
JAL is in oneworld and United is in Star Alliance.
Loyalty programs: JAL Mileage Bank (JAL) and MileagePlus (United).
JAL's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). 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 JAL if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
Choose United if you want…
- 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.
JAL vs United FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare; United wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- United Airlines official baggage policy
- CNBC: United raises checked bag fees by $10 (Apr 2, 2026)
- U.S. DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 on-time performance by operating carrier (via AviationDB)
- Your Mileage May Vary: where every major U.S. airline stands on Wi-Fi (Oct 13, 2026)
- Simple Flying: how U.S. airline economy seat pitch compares in 2026
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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