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

LOT: 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). LOT allows the larger bag.

Where do LOT and United fly from?

LOT's main hubs are WAW. United's are Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are LOT and United partners?

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

LO vs UA · 2026 comparison

LOT vs United

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

LOT: Economy Saver includes the 8 kg carry-on but no checked bag; Standard and Flex include one 23 kg bag on most routes. 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.

LOT 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

LOT

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A carry-on on its cheapest fare

United

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

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

Side by side

	LOT	United
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 23 cm	22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	8 kg (17.6 lb)	None published
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	17 × 10 × 9 in
Network
Alliance	Star Alliance	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Miles & More	MileagePlus
Main hubs	WAW	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

LOT 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 LOT's is roomier.

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

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

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

Basic economy

LOT (Economy Saver): Economy Saver includes the 8 kg carry-on but no checked bag; Standard and Flex include one 23 kg bag on most routes.

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 (LOT) and MileagePlus (United).

LOT's main hubs are WAW. 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 LOT if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a carry-on on its cheapest fare
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from WAW

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.

LOT vs United FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. LOT 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

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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