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

Singapore: 115 cm total (45.3 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). United: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).

Are Singapore and United partners?

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

SQ vs UA · 2026 comparison

Singapore vs United

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

Singapore: 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.

Singapore wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; 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

Singapore

Wins 1 category

A carry-on on its cheapest fare

United

Wins 2 categories

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

Quick verdict

Singapore wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; 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: Singapore: 115 cm total · United: 22 × 14 × 9 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Singapore: Included on every fare · United: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Singapore: 2 free bags · United: $45

Side by side

	Singapore	United
Bags
Carry-on size	115 cm total	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	40 × 30 × 10 cm	17 × 10 × 9 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	2 free bags	$45
Network
Alliance	Star Alliance	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	KrisFlyer	MileagePlus
Main hubs	SIN	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

Singapore allows a carry-on up to 115 cm total (45.3 in), and United up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).

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

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

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 10 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 3.9 in) on Singapore, and 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on United.

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

Basic economy

Singapore (Economy Lite): 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

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

Loyalty programs: KrisFlyer (Singapore) and MileagePlus (United).

Singapore's main hubs are Singapore (SIN). 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 Singapore if you want…

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

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.