United Airlines Check-In: The Handbook For Your Next Flight

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: November 19, 2024

When flying with United Airlines, check-in is an essential part of the process. In 2023 alone, over 160 million United passengers checked in for their flights.

One of the most popular fare choices with United is Basic Economy, which typically suits budget-conscious travelers. In a change that was reported by Travel + Leisure, as of August 6, 2024, these fares are now eligible for United Airlines online check-in.

Previously, Basic Economy passengers’ only choice was to check in at the airport. This was to prevent unpaid carry-on bags on flights. In a test at Chicago O’Hare Aiport, United commented that

the feedback was positive during that months-long test and said gate-checked bags actually decreased.

So, the good news is that all United passengers can now check in using the United website or app and in person, curbside, or via kiosks at the airport. This is your complete United Airlines check-in cheat sheet:

Why is United Airlines Check-In Essential?

All passengers need to check in for any flight to get a boarding pass and ultimately be allowed to board the plane. United Airlines check-in ensures that your travel and personal details are correct, you book and pay for any checked luggage, and receive your seat.

Your United Boarding Pass

Source: united.com

In short, you can’t get through the airport or board your flight without a boarding pass. The pass can be an electronic or paper version and will be scanned to check bags, at security, and at boarding.

Pick Your Seats

Certain United fare classes allow seat selection at the time of booking for free, whereas others, like Basic Economy, only let passengers book a seat for an extra fee. If you haven’t already done so at booking or using the app, you can select your seat and pay at check-in. You can also change your paid seat if you’re not happy with your original choice.

Check Your Bags

On international flights other than ones to China and Tahiti, one free checked bag is included, even with Basic Economy fares. If you did not anticipate needing a bag when you booked, you can easily add a checked bag during the United check-in process. You’ll pay the applicable fees at the same time.

Disruptions for United Airlines international flights might entitle you to up to $650 in compensation.Check Your Flight

United Airlines Check-Ins and Airport Arrivals

In the summer of 2024, United updated their conditions of carriage to reflect a change in the minimum check-in times for passengers.

Technically, passengers now have to check in at least 60 minutes before a flight for domestic routes, whether they have checked bags or not. This is double the previously stated time. Internationally, all passengers must check in a minimum of 75 minutes before departure. This was previously 60 minutes.

Luckily, at the time of writing, these changes have not been enforced and the shorter United Airlines check-in times are still in effect.

In an internal memo, United stated that:

No changes have been made to our current minimum check-in times. The minimum check-in times are 30 minutes for customers without checked bags and 45 minutes for customers with checked bags before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for international flights. Some airports have different check-in times.

That said, it’s always best to check in as soon as you can as this offers some unique perks:

• More seats to choose from.
• Avoid lines at the airport during peak check-in times.
• The selection of potential upgrades is higher.
• Reduce the chances of being bumped from the flight because you’re already checked in.

United Airlines Check-In Policy

As stated above, the United check-in policy time limits currently remain 30 minutes without bags and 45 minutes with bags for domestic routes, and 60 minutes for international flights regardless of luggage.

Check-In Regulations for United Airlines Flights

1. Must present photo ID: An unexpired government-issued photo ID document is required on US flights. You’ll need a valid passport and applicable visas for international flights.
2. Early gate arrival: For most flights, United boarding begins 40 to 50 minutes ahead of departure. Passengers can board no later than 15 minutes before takeoff because that’s when the gate closes. Note that the following airports have extended gate arrival times due to the potential for additional document or security checks:
   
   Brussels Airport (BRU): 60 minutes
   Dublin Airport (DUB): 30 minutes
   Guam Airport (GUM) to Honolulu Airport (HNL): 60 minutes
   Koror Airport (ROR): 60 minutes
   Kosrae Airport (KSA): 60 minutes
   Kwajalein Airport (KWA): 60 minutes
   Lima Airport (LIM): 30 minutes
   Majuro Airport (MAJ): 60 minutes
   Pohnpei Airport (PNI): 60 minutes
   Sydney Airport (SYD): 60 minutes
   Truk Airport (TKK): 60 minutes
   Yap Airport (YAP): 60 minutes
3. Special assistance requirements: When a passenger needs assistance like a wheelchair at the airport, arrive early for United check-in to allow time to sort this out.
4. Group check-ins take longer: When traveling in a large group, also allow extra time for check-in.

United Airlines Check-In Options

You have 5 methods available to you to complete your check-in and get your boarding pass for a United Airlines flight:

• The United Airlines website
• The United mobile app
• Check-in desks at the airport
• Airport self-service kiosks
• Curbside check-in at most US airports

Checking-In Online with United Airlines

To locate your United reservation, the website will ask you to log in if you have a MileagePlus account or enter your booking number and last name.

Once your trip is found, you follow the prompts. You’ll be required to click through the following:

• Hazardous goods declaration
• Seat selection/assignment
• Number of checked bags

At the end of this process, you will be issued an electronic boarding pass that you can download.

United Airlines App Check-In

If you’re a frequent flyer or United is your airline of choice, it’s worth downloading the app. It’s convenient to check in and also offers faster customer service links, easier changes for flights and seats, and in-flight entertainment and purchases.

The check-in procedures for the app are the same as if you were checking in online via the website.

Airport Check-In with United Airlines

If you’re not into e-documents or apps, you can also check in at the airport for United flights. The branded counters will have staff available to assist you with your checked bags and provide you with a boarding pass (paper this time).

You will need to stand in a potentially long line, so this option is generally the least desirable. But, if you have issues checking in online, you may need to complete the process in person. The agents will walk you through everything, just make sure you have your booking info and ID ready to hand over.

United Kiosk Check-In

A good alternative to the often lengthy lines at United Airlines in-person check-in counters is airport kiosks. Available at most airports, these self-service machines offer a United check-in experience similar to using the website or app. It will take you through the same options for hazardous materials or banned goods, seat selection, and checked bags. Once completed, you’ll get your United boarding pass printed out.

These kiosks are also used to print luggage tags. So, even if you’ve already received your boarding pass through online methods, if you are checking luggage, you’ll need to use these machines as well. Just look up your booking and follow the screen prompts.

United Airlines Curbside Check-In

Many US airports offer an additional check-in option called curbside. So, before even entering the airport, you can check in and drop off your bags using your booking number and ID. This is a convenient way to check in if you weren’t able to do it beforehand.

Managing United Bookings

United Airlines encourages passengers to manage their own bookings online rather than contacting customer service. Because of this, it’s easy to cancel flights, change seats, add bags, and get your boarding pass. The best way to manage everything is by using the United app, but the website works, too.

In the United app, you can set your seat preferences (aisle vs window), plan or book a trip, pay for your bags, and change existing trips. Locate your trip and make the necessary adjustments in the reservation details section. The large icons make specific actions, like seat changes and flight changes, obvious.

Choosing or Changing a United Airlines Seat

If you’ve booked a Basic Economy fare, you’ll be assigned a seat automatically at check-in unless you want to pay for the privilege of selecting a seat in advance. Anytime from booking until check-in, you can change your mind and pay for a seat or change the seat you already selected. Just click on the “change seats” icon in the manage your trip section of the app.

United Airlines Check-in Deadlines

As mentioned, the check-in times for United Airlines flights are in flux and could change based on the new conditions of carriage anytime. Currently, the minimums, as posted on the United website, are as follows:

• US routes: You must check in no later than 30 minutes ahead of the departure time unless you’re checking bags. With bags, the minimum United check-in time is 45 minutes before departure.
• International routes: Regardless of whether or not you have checked bags, you must complete your United check-in at least one hour prior to scheduled takeoff. 

How Early Do You Check-In for a United Flight?

You can check in online with United as early as 24 hours before your flight. The United check-in counters at the airport generally open 3 hours before a flight, and curbside check-in can be done from 4 hours up to 30 minutes from the departure time. There is no early check-in option with United Airlines.

Airport Timing - United Airlines Flights

United advises passengers to arrive at the airport 2 hours ahead of domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. The TSA also cautions that holidays, mornings, and evenings are busy at security, so adding 30 to 60 minutes of arrival time is recommended during these periods.

United Airlines Airports with Different Deadlines - The Exceptions

The following US airports have adjusted minimum United check-in times, so look for your airports before you travel:

For international departures, these are the airports with check-in timeframes different from the typical 60 minutes before the flight.

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Why Passengers Have Trouble With United Online Check-In

Sometimes online check-in options don’t work. This can be due to internet connection issues or a site-wide glitch, but usually, it’s because something about your trip prohibits you from using online check-in. These are the most common reasons you can’t check in online with United:

• You requested special assistance or are flying as an unaccompanied minor. 
• You’re checking in too early or too late. Online check-in only opens 24 hours ahead of the flight and closes 60 minutes before departure.
• You’re traveling with a pet. Additional verifications are required and must be done in person at the airport.
• Your documents need a human check. For international flights, you may need a United agent to physically look at your passport, visa, and other travel documents before you can check in.

What Happens If You Don’t Check-In For Your United Airlines Flight On Time?

In general, United Airlines doesn’t want you to miss your flight. So, even if you’re late, you should try anyway. Sometimes flights get delayed, which would give you additional time to get through security and make it to the gate. Smaller airports are usually a little more flexible because they are less crowded and there’s less ground to cover.

If there’s no exception to be made for you, when you don’t check in on time, United will give your seat away if there are any waiting passengers. Or, you just won’t be allowed to board.

Our Expert Tips For United Airlines Check-In

1. Start check-in early: Begin as soon as it opens, 24 hours before departure, to improve seat selection and reduce the chance of being bumped on an overbooked flight.
2. Download the United app: The United app offers a simple way to check in, view real-time flight updates, and access mobile boarding passes, minimizing paper usage.
3. Know baggage rules: Review United’s size and weight limits for checked and carry-on items to avoid surprise fees. Check your fare carefully for specific luggage allowances.
4. Confirm travel documents: Before international travel, ensure your passport, visa, and any other required documentation are up-to-date and easily accessible.
5. Arrive at the gate early: After checking in, be at the gate with time to spare to manage any unexpected last-minute changes.
6. Monitor flight status: Stay updated on any schedule adjustments, gate changes, or flight cancelations that might impact your travel.
7. Use self-service kiosks: If online check-in isn’t available, airport kiosks offer a quick alternative for a smooth check-in process and can help you avoid lengthy lines.