You have multiple options for checking in for your United Airlines flight: online, via the United app, by phone, or at the airport. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure and can be completed on the United website or mobile app. If you prefer to check in at the airport, self-service kiosks are available where you can print your boarding pass and check your baggage. Alternatively, you can also check in with a United representative at the ticket counter.
How can I check in for a United Airlines flight?
You can check in for your United Airlines flight through various methods:
Online check-in (web check-in)
Mobile app check-in
Voice check-in
Auto check-in
Curbside check-in at the airport
Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport
Ticket counter check-in at the airport
United Airlines Check in Time
The check-in times for United Airlines, including baggage check-in, vary depending on your method of check-in and location, as outlined below.
Online Check-in Time/Web Check in Time
For most domestic United Airlines flights, you can check in online starting 24 hours before departure up to:
At least 45 minutes before departure if you have checked baggage.
At least 30 minutes before departure if you do not have checked baggage.
Note:
Refer to the Exceptions to United Airlines Check-in Times—U.S. Airports table for airports with different check-in times.
For international flights, adhere to the international check-in time limit.
For flights departing to Guam before 9:30 a.m., you can check in between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. the night before your flight. However, perishable items must be checked in via regular check-in.
Mobile App Check in Time
United Airlines mobile app check-in operates on the same time limits as online check-in. The distinction lies in the ability to utilize your smartphone to check in and obtain your boarding pass for both domestic and international flights, following the provided time constraints outlined above.
Voice Check in Time
The check-in time for United Airlines voice check-in for both domestic and international flights aligns with that of online and app check-ins.
Airport Curbside Check in Time
United Airlines airport curbside check-in is available from 4 hours to 30 minutes before departure, varying based on your departure city. It's advisable to verify the precise check-in deadline for your specific departure airport.
Airport Self-Service Kiosk Check in Time
You can check in for your United Airlines flight using an airport self-service kiosk from 3 hours to 30 minutes before your flight’s departure, the timing depending on your departure city. However, it's recommended to verify the exact check-in deadline for your departure airport.
Airport Counter Check in Time
United Airlines check-in time at the airport ticket counter varies as follows:
For Domestic Flights: You can check in from 3 hours to 45 minutes* before departure if you're traveling with checked baggage, and up to 30 minutes* before departure if not.
For International Flights: You can check in from 3 hours to 1 hour* before departure for most flights.
*Exceptions may apply, as mentioned in the Online Check-in Time/Web Check-in section above.
United Airlines Boarding Gate Time
As per United Airlines' boarding policy, passengers should be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 60 minutes before for international flights.
For domestic flights within the U.S., passengers must be on board the aircraft at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
For international flights, passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Additional security/documentation checks may be required at certain airports, necessitating passengers to arrive at the boarding gate earlier.
Arrive at the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure for flights from the following destinations:
Guam (GUM) to Honolulu (HNL)
Brussels (BRU)
Sydney (SYD)
Yap (YAP)
Truk (TKK)
Pohnpei (PNI)
Majuro (MAJ)
Kwajalein (KWA)
Kosrae (KSA)
Koror (ROR)
United Airlines Check in Online/Web Check in
To check in online via United Airlines' official website, follow these steps:
Visit United Airlines website.
Click on the "Check-in" option.
On the following page:
Enter your confirmation number* and last name.
Click on "Search." (You can also log in with your MileagePlus® account if you have one.)
Select your flight and proceed with the check-in process.
Upon completing your online check-in with United Airlines, you can choose to:
Print your boarding pass, or
Have a link emailed to your mobile device. You can then display your boarding pass barcode at security and when boarding your aircraft.
United Airlines allows you to check in online for your flight, even if you have baggage to check, provided that you drop off your baggage at the designated baggage drop area before the check-in deadline for your flight.
You can conveniently make payment for your check-in baggage online through United.com. This can be done either at the time of booking, later by accessing your flight details in the My Trips section, or during the check-in process via the Check-in page.
Exceptions to United Airlines Check in Online
According to United Airlines' check-in policy, online check-in is not available in the following cases:
If you have a paper ticket
When traveling with a pet
If your reservation includes a special service request requiring assistance from a United Airlines representative at the airport
For Basic Economy passengers who haven't indicated that they will be checking a bag
When the itinerary contains more than 4 flights
When traveling with more than 9 persons on the reservation
United Airlines Check-In with Mobile app
To check in using the United Airlines app, follow these steps:
Open the official United Airlines app on your Android, iOS, or Amazon device.
Tap on the "Check-in" option.
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Complete the check-in process.
United Airlines Voice Check in | Phone Check in
United Airlines' check-in policy permits voice check-in by phone if you were unable to check in for your flight online or using the mobile app.
How to Use United Airlines Voice Check-in
To check in for your United Airlines flight via phone, follow these steps:
Dial +1-866-410-8128
Follow the prompts to select the Check-in option from the automated menu.
Note: During the phone check-in process, you can also specify the number of bags you'll be checking, listen to information about baggage charges, and choose to have your boarding pass emailed to you for pickup at the airport.
United Airlines Auto Check in
You can utilize the auto check-in feature in United Airlines' check-in policy if you have a return flight booked or if you have another flight within 24 hours of your existing flight. Once you opt for the United Airlines auto check-in option, you can decide to receive your boarding pass via email, on your mobile device (if supported), or pick up a printout at an airport kiosk.
United Airlines Curbside Check in
Yes, United Airlines allows check-in at the curbside of most U.S. airports from 4 hours to 30 minutes before your flight, depending on the departure airport.
Here's how to check in at the airport curbside:
According to United Airlines' check-in policy, to check in at the airport curbside for your flight, you will need:
Photo ID
Flight reservation code, flight number, or e-ticket number
To find out if your airport offers curbside check-in, please visit the website.
United Airlines Airport Kiosk Check in
You can utilize United Airlines' self-service kiosks, found at most U.S. airports, to check in for your flight.
To check in at an airport kiosk, you will require:
6-character confirmation number or 13-digit eTicket number
United MileagePlus frequent flyer card
Credit card
Passport
In addition to checking in, you can also perform the following tasks at the self-service kiosk:
Print your boarding pass
Check in your baggage
Tag your baggage (at select airports)
Select, change, or upgrade your seat
Stand by for a premium cabin seat (for eligible MileagePlus Premier® members)
Add your MileagePlus number to your reservation
Change to a same-day flight
Find an alternate flight in case of delays or cancellations
Listen to audio instructions if you're visually impaired
Exceptions to checking in at an airport kiosk include:
Your initial operating carrier is not United Airlines/United Express.
Your ticket was changed without full fee collection.
You’re traveling as an unaccompanied minor.
You’re traveling on a paper ticket.
United Airlines Airport Desk/Counter Check-in
At the airport counter for United Airlines flights, all passengers can check in. After presenting your passport and other travel documents:
You can check in your baggage.
You will receive your assigned seat.
You will be provided with your boarding pass.
For check-in counter hours, choose a region below:
United States
Canada
Asia Pacific and Australia
The Caribbean
Central and South America
Europe and the Middle East
Mexico
United Airlines requires passengers to check in their baggage 45 minutes before departure for most domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for most international flights. Therefore, you should have both yourself and your baggage checked in by these respective times. Moreover, remember that some airports may not accept cash at their check-in counters and kiosks. For more information, please refer to the Accepted Forms of Payment page.
United Airlines Special Check-in Counters
United Airlines offers special assistance services both at the airport and during the flight.
Special Assistance at the Airport:
Wheelchair assistance
Flight information display systems (available at select airports)
Verbal flight information
Telecommunications device (TDD) for deaf individuals
Each domestic airport has at least one TDD
Special Assistance at Airport Kiosks:
Tactile buttons and speech output (available at select airports)
For details on kiosk functions, refer to the section titled "United Airlines Airport Kiosk Check-in" above.
Assistance on the Flight:
Individual safety briefings
In-flight assistance
Assistance to/from seats
Assistance to/from lavatories onboard (excluding inside the lavatory)
Boarding and disembarkation assistance
Assistance for loading and retrieving carry-on items
Assistance with opening and identifying meal items
United Airlines offers special assistance to the following passengers upon request:
Pregnant passengers
Passengers traveling with pets (in cabin or cargo)
Passengers with disabilities
Senior passengers
Passengers requiring onboard medical oxygen
Unaccompanied minors
Passengers with food allergies
Passengers requiring special meals
Passengers requiring extra seating
United Airlines Boarding Process
United Airlines utilizes a boarding process with six groups, each designated for passengers to board their flight. These groups consist of Pre-boarding and Groups 1 through 5. The initial groups to commence boarding are Group 1 (Blue Lane) and Group 2 (Green Lane). Subsequently, once Groups 1 and 2 have boarded, Groups 3 through 5 are summoned to board via the Green Lane.
United Airlines Pre-Boarding Group comprises the following passengers:
Passengers with disabilities
Unaccompanied minors
U.S. military personnel in uniform
Passengers traveling with children under the age of 2
United Global Services members
Premier 1K members
Group 1: Premier Platinum and Gold members, Star Alliance Gold members, and passengers in Premium cabins (Polaris, First, and Business).
Group 2: Premier Silver and Star Alliance Silver members, passengers with Premier Access or Priority Boarding, United Explorer and United Club cardmembers, United Presidential Plus, and United MileagePlus Awards cardmembers.
Groups 3-5: Passengers with Economy Plus, United Economy, and Basic Economy fares. Basic Economy passengers board last, excluding Premier members, qualifying Chase Cardmembers, and Star Alliance Gold members, who still get priority boarding.
United Boarding Tips & Useful Travel Information
Arriving at the Boarding Gate: Make sure you have enough time to reach the boarding gate. Boarding times, including the start and close times, will be indicated on your boarding pass. You can prefer receiving push notifications from the United app, notifying you when boarding begins. Remember to enable app notifications and add your mobile boarding pass to the app's wallet.
Listening for Boarding Group Announcements: Attentively listen to boarding group announcements. Check the boarding group number on your boarding pass and listen for announcements indicating when your group can board. You can also check the displays near the gate area to see which groups are currently boarding.
Locate your seat and stow your carry-on bags: Once you've found your seat on the plane, place your larger carry-on bag in the overhead bin above your seat row. Your smaller personal carry-on item should be placed under the seat in front of you.
Priority Boarding:
Purchase Priority Boarding to board your flight earlier, usually with Group 2, and avoid waiting in lines.
Prices for Priority Boarding start at USD 15 and differ depending on the booking date, time, and day of the week.
Boarding earlier helps secure space for your carry-on bag, as overhead bin space may become limited during later boarding groups.
Priority Boarding availability is subject to routes and flight schedules.
Not applicable for passengers with Basic Economy tickets.
Ensure Priority Boarding is indicated on your boarding pass.
Purchase Priority Boarding online via Manage Reservations or through the United app.
Premier Access, starting at USD 15 depending on your flight segment, enables early boarding similar to Priority Boarding.
Additionally, it grants access to dedicated check-in lines and security lanes where available.
Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Check in Policy
What is the check-in time of United Airlines?
Online check-in for United Airlines opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight and closes 1 hour before departure for domestic flights and 2 hours before departure for international flights.
How can I check in for my United Airlines flight?
You can check in for your flight through the following methods:
Online: Via the United Airlines website or mobile app.
Airport Kiosk: Self-service kiosks are available at most airports.
Check-in Counter: United Airlines check-in counters at the airport.
Curbside Check-in: Available at certain locations.
What information do I need for online check-in?
You will need your confirmation number, e-ticket number, or MileagePlus number, and the last name of the person traveling.
Can I choose or change my seat during online check-in?
Yes, you can select or change your seat during the online check-in process, subject to availability. Some seats may require an additional fee.
What are the baggage drop-off times at the airport?
For domestic flights: Baggage must be dropped off at least 45 minutes before departure.
For international flights: Baggage must be dropped off at least 60 minutes before departure. However, these times can vary by airport, so it’s best to check with your departure airport.
Can I check in if I have an international flight?
Yes, you can check in online for international flights. However, you will need to provide your passport information and may be required to visit the check-in counter to have your documents verified.
What should I do if I can't check in online?
If you are unable to check in online, you can check in at the airport using a self-service kiosk or at the United Airlines check-in counter. Ensure you arrive at the airport well in advance to allow time for this process.
Can I use mobile check-in if I have a connecting flight?
Yes, mobile check-in is available for passengers with connecting flights. You will receive a mobile boarding pass for each leg of your journey, provided all segments are on United Airlines or its partners.
Is there a fee for checking in at the airport?
No, there is no fee for checking in at the airport, whether you use a kiosk or the check-in counter.
What are the boarding times for United Airlines flights?
Boarding typically begins 30-50 minutes before the scheduled departure time, depending on the destination and aircraft type. The boarding gate closes 15 minutes before departure.
What should I do if I need special assistance during check-in?
If you need special assistance (e.g., wheelchair service, help with a disability, etc.), you can request this during the online check-in process or by contacting United Airlines directly prior to your flight. Additionally, you can ask for assistance at the check-in counter or gate.
Can I check in for my flight with a pet?
Yes, but there are specific procedures and requirements for traveling with pets. It’s best to review United Airlines' pet policy and ensure you meet all the requirements before check-in. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the United Airlines website or contact their customer service directly.
+1-866-410-8128
