United Airlines Check in
There are several ways to check in for a United Airlines flight—including online, with United’s app, phone, or at the airport. Online check-in is available 24 hours before your flight departure time and can be done on the United website or mobile app. If you prefer to check in at the airport, United offers self-service kiosk check-in where you can print your boarding pass and check any 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?
- Online check-in (also known as web check-in)
- Mobile app check-in
- Voice check-in
- Auto check-in
- Airport curbside check-in
- Airport self-service kiosk check-in
- Airport ticket counter check-in
United Airlines Check in Time
What are United Airlines check-in times?
United Airlines check in times (incl. baggage check in) will depend on how you’re checking in and from where, as explained below.
Online Check-in Time/Web Check in Time
What are United Airlines online check in times for domestic and international flights?
You can check in online for your domestic or international UA flight (with baggage) per the time limits provided below.
- Domestic Flights. United Airlines online check in time for most domestic flights is from 24 hours to:
- At least 45 minutes before departure with checked baggage.
- At least 30 minutes before departure without checked baggage.
| Exceptions to United Airlines Check-in Times—U.S. Airports | |||
| Airport | Non-stop international flights (with/without checked baggage | Domestic U.S. flights (with checked baggage) | Domestic U.S. flights (without checked baggage) |
| Honolulu (HNL) | 75 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Baltimore (BWI) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| San Juan, PR (SJU) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Kahului, Maui (OGG) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Mammoth Lakes (MMH) | 60 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
- International Flights. United Airlines online check in time for most international flights is from 24 hours to 1 hour before departure—with the following exceptions:
- At least 90 minutes before departure for flights from:
- North America Toronto (YYZ)
- Latin America & the Caribbean St. Thomas (STT)
- The Middle East Tel Aviv (TLV)
- Asia and the Pacific Kosrae (KSA), Chuuk (TKK), Kwajalein (KWA), Manila (MNL), Palau (ROR), Pohnpei (PNI), Saipan (SPN), Yap (YAP)
- At least 75 minutes before departure for flights from:
- Latin America & the Caribbean Lima (LIM)
- Europe Amsterdam (AMS), Athens (ATH),
Berlin (BER), Brussels (BRU), Dublin (DUB),
Frankfurt (FRA), Milan (MXP), Paris (CDG),
Rome (FCO)
- At least 60 minutes before departure for flights from:
- Asia and the Pacific Guam (GUM)
- At least 45 minutes before departure for flights from:
- Latin America & the Caribbean Aguadilla (BQN)
- At least 90 minutes before departure for flights from:
| Exceptions to United Airlines Check-in Times—U.S. Airports | |||
| Airport | Non-stop international flights (with/without checked baggage | Domestic U.S. flights (with checked baggage) | Domestic U.S. flights (without checked baggage) |
| Honolulu (HNL) | 75 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
| Baltimore (BWI) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| San Juan, PR (SJU) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Kahului, Maui (OGG) | 60 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure | 45 minutes before departure |
| Mammoth Lakes (MMH) | 60 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure | 30 minutes before departure |
Note
- For airports with different check-in times, refer to the table titled Exceptions to United Airlines Check-in Times—U.S. Airports.
- If your itinerary includes an international destination, you must check in per the international time limit.
- If your flight departs to Guam before 9:30 a.m., you can check in for your flight between 7.30pm and 11.30pm the night before your flight. However, perishable items must be checked in via regular check in.
Mobile App Check in Time
What is the United Airlines app check in time?
United Airlines mobile app check-in time is the same as the online check-in time. The only difference is that you can use your smartphone to check in and download your boarding pass for domestic and international flights per the time limits provided above.
Voice Check in Time
What is United Airlines voice check in time for domestic and international flights?
United Airlines voice check-in time for domestic and international flights is the same as that for online/app check-ins.
Airport Curbside Check in Time
What is United Airlines curbside check in time?
United Airlines airport curbside check-in time ranges from 4 hours to 30 minutes before departure, depending on your departure city. However, you should check the exact check-in deadline for your departure airport.
Airport Self-Service Kiosk Check in Time
What is United Airlines kiosk check in time?
You can check in for your United Airlines flight from an airport self-service kiosk from 3 hours to 30 minutes before your flight’s departure, depending on your departure city. However, you should check the exact check-in deadline for your departure airport.
Airport Counter Check in Time
What is United Airlines airport counter check-in time?
United Airlines check-in time at the airport ticket counter is as follows:
- Domestic Flights. From 3 hours to:
- 45 minutes* and 30 minutes* prior to departure if you’re travelling with checked baggage.
- International Flights. From 3 hours to 1 hour* before departure for most flights.
*There are a few exceptions to the check-in deadlines, as indicated above in the section titled Online Check-in Time/Web Check in Time.
United Airlines Boarding Gate Time
When should I be at the boarding gate?
According to the United Airlines check in policy, you should be at the boarding gate as explained below:
- For domestic flights within the U.S., you must be on board the aircraft at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight.
- For international flights, you must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time.
- If your flight is departing from the following airports, you must be at the boarding gate earlier as additional security/documentation checks may be required:
- Be at the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure from:
- Guam (GUM) to Honolulu (HNL)
- Brussels (BRU)
- Sydney (SYD)
- Yap (YAP)
- Truk (TKK)
- Pohnpei (PNI)
- Majuro (MAJ)
- Kwajalein (KWA)
- Kosrae (KSA)
- Koror (ROR)
- Be at the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure from:
United Airlines Online Check in/Web Check in
How to check in online with United Airlines?
According to the United Airlines check-in policy, you can check in online from the airline’s official website by following the steps below:
- Go to United.com
- Select Check-in
- On the next screen:
- Enter your confirmation number* and last name
- Click on Search
(you can also check in with your MileagePlus® account if you have one)
- Select your flight and check in
After completing your online check-in with United Airlines, you can:
- Print your boarding pass, or
- Have a link emailed to your mobile device—and then display your boarding pass barcode at security and when boarding your aircraft
* United Airlines confirmation number for check in is a unique 6-character code, also known as your record locator, PNR, and booking code. You can find it in the confirmation email you would have received after purchasing your ticket. It is also indicated on your ticket receipt and boarding pass (printed and electronic copies).
United Airlines online check in with baggage. You can check in online for your United Airlines flight even if you’re travelling with baggage—as long as you drop off your baggage in the bag drop area before the check-in deadline for your flight.
Check-in baggage payment online. You can make your check-in baggage payment online via United.com—at the time of booking, later via My trips by retrieving your flight, or during the check-in window through the Check-in page.
Exceptions to United Airlines Online Check-in
When can you not check in online with United Airlines?
The United Airlines check-in policy does not permit online check-in if:
- You have a paper-ticket
- You’re traveling with a pet
- Your reservation contains a special service request to see a United Airlines representative at the airport
- You’re traveling on Basic Economy and you haven’t specified that you’ll be checking a bag
- Your itinerary contains more than 4 flights
- You’re traveling with more than 9 persons on your reservation
United Airlines App Check in
How to check in with the United Airlines app?
United Airlines check in app is free of charge and is available for download via these links: Android, iOS, and Amazon.
How to check in with the United Airlines app
To check in with the United Airlines app:
- Open the official Android, iOS, or Amazon app
- Click on Check-in
- Enter your confirmation number and last name
- Check in
United Airlines Voice Check in | Phone Check in
How to call United Airlines to check in
The United Airlines check in policy allows you to voice check in by phone if you couldn’t check in for your flight online or with the mobile app.
How to Use United Airlines Voice Check-in
Tell me about United Airlines phone check in
You can phone check in for your United Airlines flight using the voice check-in option as follows:
- Call 1-800-864-8331
- Say Check in to the automated menu
Note. When checking in by phone, you can also select how many bags you’ll be checking in, listen to your baggage charges, and have your boarding pass emailed to you (arrange for it to be picked up at the airport).
United Airlines Auto Check in
Tell me about United Airlines automatic check in
The United Airlines check in policy allows you to use the auto check-in option either if you have a return flight or a flight within 24 hours of an existing flight. Once you select the United Airlines auto check in feature, you can choose to receive your boarding pass by email, to your mobile device (if available), or collect a printout at an airport kiosk.
United Airlines Curbside Check in
Does United Airlines have curbside check in?
Yes, it does. You can check in for your United Airlines flight at the curbside of most U.S. airports from 4 hours to 30 minutes prior to your flight, depending on your departure airport.
How to Check in at the Airport Curbside
According to the United Airlines check in policy, to check in at the airport curbside for your flight, you will need your:
- Photo ID, and
- Flight reservation code, or
- Flight number, or
- E-ticket number
To know whether your airport has a curbside check-in facility, check the website.
United Airlines Airport Kiosk Check in
How to kiosk check in for a United Airlines flight
You can check in at a United Airlines kiosk, available at most U.S. airports.
To check in at an airport kiosk, you will need your:
- 6-character confirmation number, or
- 13-digit eTicket number
- United MileagePlus frequent flyer card, or
- Credit card, or
- Passport
Aside from checking in, you will also be able to:
- 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
(if you’re an eligible MileagePlus Premier® member) - Add your MileagePlus number to your reservation
- Change to a same-day flight
- Find an alternate flight if your flight is delayed or canceled
- Listen to audio instructions if you’re visually impaired
Exceptions. You will not be able to check in at an airport kiosk if:
- Your initial operating carrier is not United Airlines/United Express
- Your ticket was changed without full fee collection
- You’re travelling as an unaccompanied minor
- You’re travelling on a paper ticket
United Airlines Airport Desk/Counter Check-in
How to check in at the airport on United Airlines
All passengers can check in at the airport counter for United Airlines flights. After you show your passport and other travel documents at the airport counter:
- You’ll be able to check in your baggage
- You’ll be assigned a seat
- You’ll be given your boarding pass
Note
- For check-in counter hours, select a location below:
- United States
- Canada
- The Asia Pacific and Australia
- The Caribbean
- Central and South America
- Europe and the Middle East
- Mexico
- The check-in counters and kiosks at some airports do not accept cash. For details, refer to the Accepted Forms of Payment page.
- United Airlines baggage check in time is 45 minutes before departure for most domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for most international flights. This means you should have checked in your luggage (and yourself) by this time.
United Airlines Check in Benefits for MileagePlus Members
MileagePlus Premier members holding Premier status are entitled to the following benefits at check-in:
| MileagePlus Premier Silver | MileagePlus Premier Gold | MileagePlus Premier Platinum | MileagePlus Premier 1K | |
| Priority check-in & boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary checked bags | +1 checked bag of 70lb/32kg | +2 checked bags of 70lb/32kg each | +3 checked bags of 70lb/32kg each | +3 checked bags of 70lb/32kg |
| Priority baggage handling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
United Airlines Special Check-in Counters
United Airlines provides special assistance at the airport and on the flight.
- Special Assistance at the Airport
- Wheelchair assistance
- Flight information display systems (at select airports)
- Verbal flight information
- Telecommunications device (TDD) for deaf people
- Each domestic airport has at least 1 TDD
- To reserve a TDD, call +1-800-323-0170
- Special Assistance at Airport Kiosks
- Tactile buttons and speech output (at select airports)
- To learn what you can do at a kiosk, refer to the section above titled United Airlines Airport Kiosk Check in
- Assistance on the Flight
- Individual safety briefings
- Assistance during the flight
- To/from seat assistance
- To/from lavatory assistance onboard
(except inside the lavatory) - Boarding and disembarkation assistance
- Assistance for loading and retrieving carry-on items
(except actual feeding) - Assistance with opening and identifying meal items
The following passengers can ask United for special assistance:
- 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 has 6 boarding groups, one of which is assigned to you for boarding your flight. These groups include Pre-boarding and Groups 1 – 5. The first groups to line up are Group 1 (Blue Lane) and Group 2 (Green Lane). After groups 1 and 2 have boarded, Groups 3 – 5 are called to board through Green Lane.
United Airlines Pre-Boarding Group. United Airlines pre-boarding group includes the following passengers:
- Passengers with disabilities
- Unaccompanied minors
- U.S. military personnel in uniform
- Passengers travelling with children under the age of 2
- United Global Services members
- Premier 1K members
Group 1. Group 1 passengers include Premier Platinum and Gold members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Premium cabin passengers (Polaris, First, and Business).
Group 2. Group 2 passengers include Premier Silver and Star Alliance Silver members, passengers who have purchased Premier Access or Priority Boarding, United Explorer and United Club cardmembers, United Presidential Plus, and United MileagePlus Awards cardmembers.
Groups 3-5. Group 3-5 passengers include passengers who have purchased an Economy Plus, United Economy, and Basic Economy fare. Passengers travelling on a Basic Economy fare will be the last to board—except for Premier members, Chase Cardmembers (qualifying cards only), and Star Alliance Gold members who are still entitled to priority boarding.
United Boarding Tips & Useful Travel Information
- Reaching the Boarding Gate. Keep enough time to make your way to the boarding gate. The boarding times (i.e., starting and closing times) will be mentioned on your boarding pass. You can also opt to receive United’s app push notifications that let you know when boarding starts. Be sure to enable app notifications and add your mobile boarding pass to the app’s wallet.
- Listen for boarding group announcements. Look at the boarding group number on the boarding pass and listen to announcements on when your group can board. You can also view the displays near the gate area to see which groups are boarding currently.
- Find your seat and put away your carry-on bags. After locating your seat on the aircraft, place your larger carry-on bag in the overhead bin above your seat row and your smaller personal carry-on item under your front seat.
- Priority Boarding. To avoid lines and board your flight earlier (with Group 2), purchase Priority Boarding (starting USD 15, depending on the booking date, time, and day of the week). Boarding earlier ensures there’s space left for your carry-on bag since space often runs out by the time Groups 4 and 5 start boarding. Priority Boarding is subject to availability and:
- Available on select routes
- Not available for Basic Economy passengers
- Must be displayed on your boarding pass
- Can be purchased online via Manage Reservations or through the United app.
- Premier Access. Purchasing Premier Access (starting USD 15, depending on your flight segment) allows you to board your flight earlier (like Priority Boarding). Additionally, it provides access to dedicated check-in lines and security lanes (if available).
Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Check in
Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions regarding United Airlines check-in process. From what time you should arrive at the airport to how to obtain your boarding pass and more, you’ll find all the information you need to make your check-in process smooth and stress-free.
You can web check in for a United Airlines flight via the Check-in tab on the website’s homepage.
United Airlines check in cut-off time for most domestic flights is 45 minutes before departure and 1 hour before departure for most international flights.
You can get the check-in information for your UA flight by referring to your e-ticket/paper ticket or boarding pass, or by accessing your flight booking online via My trips.
United Airlines check in phone number for voice check-ins is 1-800-864-8331.
Yes, you can—but not on a Basic Economy ticket (which you must purchase at the time of booking till check-in opens).
The check in time for a United Airlines flight is at least 45 minutes before departure for a domestic flight within the U.S. and at least 60 minutes before departure for an international flight.
The check-in terminal for your United Airlines flight will be mentioned on your flight ticket and boarding pass. You can also access it online via My trips or ask your travel agent (if you booked through one).
You can e-check in for your United Airlines flight with the mobile app or online from United.com through the Check-in tab by entering your 13-digit e-ticket number (or 6-digit confirmation number) and last name. This saves you the hassle of standing in a line at the airport to check in for your flight.
United Airlines flight check in phone number in the U.S./Canada is 1-800-864-8331.
If you’ve booked a special service at the airport that requires you to meet United Airlines’ staff, you will need to check in physically at United’s airport counter.
Yes, it is mandatory for all passengers to check in for their flights.
Yes, United Airlines allows liquids in checked baggage. If you’re travelling with containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), you must check them in after packing them safely in tamper-proof bags.
United Airlines has curbside check in at many U.S. airports.
After you check in online through United.com, you can either print your boarding pass or have a link emailed to your mobile device and show your boarding pass barcode at security when you’re checking in.
You can check in as early as 24 hours before departure if you’re checking in online or with the mobile app.
Yes, you can check in your baggage online but you will need to drop it off at the airport baggage drop area before the check-in deadline for your flight.
You can check in (and/or pay for) baggage online for your United Airlines flight, but you will need to drop it off at the bag drop area before the check-in deadline for your flight.
United Airlines’ domestic flight check-in time for most flights opens 24 hours (1 day) before departure (online) and closes 45 minutes ahead of departure if you’re carrying checked luggage and 30 minutes before departure if you’re not.
You can check in for your United Airlines flight online as early as 24 hours before departure.
Yes, you can use United Airlines voice check-in service to check in for your flight over the phone. To check in for your flight by phone, call 1-800-864-8331 and say check in to the automated menu.
You can check in online at United Airlines for most domestic flights from 24 hours to 45 minutes before departure if you’re travelling with checked baggage and from 24 hours to 30 minutes before departure if you’re travelling without checked baggage. However, some airports may have a different cut-off deadline, so should always check the cut-off time on your ticket before travelling.
To learn about United Airlines online check-in times, refer to the answer above.
United Airlines flight check-in options include online check-in, mobile app check-in, phone check-in (voice check-in), auto check-in (if you have a return flight within 24 hours), and airport check-in (curbside, kiosk, or airport counter).
United Airlines early check-in starts 24 hours before departure if you’re checking in online or with the mobile app. The earliest you can check in your baggage at most U.S. airports is generally 4 hours before departure, although this varies by airport.
You may experience longer lines at TSA checkpoints in the U.S., so reach the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before departure for an international flight
United Airlines auto (automatic) check-in allows you to check in for a return flight or a flight within 24 hours of an existing flight. After selecting the feature, you can receive your boarding pass by email, on your mobile device, or at an airport kiosk/airport.
If you purchased your United Airlines ticket from an OTA like Expedia, you can check in for your flight via United.com using your 6-character confirmation code or 13-digit ticket number and last name. You can also check in at a self-service kiosk or airport counter.
Yes, you can—as long as you check in before the cut-off deadline for your flight.
Yes, you can check in online as long as you’re holding an e-ticket.
If you misplace your boarding pass, you can reprint it by checking in again. You can do this through your computer or at an airport kiosk.
United Airlines allows passengers to request an upgrade with a United Airlines representative at the check in counter or gate (subject to availability).
The options to secure an upgrade include points earned on a Premier Elite membership, using your miles to upgrade, qualifying for a free upgrade, or buying a full-fare Economy Class ticket which upgrades instantly.
If you’re unable to complete your online/app/voice check in at United Airlines, you may need to physically check in at the airport ticket counter.
Yes, United Airline check in is free, regardless of how you check in.
The United Airline check in for most domestic flights is open till 45 min. before take-off if you’re travelling with checked baggage and till 30 min. before take-off if you’re travelling without checked baggage.
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