United Airlines Check-In: A Complete Guide for Hassle-Free Travel
Checking in for your United Airlines flight is the first major step in your journey. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, knowing how and when to check in can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth airport experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the ways you can check in for your United flight, important deadlines to keep in mind, and helpful tips to make the most of your pre-flight experience.
Check-In Options with United Airlines
United Airlines offers several convenient check-in methods designed to suit every type of traveler. Whether you prefer to handle everything from your phone, or need assistance at the airport, United provides flexible check-in options to match your needs.
1. Online Check-In
When it’s available: United Airlines opens online check-in 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and closes it 1 hour before the flight.
How to do it:
Go to united.com/checkin
Enter your confirmation number and last name, or log in with your MileagePlus account.
Follow the prompts to select your seat, add bags, and confirm travel documents (for international travel).
Once complete, you can print your boarding pass or choose a mobile version.
Why it’s useful:
Online check-in is perfect for travelers who want to avoid lines and handle everything before arriving at the airport. It’s especially helpful for domestic travel and short business trips where speed is key.
2. Mobile App Check-In
App availability: United’s mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
How to use it:
Download and open the United app.
Tap on “Check-In” and enter your confirmation number or log in.
You’ll be guided through the check-in process, just like on the website.
Once done, your mobile boarding pass is saved in the app and can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
Benefits:
The mobile app is not just for check-in—it also provides flight updates, gate changes, interactive airport maps, and baggage tracking. It’s a powerful tool for staying informed and organized during your trip.
3. Airport Kiosk Check-In
What it is: For those who prefer a physical check-in or need to make changes at the airport, United offers self-service kiosks at most airports.
How to use it:
Go to a United kiosk at the airport.
Enter your confirmation code, MileagePlus number, passport, or credit card to retrieve your booking.
Follow on-screen prompts to check in, select seats, add bags, and print boarding passes and baggage tags.
Use this option if:
You’re checking bags and want to print luggage tags quickly.
You haven’t checked in online or through the app.
You want to make changes to your itinerary at the last minute.
4. Curbside Check-In
Where available: At select U.S. airports, United offers curbside check-in outside the terminal.
What you can do:
Check in for your flight.
Drop off your checked bags.
Get your boarding pass.
Requirements: You’ll need a government-issued ID and your flight confirmation number or e-ticket. Curbside check-in usually operates during peak travel hours.
5. Counter Check-In
If you require special assistance, are traveling internationally, or need to check documents, visiting the United ticket counter may be the best option.
Counter services include:
International travel documentation checks
Assistance for unaccompanied minors
Special services (e.g., mobility devices or service animals)
Group check-ins
Same-day flight changes (when eligible)
Check-In Deadlines
Failing to check in on time can result in denied boarding. Here are the cutoff times United enforces:
Domestic Flights:
Check-in deadline: 30 minutes before departure (most airports)
Baggage check deadline: 45 minutes before departure
International Flights:
Check-in deadline: 60 minutes before departure
Baggage check deadline: 60 minutes before departure
Important Note: Some airports, especially international ones or those with higher security requirements, may have earlier deadlines. Always verify your airport’s specific rules on united.com.
Baggage Check During Check-In
If you’re traveling with checked baggage, you can add and pay for it during online or mobile check-in.
Baggage options include:
Standard bags (within size and weight limits)
Oversized/overweight bags
Special items (like sports equipment or musical instruments)
The system will calculate fees based on your itinerary, fare class, and MileagePlus status.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can:
Use a kiosk to print bag tags and drop your bags at a designated area
Go to the bag drop counter
Seat Selection and Upgrades
During check-in, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Select or change your seat (based on availability)
Purchase Economy Plus seating for more legroom
Upgrade to business or first class (if eligible or using miles)
MileagePlus members may receive complimentary upgrades depending on status, route, and fare class. These upgrades are usually processed after check-in.
Travel Document Verification
For international travel, United often requires document verification during check-in. You may be prompted to upload or present:
Passports
Visas
Health documents (vaccination cards or test results)
Travel attestation forms (for certain destinations)
Some documents can be uploaded digitally via United’s “Travel-Ready Center” in the app or on the website. If not completed online, you’ll need to visit the counter for manual verification.
Check-In for Connecting Flights
If your journey involves connecting flights, United typically checks you in for the entire itinerary, including codeshare flights operated by partner airlines (such as Lufthansa or ANA). Your boarding passes for all legs of the journey can be retrieved together.
However, if a connecting flight is on a different airline and you didn’t book it through United, you may need to check in separately with that carrier.
Missed Check-In or Late Arrival
If you miss the check-in deadline or arrive at the airport too late:
You may be denied boarding.
United may offer rebooking options, sometimes with change fees.
If it’s due to a delay (e.g., traffic or security), speak with an agent as soon as possible—flexibility may be provided.
Tips for a Smooth Check-In Experience
Set a reminder for 24 hours before your flight to check in early and secure the best seat selection.
Use the app to manage your trip and receive alerts for delays, gate changes, and upgrades.
Label your baggage clearly with your name and contact information.
Download or print boarding passes ahead of time to skip airport lines.
Arrive early: United recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures.
Final Thoughts
United Airlines provides a range of check-in options that cater to different traveler preferences. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, on business or for leisure, knowing the ins and outs of United’s check-in process will help you travel smarter and more efficiently.
By planning ahead, using digital tools, and being aware of deadlines, you can avoid unnecessary stress and start your journey on the right foot. Safe travels!