What is the check-in process for United Airlines (UA) flights?
Here are the options for checking in for your United Airlines (UA) flight:
- Check-in online (Web check-in)
- Check-in via mobile device
- Check-in by voice
- Check-in by auto
- Airport curbside check-in
- Airport self-service kiosks for check-in
- Check-in at the airport ticket counter
United Airlines (UA) offers online web check-in.
Check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight online starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. This option is useful if:
- The first flight is on United Airlines (UA) and you have an electronic ticket
- You can access your reservation using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer number
- You are not a special needs passenger (e.g., an unaccompanied minor or a pet traveler).
Does United Airlines (UA) offer online web check-in for bags? Checked bags must be dropped off at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline.
Can I pay bag fees with the United Airlines (UA) online web check-in?: Yes
Can I select or change my seat with the United Airlines (UA) online web check-in?: Yes
Does United Airlines (UA) offer mobile check-in?
You can check in for your United Airlines (UA) flight using your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time to receive a mobile boarding pass. This option may be useful if:
- The first flight is on United Airlines (UA) and you have an electronic ticket
- You can access your reservation using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer number
- You do not have special needs (such as an unaccompanied minor).
- If your airport does not accept mobile boarding passes, you can check in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter.
Is curbside check-in available on United Airlines (UA)? (Only for US carriers)
Check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight can be done curbside at most U.S. airport locations 30 minutes to 4 hours before departure (depending on your departure city and destination). Checking in requires a photo ID and your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number. You can find an exact list of participating airports and minimum check-in times on United Airlines’ website.
Is United Airlines (UA) offering self-service kiosk check-in?
Your United Airlines (UA) flight can be checked in at the airport self-service kiosk 30 minutes to 3 hours before departure (based on your departure city and destination).
Is the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in able to check bags? yes.
Can I pay bag fees with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes
Can I choose or change my seat at the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes
United Airlines (UA) offers ticket counter check-in.
It is possible to check in for your United Airlines (UA) flight at the airport ticket counter 30 minutes to 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination).
Is it possible to check bags at United Airlines (UA) ticket counters?: Yes
Is it possible to pay my bag fees at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter?: Yes
At the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in, can I select or change my seat?: Yes
How does United Airlines (UA) Voice Check-in work?
The Voice Check-in feature allows you to check in for your United flight over the phone if you don’t have access to the Internet or a mobile device. A voice check-in is available for customers traveling within the U.S. or Canada with fewer than 10 people in their party.
By using Voice Check-in, you will be able to tell the number of bags you want to check, hear your baggage service charges, and arrange to have your boarding documents delivered via email or picked up at the airport.
In order to use this option, you will need to call 1-800-864-8331 and say “check in” during the automated menu.
What is Auto Check-in?
After checking in for the first segment of your flight, if your itinerary is eligible, you can choose Auto Check-in for the remaining segments or a return flight. If your remaining segment or return flight departure is within the 24-hour window, Auto Check-in will check you in. You can choose how you want to receive your boarding pass, such as via email or mobile device (where applicable), or print at an airport kiosk.
United Airlines (UA) charges a fee for seat assignments.
Standard seat assignments on United Airlines (UA) are free.
Can you tell me when I need to check in for my United Airlines (UA) flight?
United Airlines (UA) requires the following minimum check-in time:
- US domestic flights depart 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time
- For international flights to/from the US, arrive 60 minutes before departure
What time should I arrive at the airport for my United Airlines (UA) flight?
Suggested arrival time:
- US domestic flights depart one hour before the scheduled departure time
- Flights to/from the US depart 2 hours before the scheduled departure time
Check-in time for carry-on baggage:
- For US domestic flights, please arrive 30 minutes before departure time
- International flights to/from the US must depart at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time
Checked baggage check-in time minimum:
- US domestic flights must depart 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time
- International flights to/from the US must depart at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time
*Several domestic U.S. cities with heavy travel have a minimum check-in time of 45 minutes, and some non-U.S. cities have a minimum check-in time of 75 to 90 minutes. Check united.com for exact details.
Is there a time when I need to be at the boarding gate?
United Airlines (UA) flights close boarding at the following times:
- US domestic flights depart 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time
- Most international flights depart/arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. In some non-US airports, boarding closes 60 minutes before departure. Details can be found at united.com.