Why Online Check-In with United Makes Travel Easier
United Airlines offers a fast, intuitive, and flexible web check-in experience, available from 24 hours before your flight. Whether you're traveling for business or vacation, checking in online helps you skip counter lines, pick your favorite seat, and have all your travel details ready before you get to the airport. You’ll also be able to drop bags quickly, skip the kiosk, and head straight to security.
How to Check In Online with United Airlines
You can check in using one of the following:
- On the official website: https://www.united.com/en/us/checkin
- Via the United Airlines mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Using airport self-check-in kiosks
- Full-service check-in counters (for special assistance)
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit https://www.united.com/checkin or launch the United app
- Tap or click on “Check In”
- Enter your last name and 6-character confirmation code
- Review your flight details and make any changes
- Add baggage if needed and choose or upgrade your seat
- Choose how you want to receive your boarding pass (email, app, or download)
United Check-In Timeframes
| Flight Type | Check-In Opens | Check-In Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S.) | 24 hours before departure | 30 minutes before flight |
| International | 24 hours before departure | 60 minutes before flight |
Pro Tip: Always arrive at the airport early. For domestic flights, arrive at least 90 minutes ahead. For international flights, aim for 2–3 hours before departure.
Boarding Pass Options
- Once check-in is complete, you’ll receive your boarding pass by:
- Email (PDF download link included)
- Mobile app (can save to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet)
- Printing at home
- Printing at an airport kiosk or getting it from a United representative
Baggage Information
- Carry-on: One personal item + one standard carry-on bag is allowed, unless you’re on Basic Economy (restrictions may apply)
- Checked baggage: Fee applies for most economy tickets; you can pay online during check-in
Bag drop closes approximately 45 minutes before domestic and 60 minutes before international flights
You can track your checked baggage through the United app in real-time
When You Cannot Use Online Check-In
You may be asked to check in at the airport counter if:
- You need visa checks or are flying to destinations with document restrictions (such as Cuba, China, India)
- You're traveling with pets, musical instruments, or oversized luggage
- You’ve requested special assistance for medical or accessibility reasons
- You're an unaccompanied minor or traveling with someone who is
- You’re flying with a codeshare partner airline who handles the check-in process
Smart Travel Tips
- Check in exactly 24 hours before flight time for seat availability
- Enable notifications in the United app for updates on gates and delays
- Take a screenshot or save your boarding pass to your phone’s wallet in case internet or app access fails at the airport
- If using Basic Economy, confirm your baggage and seat limitations before check-in
- Add your United MileagePlus number to earn miles and perks during check-in
United Airlines Web Check-In – FAQ Section
Here are the most commonly asked questions and helpful 2–3 sentence answers:
A. United's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. You can check in using either the app or their website.
A. Yes, if they’re all under the same booking reference number, you can check in the entire group during the same session. You’ll be able to assign seats and manage baggage for all passengers together.
A. No problem! You can retrieve it anytime via the United Airlines app or reprint it at an airport kiosk. You can also request it by email again through the "My Trips" section on their website.
A. Yes, most fare types allow you to change or upgrade your seat, based on availability. Higher-class seats or options like Economy Plus may incur additional charges.
A. Yes, for all international itineraries, your valid passport information must be added during check-in. Some routes may also ask for additional travel documents, such as visas or health forms.
A. Yes, you'll be prompted to add and pay for any checked bags during the online check-in flow. It's often more convenient (and sometimes cheaper) to handle luggage this way rather than waiting until you arrive at the airport.
A. Yes, Basic Economy travelers can still use online check-in. However, seat selection and carry-on baggage options are limited and often restricted to after boarding or at an additional fee.
A. Yes, United accepts mobile boarding passes at nearly all U.S. and many international airports. It’s a good practice to save your boarding pass offline through Apple Wallet or Google Pay for backup.
A. Absolutely. If you've lost or deleted your boarding pass, you can always revisit your reservation on united.com or open the mobile app to view and resend it.
A. Baggage must be dropped off at least 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes prior to international flights. It’s recommended to allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods.
United Airlines’ streamlined web check-in process helps travelers save time, avoid airport lines, and access additional features like seat changes, bag tracking, and mobile boarding passes. Just remember to double-check document requirements for international routes and keep your boarding pass saved ahead of time—even before you get to TSA.
