You have several options for checking in for your United Airlines flight:
- Online or Web check-in,
- Mobile 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 Web or Online Check-In
You can check in for your United Airlines flight online up to 24 hours and no later than 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Doing so will provide you with a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. This option can be used if:
- You have an electronic ticket for a United Airlines flight.
- You can access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account.
- This does not apply if you have special needs, such as if you’re an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet.
United Airlines Mobile Check-In
You can check in for your United Airlines flight using your mobile device up to 24 hours and no later than 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). Doing so will provide you with a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may take advantage of this option if:
- You have an electronic ticket on United Airlines for your first flight.
- You can access your reservation using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account.
- As you are not a special needs passenger (e.g. an unaccompanied minor), you can use a mobile boarding pass at the airport if it is available.
- If not, you can check in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter.
United Airlines Curbside Check-In
At most US airports, you can check in for your United Airlines flight at the curb up to four hours before the scheduled departure time (varying depending on your departure city and destination). You will need to bring a valid photo ID and your flight reservation code, flight number, destination, or electronic ticket number. To find an exact list of participating airports and minimum check-in times, visit the United Airlines website.
United Airlines Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
At the airport, you can check in for your United Airlines flight using a self-service kiosk. The amount of time you have to check in before your scheduled departure time varies based on your departure city and destination, but it is usually between 30 minutes and 3 hours. You will be given a printed boarding pass upon check-in.
United Airlines Ticket Counter Check-In
You can check in for your United Airlines flight at the airport ticket counter between 30 minutes and 3 hours before the scheduled departure time, depending on your departure city and destination. Once checked in, you will be given a printed boarding pass.
United Airlines Voice Check-In
Voice Check-in allows a convenient and speedy check-in process for United flights if you don’t have an internet connection or a mobile device. People who are traveling within the US or Canada with a group of less than 10 people can use voice check-in. Voice Check-in allows you to tell the number of bags you are checking, hear what the baggage service charges are, and choose to have your boarding documents sent to you via email or picked up at an airport kiosk.
United Airlines Auto Check-In
When you check in for the initial leg of your journey, if your itinerary is eligible, you will have the chance to select Auto Check-in for the next leg or the return flight. If the departure for the next leg or return flight is within the 24-hour window, Auto Check-in will take the necessary steps to check you in for the flight. If you select this feature, you can choose how you would like to receive your boarding pass – by email or mobile device (where applicable), or at an airport kiosk.
What Time Should I Be at The Airport for My United Airlines Flight?
It is recommended that passengers arrive 1 hour before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights within the United States, and 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for international flights to and from the United States.
- The minimum check-in time for domestic flights with carry-on baggage is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- The minimum check-in time for international flights with carry-on baggage is 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Lastly, the minimum check-in time for domestic flights with checked baggage is 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- The minimum check-in time for international flights with checked baggage is 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.