United Check-in

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How can I check in for my United Airlines (UA) flight?

You may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight with the following options:

  • Online check-in (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

Does United Airlines (UA) have online web check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes 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. You may use this option if:

  • you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on United Airlines (UA)
  • you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
  • you are not a special needs passenger (for example an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)

Can I check bags with the United Airlines (UA) online web check-in?: Yes, you may check bags but you must drop them at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline for your flight.

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?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mo-bile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

  • you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on United Airlines (UA)
  • you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
  • you are not a special needs passenger (for example, an unaccompanied minor)
  • you are departing from an airport which accepts mobile boarding passes (if not, then you may check-in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter)

Does United Airlines (UA) offer curbside check-in? (US Carriers only)

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in. Please check United Airlines (UA) website for an exact list of participating airports and minimum check-in times.

Does United Airlines (UA) offer self-service kiosk check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight at the airport self-service kiosk from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Does United Airlines (UA) offer ticket counter check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

What is United Airlines (UA) Voice Check-in?

Voice Check-in allows quick and easy check in for your United flight over the phone if you do not have access to the Internet or a mobile device. Customers traveling within the U.S. or Canada with less than 10 people in their party are eligible for voice check-in.

With Voice Check-in, you may tell the number of bags you want to check, hear your baggage service charges and arrange either for your boarding documents to be delivered by email or to pick them up at an airport kiosk.

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?

When you check in for the first segment of your flight, if your itinerary is eligible, then you will be given the option to select Auto Check-in for the remaining segment or a return flight. When your remaining segment or return flight departure is within the 24-hour window, Auto Check-in will take the necessary steps to check you in for the flight. When you select this feature, you'll choose how you prefer to receive your boarding pass, such as by email or mobile device (where applicable), or print at an airport kiosk.

Does United Airlines (UA) charge a fee for a seat assignment?

United Airlines (UA) does not charge a fee for selecting a standard seat assignment.

When do I need to check-in for my United Airlines (UA) flight?

The minimum time to check-in for a United Airlines (UA) flight is:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my United Airlines (UA) flight?

Suggested arrival time:

  • 1 hour before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 2 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US*

Minimum required check-in time with carry-on baggage baggage:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights*
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US*

Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage:

  • 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights*
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US*

*Several heavy travel U S domestic cities have minimum check-in time of 45 minutes and some non-U S cities have minimum check-in times of 75 to 90 minutes. Check united.com for exact details.

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding closes at the following times for United Airlines (UA) flights:

  • 15 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for most international flights to/from the US. Some non-US airports close boarding 60 minutes before scheduled departure time. Check united.com for exact details.