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A Complete Guide about United Airlines Check-In Policy

United Airlines is one of the most preferred airlines by travelers. It provides a flexible policy with the best service at a convenient price to the passengers. International travelers are mostly worried about the check-in process. Good to know that the United Airlines Check-In Policy is very easy now. You need to reach the airport 2 hours early to complete the process. United Airlines’ check-in policy provides its passengers with a comfortable boarding and travel experience.

You need to check into a United flight before boarding a flight for your journey. Passengers can check in the flights 24 hours prior to the departure time. The deadline is 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight. Minimum check-in time requirements vary depending on the type of departure airport, and your check bags.

You check in for United flight by various methods; these are:

  • Online or web check-in.
  • Through app check-in
  • Auto-check in.
  • Voice check-in over the phone
  • At the airport (curbside, kiosk, ticket counter)

Online Check-in:

Passengers can check in online easily from home. The online check-in process is open up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. You can even check in online if you have bags. Passengers can also select their seats and modify their flights through an online process.

  • Open the official website of United Airlines.
  • From the “Check-in” tab at the header of the website.
  • Now fill in the required details of your booked ticket. You may need to fill:
  1. Confirmation number.
  2. Last name.
  • Then press the “Search” button and select your flight to check in.

Ineligible passengers for Online check-in for United flights:

Any of the following passengers cannot check in online:

  • Passengers with a paper ticket.
  • Passenger traveling with a pet.
  • If your itinerary contains more than 4 connecting flights.
  • Traveling on a group booking.
  • Passengers flying on the basic economy with checked baggage.
  • Unaccompanied minor traveling without an adult.
  • People with disabilities with the need of special assistance.

Auto Check-in: 

Auto check-in for United flights is only available on domestic flights only. It is automatically processed if passengers provide boarding documents forge ahead. The auto check-in mode can be selected on the United Airlines mobile app or official website. When the window gets opened passengers be checked in automatically.

Mobile Check-in: 

Passengers can check into United flights from their mobile device, on United’s mobile website, or through the United app. This is valid only up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. From the United Airlines app on your mobile phone either it is Android or ios; you can check in.

  • Log in to the United Airlines mobile app from your phone
  • Press the “Check-In” button.
  • Select your flight and request a check-in.

If you are unable to find the online Check-in option it means you are not able to check in using the app.

Voice check-in: 

Passengers can check in for the flight over a phone call. Talk to United Reservations and choose the “check-in” option from the automated menu. This check-in method is only available for passengers traveling with less than 10 people within the U.S. or Canada. During Voice Check-in, you can also check in your bags. Your boarding documents will be delivered to you by email or picked up at an airport kiosk.

  • For easy check-in, United Airlines has introduced a voice recognition service.
  • People with visual disabilities can check in easily with this facility.
  • Passengers have to provide the details over the phone.
  • Dial 1-800-864-8331 United Airlines customer assistance service number and talk to them.

Airport Check-in: 

Passengers can check into a United flight after reaching the airport. You can check in at the airport from the self-service kiosk, ticket counter at the airport, or curbside check-in. 

At Kiosk: To begin check-in at an airport kiosk with the help of a United Airlines representative. Activate the kiosk by following these steps:

  • Swipe a credit card, MileagePlus card, or passport.
  • Scan the boarding document or passport.
  • Fill in your confirmation number or e-Ticket number.

This facility is available after 30 minutes of flight booking till 3 hours prior to the departure time. Also to check-in oversized baggage, you cannot use this facility.

Curbside Check-In: 

There are certain airports that have a curbside check-in facility. Passengers need to carry all the required documents with them to check in. Make sure you reach the airport in time because the deadline for check-in through this process is 4 hours before the scheduled departure.

Ticket Counter: For this process, you can make a request to the United Airlines customer care number for check-in. You need to carry your Passport, photo ID proof, and booking number to show at the ticket counter. Passengers can also select a seat through this mode.

Check-in timings for flights:

  • As per the United Airlines Flight Check-in Policy, domestic passengers must check in for their flights 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
  • International passengers need to reach 3 hours before the departure time and can check in up to 60 minutes before the departure time.

Boarding Gate Timings: It is suggested to board the plane 45 minutes before the departing time otherwise the doors may get closed. For domestic passengers the gate closing deadline is 30 minutes and for international passengers the deadline is 45 minutes.

Boarding gate timings for airports:

Airport Timings
Brussels (BRU) 60 minutes
Dublin (DUB) 30 minutes
Kwajalein (KWA) 60 minutes
Lima (LIM) 30 minutes
Majuro (MAJ) 60 minutes
Guam (GUM) to Honolulu (HNL) 60 minutes
Koror (ROR) 60 minutes
Kosrae (KSA) 60 minutes
Pohnpei (PNI) 60 minutes
Sydney (SYD) 60 minutes
Truk (TKK) 60 minutes
Yap (YAP) 60 minutes

United Airlines Boarding Groups

As per the United Airlines Flight Check-in Policy, passengers are divided into a total of 6 boarding groups. These groups board the plane through the blue and green lanes. Group 1 boards through lane Blue lane while the other 5 groups use green lanes.

  • The first group is a pre-boarding group which includes passengers who need assistance such as those with some disability, US military personnel, pregnant ladies, senior passengers, and parents with kids up to 2 years.
  • Then Group 1, includes the higher class passengers. These are premier platinum, gold members, premier cabin (Polaris, Business, and First class), and star alliance gold members.
  • Group 2 holds the members with priority boarding access, United Presidential Plus, and MileagePlus awards cardholders.
  • Group 3-5 is for Economy Plus, basic economy, and United economy fare type passengers.

Special Assistance Check-in counters

This counter can be used by Group 1 members. Under this check-in counter, passengers are provided with special facilities. These facilities at the airport include:

  • Verbal flight information.
  • Voice Check-in.
  • Wheelchair assistance.
  • Tactile buttons and speech commands.
  • Telecommunication device for persons with hearing impairment.
  • Flight information display screens at some of the airports. 

On the flight, these facilities include:

  • Safety briefings.
  • Special assistance to the lavatory, seat, and boarding.
  • Carry-on items transfer
  • Identifying meal times.

Some FAQ:

When do I need to be at the boarding gate after check-in?

For international journeys, you need to reach the boarding area 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

When do I need to reach the airport for my United flight?

To reach the airport it is advised to reach 60 minutes before the departure time. If you have additional formalities to do at the airport then come earlier.

When do I need to check in for my United flight?

You can check in for a United flight 60 minutes before departure.

Does United Airlines offer a curbside check-in facility?

Yes, you can make use of the curbside check-in facility with United Airlines.

Am I eligible to check in online?

Yes, any passenger can fly check-in online if they are less than 9 persons and the itinerary contains less than 4 segments.

Do I need to pay United Airlines baggage policy during web check-in?

Yes, you can check your baggage while web check-in. But, for oversized baggage, you need to come to the airport.

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