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United Airlines Check-In Guide: Your Journey Made Easy
Are you taking your first flight, or are you using United Airlines for the first time? Don’t get stuck in long check-in lines, as United Airlines passengers can check in online, via the app or website, or at the airport, either at the counter or independently at the kiosk. You can add bags and seats with the check-in.
Read this blog that contains detailed information on the United Airlines check-in options and rules to make your journey easier.
When to Check In: Know Your Deadlines
Different United Airlines' check-in time limits are provided, varying based on whether you have checked bags or not. If you don’t complete the check-in on time, airlines can deny you from boarding. Here are the different timings:
- If you have a checked bag, you should check in 45 minutes before departure.
- If you have no checked bags, then you can check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
- In case you are having an international trip, then be at the airport 60 minutes before departure.
Online checking can be done from 24 hours before departure to one hour before departure. Offline check is allowed till the time provided. There can be long security check lines, please be at the airport 3 hours before for an international flight and 2 hours before for a domestic flight if you are going to do check-in at the airport.
If you checked in online, you can visit the airport 1 hour before for international flights and 45minutes before for domestic flights.
For some destinations, the time for check-in is different. You can read it at United Airlines.
What is the process to check in with United Airlines?
There are various ways provided for United Airlines flight check-in. Passengers can check in for their flight online through the app or website, and by visiting the airport ticket counter or kiosk. Here is the detailed step-by-step overview:
Online process:
You can check online through the app or the United website. However, there are certain conditions in which United Airlines denies online boarding. Check if you are eligible to check in online. If yes, then follow this process:
- Visit the United Airlines website to do Web check-in for United Airlines.
- Please enter your last name and either your confirmation number or ticket number.
- After which, you can add baggage and select seats.
- Then you’ll get your boarding pass.
- Which you can print or keep electronically.
Via mobile application:
- Download the United app and log in.
- Click on the check-in option, then fill in the details.
- Enter the details like your last name and either your confirmation number or e-ticket number.
- After which you’ll receive your boarding pass.
- You can print your boarding pass or use it on your phone.
- If you are traveling internationally, you can check in online and scan your passport via this app.
At the airport:
At the airport, you can check in through kiosks where you can check in by yourselves, and get the baggage tag.
You can stop by the check-in counter for personalized help with your check-in process. If you are denied online check-in, please visit the check-in counter; don’t check in via the kiosk.
How to check in through the kiosk?
Check-in has been made easy with the kiosk. Here you don’t have to stay in a long line, and you can get a boarding pass and bag tags by yourself.
There are agents available to assist you if you get stuck at any stage, but you can also read about how the kiosk works and complete the process smoothly on your own.
Documents required: The first question is what documents you need to check in. Keep your ticket ready with you, and have a government-issued ID, such as a passport, if you are going on an international trip. If you are checking a bag and may incur an extra baggage fee, please bring a credit card.
By check-in through the United Airlines kiosk, you can do all these things:
- Print the bag tag, add baggage, and you may incur additional charges for it, especially if your bag is oversized or overweight.
- Check in and manage your trip, like seat selection.
- You can change your flight on the same day at the kiosk.
- Adding your mileage plus member number to your reservation.
- You can also find flights if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
- Upgrade to your seat.
You can obtain a baggage tag at the airport kiosk for oversized bags. If you don't receive one, you can ask the available agent for assistance.
If you are flying to an international destination that requires a visa, please visit an agent so that they can verify your visa.
What is the Bag drop shortcut?
If you check in online, you can buy checked baggage and quickly drop off your bags at the bag drop shortcut. There you’ll receive a claim check for each of your checked bags, which will be used at the time of reclaim. This check is like a receipt you have to carry.
Cases in which you are denied check-in online?
United Airlines online check-in is very straightforward, and it saves a lot of time, but in some situations, United denies online check-in and only permits in-person check-in:
- If you are traveling under special circumstances, such as with an infant or a pet, or in any other case.
- If you are a basic economy passenger, then you have to check in at the airport, unless you are checking a bag.
- If you have bought a paper ticket.
