Booked your next flight with United Airlines? Knowing about its Check-In process will keep you in good stead. Therefore, looking at the concerns of passengers, United Airlines has come up with a seamless boarding process. However, first, you should have a look at United Airlines Check-In policy, which is the first step for boarding a flight.  The policy defines the various ways that United offers its passengers to complete the check-in. you will learn about them in detail later in this article. Staying aware of the procedure will help you keep peace of mind. So, are you ready to take an insight into Check-In process at United Airlines? Check out the information below.  

How Many Hours Before the United Flight Can I Check-In?

You can check in 24 hours prior to the flight departure. United Airlines provides you different methods including online and offline to complete the Check-In. However, not every passenger is eligible for the online Check-In.    You must complete the United Airlines specific requirements for that. Beside that, keep your documents handy, especially while travelling overseas. The documents can include passport, visa etc. Verify your visa through the Travel-ready Center or through a United agent at the airport.   

What are United Airlines Check-In Time Limits?

Whether you have a checked bag or not can affect the United Airlines check-in time. Also, whether you are flying domestically or internationally can affect the check-in limit. Accordingly, United Airlines requires you to complete the Check-In in the following time frame.   

Domestic Flight Check-In Time 

• Without Checked bags 30 minutes prior to departure.
• With Checked Bags: 45 minutes prior to departure.

 

International Flight Check-In Time 

• With or Without Checked Bags: 60 minutes prior to departure.
• The above check-in time limit can differ with the airport and location. 
• For Example, check out the table below.

  Note: Check your check-in time twice to avoid inconvenience at the airport.   

How Can I check in on United Airlines?

You have multiple ways to complete the Check-In process at United Airlines. Therefore, select any of them as per your comfort. Further, check out the information below if you want to learn about them.  

Online

First, you should check if you are eligible for United Airlines Check-In Online, then follow the below process on the United Airlines website:

• Visit United Airlines official website. 
• Then, look for “Check In” option.
• Further, enter the login details like e-ticket confirmation number, last name, or
• Enter MileagePlus account details 
• Download or print the boarding pass on your mobile device. 
• Also, get the check-in confirmation from United Airlines. 

 

United Mobile App

United Airlines also has a user-friendly mobile app to make the process convenient for its passengers. 

• Download and open the United App.
• Click on “Check-in” option.
• Then, enter the login details like e-ticket number and surname.
• Lastly, download an e-boarding pass on your mobile device and use it during boarding.

Note: Passengers can scan their passport through United mobile app. Further, they can use it for international travel.   

At the Airport

Passengers can also complete the United flight check-in at the airport. They need to follow the following steps:

• Visit a Kiosk self-service at the airport 
• Click on “Check In” option.
• Enter your confirmation number, MileagePlus number, or passport to access the reservation.
• You can also add any other services as well. 
• Further, print the boarding pass and 
• Finally, head towards the security checkpoint.

Note: Remember that kiosk check-in does not accept all forms of payment.  

What Payment Methods United Airlines Accept?

United Airlines does not accept all forms of payment on united.com, United app, or at the airport. For example, United Airlines may not entertain cash payments on some counters and kiosks available at the airport. Apart from that, the form of payment can change with the countries or regions. 

At the Airport

• AliPay(Used in U.S, China, Hong Kong and South Korea)
• Credit Cards like American Express, Discover, MasterCard, DinersClub, and JCB.
• Apple Pay: used for purchases made through United app that has a U.S based billing address
• PaypalTM: U.S billing addresses only
• Visa
• UnionPay: only for purchases made on united.com in selected countries or regions
• Uplift: Best for monthly payments
• UATP
• Travel Bank
• United Travel Credits

 

Important Considerations

• United Airlines’ payment policies can be different for some destinations. For Example Mexico
• In Mexico, United Airlines accepts payments only in Mexican pesos or through Credit cards and debit cards at the city ticket offices.
• Similarly, United Airlines accepts only credit cards at club locations.
• United Airlines can take cash, credit cards and debit cards as payment methods at the city ticket office. But, it may accept other forms of payment outside the U.S and Canada. 

 

How to Check If I Can Check-In Online at United Airlines?

To check if you can check-in online at United Airlines, you should meet the following conditions:

• First flight in your package should be operated by United.
• Further, the itinerary should include flight segments not exceeding four.
• Similarly, you must be traveling with fewer than nine people.
• You are carrying a previously scanned passport with United.
• Additionally, you can check in by scanning your passport on the United app or through the airport kiosk.

 

Reservations Not Eligible for Online Check-In on United.com

• Booking that includes a special service request that needs a United agent at the airport. 
• When a reservation is made offline or paper ticketed. 
• Traveling in Basic Economy till you do not mention that you have a bag to check. 

 

United Airlines Check-In Baggage Policy 

United Airlines has a flexible Check-In Baggage policy whether it is domestic or international flight. Going through this policy is extremely important before you proceed for the security check at the airport. United Airlines Check-In baggage policy basically explains how much Check-In bag it allows.   

Domestic Flights

• Maximum Check-In bag size: 62 inches(157cm).
• Whereas maximum check-In baggage weight allowed is 
• Economy/ Premium Economy: 23 kg or 50 Pounds
• Business / First Class: 32 kg or 70 pounds

  United Airlines allows 2 Check-In bags for a fee or without a fee-based on cabin class. For every additional checked or oversized baggage, United can ask for an additional fee.  

International Flights

United Airlines Check-In baggage size and weight are the same for international flights. However, you will get free checked baggage depending on your fare class. 

• Economy: One free checked bag unless you are not in Basic Economy.
• Premium Economy:  United allows two checked bags of above-mentioned weight for free. 
• Business or First Class: Business or First Class passengers can Check-In 2 bags for absolutely no cost on United. 

 

Weight by MileagePlus Status 

Maximum Check-In bag weight limit for MileagePlus status can be different.  

• Premier Silver / Premier Gold / Premier Platinum / Premier 1K®: 70 pounds or 32 Kg
• Star Alliance™ Gold: for Business class(32kg), For Economy(23kg)

Note: For a detailed check-in baggage policy, visit the United Airlines website.   

At What Time are Airport Check-In Counters Open for United Passengers?

For most of the International locations, United Airlines Check-In counters open 3 hours before the flight’s scheduled time. Still, you should check out the check-in counter timings and other information on the airline website. Check out the table below for United counter hours for some popular locations:   Note: The above check-in counter hours can change depending on the situation. Therefore, you must check your flight status before reaching the airport.   

Conclusion 

Smoother boarding process always starts with a convenient check-in. Therefore, you can complete the United Airlines Check-In 24 hours before flight. It saves time at the airport as you can head straight to the security checkpoint. Check-In time can change depending on domestic or international flight. Therefore, the above information provides every piece of information on Check-In at United. However, you can contact United Airlines customer service in case of doubt.   

FAQs 

Can I check in online for international flights?

Yes. You can check in online for international flights. The online process starts 24 hours before the flight and ends 60 minutes before the flight. Use the United app or website to access it.

What time do I need to check in for an international United flight?

You should Check-In at least 60 minutes prior to international flight time. However, it can differ with the location such as Dublin, Manila, and Marshall Islands or Micronesia etc.   

Can I use united.com check-in to purchase a ticket from a travel agency?

Yes. You can use United.com Check-In when you book a ticket through a travel agency. But you must have an electronic ticket.   

What time do I need to check in for a domestic United flight?

You should complete the check-in at least 30 minutes prior to the flight without checked bags. However, it should be 45 minutes before departure with checked bags.   

How do I get my United Airlines boarding pass from the United App?

To get your boarding, you must sign in to your MileagePlus account through a mobile app. The app shows the option to download or print your boarding pass after completing the check-in.  

Does United Airlines let everyone check-in online?

No. United Airlines has some mandatory requirements that passengers are required to fulfill to do the check-in online.  How Do I Add More Seats on United?