United Airlines Introducing New Check-In Time Requirement

Image: United Airlines Boeing 757 taking off. (Photo Credit: Thiago Trevisan/Adobe)
Image: United Airlines Boeing 757 taking off. (Photo Credit: Thiago Trevisan/Adobe)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:15 PM ET, Tue May 27, 2025

United Airlines will require all domestic passengers to check in for their flight at least 45 minutes before departure.

The change from 30 minutes, which impacts those traveling without checked luggage, takes effect on June 3.

In a statement to USA Today, a spokesperson for the airline said that "the change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines."

Travelers can check in for their flight 24 hours before their departure time online or using the United mobile app so this is a change that will really only impact passengers attempting to check in at an airport kiosk.

Nonetheless, mobile boarding passes aren't always accepted and travelers should take the change seriously as failing to meet the new requirement could result in being denied boarding privileges.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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