Flying United? The New Check-In Deadline Could Catch You Off Guard

Starting in June, United Airlines passengers on domestic flights must check in 45 minutes before departure, regardless of whether they’re checking bags or only bringing carry-ons.

Previously, United allowed domestic passengers only traveling with carry-on bags to check in, at the latest, 30 minutes before departure. That was 15 minutes earlier than the deadline for domestic travelers checking bags.

This month, the deadline will change to 45 minutes for all passengers on domestic flights.

Photo: Courtesy of Calle Macarone / Unsplash

“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,” a United Airlines spokesperson said.

Travelers not checking bags can check in online or through United’s app as early as 24 hours before departure.

Its check-in deadline for international travelers remains 60 minutes.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines / Joey Mintz, Jamie Choi

Like other airlines, United is permitted to deny boarding to passengers who don’t meet these deadlines. However, the carrier says it will do its best to find alternative options for travelers who miss the check-in window.

And, of course, these are the deadlines. United continues to recommend travelers arrive at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Check-in policy of other airlines

As United said, most airlines require travelers to check in at least 45 minutes before flights within the U.S. Some have updated or enforced these policies more strictly in recent years to boost their on-time performance, cope with increased travel demand, and streamline airport operations.

Rival Big Three airline American Airlines updated its check-in policies in 2016 to require all domestic travelers to check in 45 minutes in advance of their flights.

In 2023, Frontier Airlines revised its policies and now closes its check-in 60 minutes before departure for all flights. Fellow budget airline Spirit also has an across-the-board 60-minute deadline.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Then, last autumn, Alaska Airlines began enforcing a 50-minute check-in deadline. It had previously given passengers up to 40 minutes before flights. Travelers have reported inconsistent enforcement of this policy, however.

Meanwhile, major carrier Delta Air Lines still permits domestic travelers with carry-ons to check in up to 30 minutes before departure at most airports. But there are major exceptions—including New York (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), and Reagan Washington National (DCA)—where Delta has a stricter 45-minute deadline for all domestic passengers, regardless of their luggage.

JetBlue also allows domestic travelers with only carry-ons to check in up to a half hour before departure, while passengers with checked bags must drop them off at the desk or kiosk and check in within 40 minutes of the flight time.

United under pressure

United’s on-time performance has suffered recently as a shortage of air traffic controllers and ongoing runway construction at its major East Coast hub, Newark Liberty (EWR), have caused weeks of delays and cancellations.

Photo: Newark Liberty International Airport. Courtesy of Chris Leipelt / Unsplash

United, the airport’s biggest airline, preemptively removed around 35 roundtrips from its daily schedule at Newark earlier this month to reduce disruption. It has welcomed a temporary reduction in hourly departures and landings at the airport imposed by the FAA last week.

United says that around 68 percent of its delays are caused by air traffic control restrictions. Pointing out that three-quarters of air traffic control facilities are understaffed, CEO Scott Kirby has called for the FAA to increase capacity at its academy for air traffic controllers and to expand training opportunities at private colleges and universities.