To help ensure that your trip goes smoothly, please allow enough time for checking in and passing through security. When traveling around holidays or other peak travel times, additional time may be needed.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently requiring enhanced security measures for all flights to the United States departing from non-U.S. locations. We recommend that you ensure that any liquids, aerosols or gels that are included in your carry-on bags adhere to the restrictions currently in place. Visit the TSA website for details regarding these security measures
Check-in guidelines
The times below apply to flights operated by United®, United Express®, Continental®, Continental Express® and Continental Connection. For flights operated by other airlines, including our codeshare partners, the applicable check-in time limit for that airline will apply.
United has the right to cancel reservations, deny boarding and refuse the acceptance of checked baggage of any customer who does not meet their applicable check-in time limit.
Check-in is available starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Check in now
Check-in and boarding requirements for domestic flights:
For flights within the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, customers and their bags must meet the check-in and boarding time requirements below. These requirements refer to the minimum amount of time before scheduled departure.
Departure airport |
Check-in and baggage check completed: |
Available for boarding at the gate: |
| Atlanta, GA (ATL) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Charlotte, NC (CLT) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Chicago, IL (ORD) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Cleveland, OH (CLE) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Denver, CO (DEN) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Guam (GUM) |
60 minutes |
30 minutes |
| Houston, TX (IAH) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Indianapolis, IN (IND) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Kahului, Hawaii (OGG) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Kona, HI (KOA) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Las Vegas, NV (LAS) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Los Angeles, CA (LAX) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| New York, NY (JFK) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Newark, NJ (EWR) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Ontario, CA (ONT) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Orlando, FL (MCO) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Orange County, CA (SNA) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Philadelphia, PA (PHL) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Portland, OR (PDX) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Reno, NV (RNO) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Sacramento, CA (SMF) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| San Francisco, CA (SFO) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| San Juan, PR (SJU) |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Seattle, WA (SEA) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (TPA) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| Washington, D.C. - Dulles (IAD) |
45 minutes |
15 minutes |
| All other airports within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands |
30 minutes |
15 minutes |
The minimum check-in time requirement for customers not checking bags on flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is 30 minutes, except for Guam (GUM), which is 60 minutes.
Check-in and boarding requirements for international flights:
For international flights, customers and their bags must meet the check-in and boarding requirements below. These requirements refer to the minimum amount of time before scheduled departure.
Departure airport |
Check-in and baggage check completed: |
Available for boarding at the gate: |
Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Palau:
- Koror (ROR)
- Kosrae (KSA)
- Kwajalein (KWA)
- Majuro (MAJ)
- Nadi (NAN)
- Pohnpei (PNI)
- Truk (TKK)
|
90 minutes |
60 minutes |
| Manila, Philippines (MNL) |
90 minutes |
60 minutes |
| Lima, Peru (LIM) |
75 minutes |
30 minutes |
| All other airports |
60 minutes |
30 minutes |
Security wait times and ticket counter hours of operation
Below you'll find security checkpoint wait times and ticket counter hours of operation for many airports within the U.S. and worldwide.
View airport check-in information for cities beginning with:
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