Important notices

• Citywide protests and strikes in Hong Kong may affect your travel plans. Please check your flight status at united.com or the United app before heading to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). We also recommend leaving early to make sure you have plenty of time to travel to the airport and get through check-in and security.​​​

• Apple has recalled some of its MacBook Pro Retina display 15-inch laptops manufactured between September 2015 and February 2017 that have defective batteries. If your MacBook Pro has a defective battery, your laptop will need to be turned off and unplugged during your flight. You also won’t be able to pack your laptop in a checked bag.

  If you’re not sure if your MacBook Pro has a defective battery, please visit Apple’s website to check your serial number before your upcoming trip.

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• There have been some changes recently to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications and approvals are no longer processed instantly. If you don’t have a U.S. passport and require an ESTA, we recommend applying when you book your travel and no less than 72 hours prior to travel.

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Travel waivers​

When severe weather or other major events may impact our operations, we sometimes issue travel waivers to allow you to change to alternate flights without paying a change fee. Travel waivers currently in effect are listed below. ​

For additional information about what to do if your travel is affected by a waiver, visit the Flight Delays and Cancellations page.

International travel updates

Depending on the destination of your international travel plans, there may be specific notices and advisories. For more information, visit the International Travel page.

Additional security measures for international flights to the U.S.

In addition to standard security procedures, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires additional security measures for all international flights to the U.S., which may result in extra screening for everyday items such as large electronics, powder, food, books and magazines. TSA has a full list of what is and isn’t allowed on their website.

Large electronics: Travelers with electronic devices larger than a standard smartphone should be prepared to remove these devices from their protective cases or outer packaging for inspection. If you h​ave a case that requires a screwdriver or other special tools to remove, we recommend doing so before arriving at the airport.

Powder-based substances: We recommend all customers place any items that resemble powder in their checked baggage. Some travelers with powder-based substances in their carry-on bags and personal items greater than what would fit in a standard soda can (12 fluid ounces or 350 milliliters) may be subject to additional security measures put in place by the DHS.

For those selected for additional security measures, powder substances in excess of this amount won’t be allowed in the cabin of the aircraft. Examples of powder include ground coffee and tea, flour, sugar and spices. There are some exemptions, including baby formula, medically necessary powder and human remains.

Please note that some foreign governments who perform this screening at the central checkpoint may follow more strict measures, including confiscating and disposing of powder-based substances in excess of permitted quantities.

Arrival times: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your international flight to allow time for the additional security measures. Please note the airport check-in hours first.

For more information, please visit the DHS website. You may also contact @AskTSA via Twitter or Facebook Messenger with specific questions or visit TSA customer service.

Cuba travel policy changes

As of June 16, 2017, individual people-to-people travel to Cuba for customers who are subject to U.S. jurisdictions are no longer allowed. All customers booking travel on United to or from Cuba must certify their eligibility under one of the authorized categories provided. Please visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Cuba travel page to learn more about the authorized categories for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.

Additional security screenings at Panamá City and El Salvador airports

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panamá City, Panama, and El Salvador International Airport (SAL) have additional security screenings in place, so you’ll need to go through two checkpoints — one to enter the terminal and one at your gate area. You won’t be able to bring liquids over 3 ounces through either checkpoint, and you’ll need to remove laptop and tablet covers at both checkpoints. We recommend getting to the airport early so you have plenty of time to get through security.

Traveling on flights precleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If you’re traveling to the U.S. from one of the international airports listed below, we recommend you arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure time. Flights from these airports are precleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so please allow extra time to complete additional border security screening processes before you depart. When you arrive in the U.S., you’ll arrive at a domestic terminal.

We operate flights precleared by U.S. CBP before departure from the following international airports: Aruba (AUA), Bermuda (BDA), Dublin (DUB), Freeport (FPO), Nassau (NAS), Shannon (SNN), Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ), Ottawa (YOW), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), Winnipeg (YWG), Calgary (YYC) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ).

TSA and other security updates

Important information about U.S. IDs

U.S. driver’s licenses or state IDs that are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act and have not been granted an extension cannot be used as identification when flying within the U.S. Please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website to check if your state is compliant.

If your state is not compliant and has not filed an extension, you’ll need to use an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, when flying within the U.S.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Airport updates​​​

Chicago O'Hare Airport Transit System closure

Beginning January 8, 2019, at 5:00 a.m., The Airport Transit System (ATS) that takes you between the terminals and to and from the economy parking lots at Chicago O'Hare is closed and scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2019. Shuttle bus service will operate frequently between the terminals during this closure.

Signs in the terminals and near entrances to ATS platforms will provide directions to bus stop locations. Visit the Chicago Department of Aviation's website for more information.

Cincinnati security checkpoint hours

The security checkpoint at the Cincinnati Airport is open from 3:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Please plan to arrive at the airport prior to 9 p.m. – even if your flight is delayed – to make sure that you have enough time to pass through the security checkpoint before it closes. It will not stay open late to accommodate delayed departures, and you will not be able to board your flight.

Denver construction

If you’re flying out of Denver, we recommend arriving two hours before your scheduled departure time due to construction in the Great Hall of the Main Terminal. This ongoing construction may result in longer check-in times, new construction walls and limited dining and shopping options. Directional signage will be posted throughout the terminal and personnel will be available to answer questions. Please visit the Denver International Airport’s website for more information.

Denver bag drop

Denver International Airport (DEN) offers free bag drop and check-in service at the Transit Center and Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert shuttle lots to make it convenient for you to travel, baggage-free, from the time you arrive until you board your flight.

• This service is for flights on United within the U.S. Flights to international destinations aren’t eligible for the bag drop service.
• Drop your bags a minimum of 90 minutes before your flight.
• Skip the ticket counter lines by checking your bag and getting your boarding pass.
• This is a free service. Our bag fees still apply and can be paid at all bag drop locations.
• Travelers with lap infants must go to the ticket counter for the child’s boarding pass.

Transit Center bag drop: Check your bag at the Transit Center and get your boarding pass before you head up to the terminal and through security.

• Location: Transit Center, Level 1 (below The Westin)
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (for flights departing as late as midnight)

Drive-up bag drop at Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert shuttle lots: Drive in and drop your bag from the comfort of your car before you park. A greeter at the bag drop kiosk will remove your bags from your car, check you in for your flight, and hand you your boarding pass. Once you park your car, board the shuttle and travel to terminal, baggage-free. Upon arriving at the terminal, head directly to security.

• Location: Follow the bag drop signs when you enter the parking lot
• Hours: Saturday through Thursday, 2 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 2 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kansas City airport processing times

We recommend that customers departing from Kansas City (MCI) allow extra time for check-in and security screening, especially during morning hours. Airport check-in counters open at 3:30 a.m. and TSA security checkpoints open at 3:45 a.m.

Lafayette, Louisiana airport processing times

We recommend that customers departing from Lafayette (LFT) allow extra time for check-in and security screening. Airport check-in counters open at 3:30 a.m. and TSA security checkpoints open at 3 a.m.

Los Angeles traffic information

Ongoing construction near Los Angeles (LAX) is causing heavy traffic outside the airport. We recommend allowing extra time and arriving at least two hours before your flight.

Manila airport terminal change and processing times

We now fly out of Terminal 3 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) instead of Terminal 1. Please arrive at Terminal 3 to check in for your flight or see a United representative.

Due to new procedures, we recommend customers allow extra time for check-in and security screening.

New York LaGuardia renovation and traffic information

Beginning June 2, all United flights at New York LaGuardia will depart from the new Terminal B concourse, Gates 40-59. Here’s what you need to know about traveling through the new space:

• Ticket counters are in the same spot, but you can expect a longer walk to your gate. We recommend adding 10-15 minutes onto the time you’d typically allow.
• If you don’t need to check in at the counter or check your bags, enter Terminal B at Door 1 or 2 for the general security checkpoint or Door 3 for the TSA Precheck checkpoint.
• TSA Precheck is now located at Security Checkpoint B.
• Our new United Club^SM location is inside security on Level 3. You’ll find the entrance near the start of Gates 40-59.
• Baggage claim will be on Level 1 after you leave the secured area of the terminal.

Due to traffic congestion caused by the ongoing renovations, we recommend that travelers allow extra time to arrive at the airport. During peak travel periods, customers should plan to arrive at LaGuardia and check in one hour before their flight's scheduled departure. Please visit laguardiaairport.com for real-time information.

New York/Newark construction and processing times

Due to construction in Terminal C at New York/Newark (EWR), you may experience longer than expected lines at security checkpoints. We apologize for any inconvenience and recommend that you allow extra time for security processing. Learn about the changes we're making at Newark

San Francisco airport’s AirTrain overnight closures

There will be periodic nighttime closures of the AirTrain at San Francisco International Airport due to construction and system upgrades. During these closures, the airport will operate buses between all terminals and the Rental Car Center, and advises travelers to allow extra travel time. You can find more information on the official website for San Francisco International Airport.

San Juan additional security screenings

The TSA has implemented additional security measures at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) that require all wet or frozen food items to be removed from carry-on baggage and inspected. While food items are permitted in carry-on baggage, travelers departing San Juan are advised to allow extra time at security or to check bags containing wet or frozen food items to expedite the screening process. This policy applies to standard screening lanes but does not affect TSA Pre✓® lanes.

Stockholm airport terminal change

Beginning April 30, 2019, we will move from Terminal 5 to Terminal 2 at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). Please arrive at Terminal 2 to check in for your flight or see a United representative.

Vail, Colorado, construction

Construction is underway at Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), resulting in a longer walk between the TSA security screening and gates. We recommend allowing more time for this distance, and require customers to check in 45 minutes before departure if traveling with checked baggage.

Washington Dulles construction

Construction is underway at Washington Dulles (IAD) near the ticket counters. This may lead to longer wait times if you’re checking in or checking bags, so we recommend getting to the airport early.

Washington National construction

Construction at Washington National Airport (DCA) is expected to cause traffic delays on airport roadways, as work crews close lanes in front of Terminal B. Please allow additional travel time to and from the airport. For pickups and drop-offs, please consider using the Terminal Garages since they are located outside the construction zone. Visit flyreagan.com/ProjectJourney for the latest updates.

Williston, North Dakota, airport change

Beginning October 10, all airlines will fly out of the new Williston Basin International Airport (XWA). If you’re flying from Williston on or after that date, make sure you go to this airport and not Sloulin Field International Airport (ISN). The new airport is about 15 miles northwest of the old one. Find out more on the airport’s website.

United Club and other lounge updates

We're currently making some changes to our lounges. To learn more about United Club℠ membership, see a full list of lounge locations and more, visit the United Club and lounges section.

New York/Newark United Club one-time passes

We may not be able to accept or sell United Club pop-up location and one-time passes at United Club locations in Terminal C during peak afternoon and evening travel times when these locations are at or near capacity. We will continue to accept one-time passes in our Terminal A United Club location, space permitting, as well as throughout the United Club network.

United Polaris lounges

United Polaris® lounges are now open at Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, New York/Newark and San Francisco.​​​​​​​​​​​