Important notices

• Chicago O’Hare's Air Transit System closures

  The Air Transit System that transports customers between O’Hare terminals and to and from the economy parking lots will be closed Monday through Friday from May 30, 2018, through the winter. During these closures, the airport will operate expanded shuttle bus service every 10 minutes.

  Signs in the terminals and near entrances to Air Transit System platforms will provide directions to bus stop locations. You can also find more information on the Chicago Department of Aviation website.

• San Francisco Airport’s AirTrain overnight closures

  San Francisco International Airport’s AirTrain service will close overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning May 14, 2018, and lasting until June 15, 2018. During these closures, the airport will operate buses between all terminals and the Rental Car Center.

  Buses will pick up and drop off travelers on the center island of the departure level for all terminals. They will operate every five minutes between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with the exception of between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., when they will operate every 15 minutes.

  The airport advises travelers to allow extra time during the closures.

• Reminders for the 2018 summer travel season

  The TSA predicts this summer will be another record-breaking travel season. To help keep wait times for the security process at a minimum, the TSA recommends taking these steps before getting to the airport:

  • Always check carry-on bags and personal belongings for prohibited items.
  • Pack your carry-on bags so they can be easily screened. This includes easy access to items that should be scanned separately, like laptops, tablets, e-readers and cameras.
  • Check with the airport to determine wait times during peak periods. The MyTSA app is also a great resource for this.
  • Consider enrolling in a Trusted Traveler Program, like Global Entry® or TSA Pre✓®, to expedite the security process. Learn more

  ​

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

  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires additional security measures for all international flights to the U.S. These measures may include enhanced screening of travelers with questioning of some or all travelers, as well as heightened screening of electronic devices larger than a standard smartphone. Travelers should be prepared to remove these devices from their protective cases or outer packaging for inspection. If you have a case that requires a screwdriver or other special tools to remove, we recommend doing so before arriving at the airport.

  For international flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight if possible, allowing time for the additional security measures. Please note the airport check-in hours first. 

  For more information, please visit the DHS website.

• Important information about U.S. IDs​​​

  Beginning October 10, 2018, 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

  You can check if your state is compliant at dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief. 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. ​

• Cuba travel policy changes

  Effective June 16, 2017, individual people-to-people travel to Cuba for customers who are subject to U.S. jurisdictions will no longer be 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.

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

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

Airport updates​​​

Payment transactions at airports

United continues to introduce new technology in support of a faster and more efficient travel experience. As part of these efforts, the United check-in counters and kiosks at some of the airports we serve no longer accept cash as a form of payment.

To see payment information for specific airport locations, visit the Accepted Forms of Payment page.

Boston airport skycap service

On November 15, 2017, we're discontinuing skycap service at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Please go to a United kiosk or see a United representative in Terminal B if you need to check a bag or require any other assistance.

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 check-in information

Starting May 21, 2018, the United Global Services®, United Polaris® and Premier® 1K® check-in desks will move to a new location. The new check-in area will be at the southwest end of Terminal West, around the right-hand corner of the existing ticket counters.

Frankfurt Airport processing times

Customers traveling from Frankfurt (FRA) to the U.S. should allow additional time for check-in and security screening. Additional security measures are in place for all international flights to the U.S., so we recommend that you arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure if you are checking bags and 2 hours prior to departure if you are not checking bags.

Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in-town check-in counters

Beginning October 26, 2017, in-town check-in service at the Hong Kong and Kowloon stations will be available daily from 5:30–11:30 a.m.

Lafayette, Louisiana airport processing times

Los Angeles terminal renovation project

Premier Access® check-in is now located in Terminal 7, between Concourses 6 and 7. This beautifully designed new space is the first check-in area you'll see as you enter Terminal 7.

This update is part of United's multi-year renovation project to refresh and update the terminal, and additional construction is underway. Learn about the LAX enhancements

New York LaGuardia renovation and traffic information

Due to traffic congestion caused by ongoing renovations at LaGuardia, 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 check-in and security information

In Terminal A, United check-in counters are located on the upper level. In Terminal C, United Economy® check-in is located on Level 2, and Premier Access® check-in is located on Level 3. Customers traveling in United Polaris® first class should go to Level 3, Door 1 and take the escalator to the C-2 checkpoint for check-in. Learn about the changes we're making at Newark

Ontario Airport processing times

We recommend that customers departing from Ontario International Airport (ONT) arrive 2 hours prior to departure to allow extra time for security screening. Airport check-in counters open at 3:30 a.m. and TSA security checkpoints open at 3:45 a.m.

Washington National construction

Starting March 21, 2018, 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.

You may also want to consider using the Metrorail instead of driving. The Washington National Airport station is connected by walkways to Terminal B.

Visit flyreagan.com/ProjectJourney for the latest updates.

United Club℠ location 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.

Chicago O'Hare: Renovation

The United Club location in Terminal 1, near Gate C16, has been renovated and is now open. This location offers a selection of wine and beer. Eligible customers can also visit our location in Terminal 2, Concourse F, and other locations in Terminal 1.

Dallas/Fort-Worth: New location

We recently opened a new United Club location between Gates E6 and E7.

Fort Lauderdale: Renovation

The permanent United Club location at Fort Lauderdale is currently closed for renovations. Please visit our temporary location in Terminal 1 between Gates C1 and C3, but note that seating is significantly limited.

New York/Newark: Construction and new pop-up location

The United Club location in Terminal C, near Gate C120 will be fully closed beginning November 7 as we convert this location into a brand-new United Polaris lounge. During this construction, seating in our pop-up United Club location near Gate C125 and the United Club location near Gate C74 will be significantly limited.

Please note that we will not be able to accept or sell United Club one-time passes in Newark Terminal C until this construction is complete by mid-2018. 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.