Important notices

• On December 26, 2018, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that aviation security at MNL (Manila, The Philippines), which serves as a last-point-of-departure airport for flights to the United States, does not maintain and carry out effective security consistent with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.Our top priority is the safety of our customers and employees, and teams at the Corporate Support Center and in the field are working with Corporate Security and DHS to ensure the safety and security of travelers and employees. We do not expect any changes to our operations and will continue working with DHS so there is minimal impact to travelers, employees or the operation.

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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.

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 have 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.

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

Customers traveling on international flights that are precleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should arrive well before the minimum required time. When customers travel on a U.S. CBP precleared flight, they will arrive at a domestic terminal in the U.S. Customers should allow extra time at the international airport they are departing from to complete additional border security screening processes before departure.

United Airlines operates 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 Great Hall construction

Construction is underway in the Great Hall of the Main Terminal at Denver International Airport (DEN), resulting in 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. Construction will take place over the next two to three years. Please visit the Denver International Airport’s website for more information.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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 the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website for up-to-date service announcements about the Metrorail.

Visit flyreagan.com/ProjectJourney for the latest updates.

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.

Fort Lauderdale

We’ve opened a new United Club location in Terminal 1 next to the escalators near Gate C1.

New York/Newark United Club pop-up location and one-time passes

A new United Club pop-up location is now open in Terminal C, near Gate C93. This location offers beer and wine, as well as light snack options.

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.​​​