Important notices

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

  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 powder, food, books, magazines and large electronics.

  Per the DHS, beginning June 30, 2018, some travelers may also be subject to additional security measures to prohibit powder-based substances greater than what would fit in a standard soda can (12 fluid ounces or 350 milliliters) packed in carry-on bags and personal items. If the substance is in excess of the allowed amount, it won’t be permitted in the cabin of the aircraft. 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.

  We recommend all customers place any items that resemble powder in checked baggage to avoid any disruption to travel.

  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before your international flight, if possible, to allow time for the additional security measures. Be sure to view 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.

• Reminders for the 2018 summer travel season​

  TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) predict this summer will be another record-breaking travel season. To help keep wait times for the security process at a minimum, customers are advised to take the following steps:

  • Consider enrolling in a Trusted Traveler Program, like Global Entry® or TSA Pre✓®, to expedite the security process. Learn more
  • If you’re a U.S. or Canadian citizen entering the U.S., you can submit your passport and U.S. Customs Declaration via the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. Learn more
  • 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.

   

• ​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 International Airport (AUA)
  • Bermuda L. F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
  • Dublin Airport (DUB)
  • Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO)
  • Nassau International Airport (NAS)
  • Shannon Airport (SNN)
  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
  • Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

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• 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 weekdays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning May 14, 2018, and lasting through mid-August. During these closures, the airport will operate buses between all terminals and the Rental Car Center. The AirTrain will operate with modified service on weekends from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

  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.

• Additional TSA screening of perishable items at San Juan (SJU)​

  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.

• 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 Great Hall construction

Beginning this summer, renovations will take place 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.

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.

Honolulu Airport terminal changes

Effective June 1, 2018, Honolulu Airport (HNL) will renumber its gates, baggage claim areas and terminals as a part of the Hawaii Airport Modernization Plan. United and Star Alliance partner airlines will continue to operate from Terminal 2, with most United flights at Concourses D, E, F or G. United check-in will remain at Lobby 8 and domestic baggage claim will be at Carousels 27-31.

United codeshare flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines to or from the neighboring Haw​aiian Islands will operate out of Terminal 1, Concourses A and B.

For more information, please visit the State of Hawaii’s website.

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.

Kahului Airport processing times

We recommend that customers departing from Kahului Airport (OGG) arrive 2 to 3 hours prior to departure to allow extra time for check-in and security screening during the busy summer travel season.

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

Manila airport processing times

We recommend that customers departing from Manila (MNL) allow extra time for check-in and security screening due to new procedures.

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

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

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 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: 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.

Honolulu: Gate renumbering

Effective June 1, 2018, Honolulu Airport will renumber its gates, baggage claim areas and terminals. The United Club location will remain at its existing location on the third level, above Gates G2 and G3 (formerly Gates 9 and 10).

New York/Newark: United Club one-time passes

We may not be able to accept or sell United Club 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, New York/Newark and San Francisco, with a location at Los Angeles scheduled to open this fall.

Washington Dulles: Important lounge update

The United Global First℠ Lounge at Washington Dulles, located in the Midfield Terminal, Concourse C, near Gate C4, is now a United Club℠ location.