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 do not accept cash as a form of payment. Customers at Chicago O'Hare, Cleveland, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington Dulles can use ReadySTATION™ kiosks free of charge to convert up to $1,000 in cash to a Visa® prepaid card, which they can use to pay for baggage service charges or other purchases at an airport kiosk or check-in counter. These prepaid cards are also valid for other transactions completed with any vendor that accepts Visa.
For specific airport locations, visit the Check-in and Airport Processing Times page.
Bogota terminal information
All United international flights from El Dorado International (BOG) now depart from Terminal 2, the new international terminal. Domestic flights will continue to depart from Terminal 1. United check-in counters are located in Terminals 1 and 2.
Denver construction advisory
Due to construction beginning in June 2012, passenger drop-off and pickup at Denver International Airport may be rerouted. Customers should allow additional time on the way to and from the airport.
For more information, go to flydenver.com/construction.
Houston terminal information
United's check-in counters and baggage claim at Houston Intercontinental's Terminal A have closed. United flights will continue to depart from Terminals A, B, C and E, but customers on flights departing from Terminal A must first check in at Terminal B. Customers on United flights arriving at Terminal A can claim their checked baggage at Terminal B.
Kansas City terminal information
Effective November 5, 2013, all of United's operations at Kansas City International (MCI) will be relocated from Terminal A to Terminal C.
Las Vegas terminal information
Check-in counters and baggage claim at McCarran International (LAS) have been relocated from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. Flights will continue to depart from Concourse D, which is connected to Terminal 3 by an underground tram.
London terminal information
All of our flight numbers are aligned under the UA flight code; however, United flights operate out of two different terminals at London Heathrow. Please see below to determine which terminal your flight(s) will use.
| Origin or destination |
Terminal |
Additional details |
|---|
Chicago
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Washington Dulles |
1 |
Flights arrive at and depart from T1 and the airline's ticket desk and check-in facilities for these flights are located at Zone C. |
New York (Newark)
Houston |
4 |
Flights arrive at and depart from T4 and the airline's ticket desk and check-in facilities for these flights are located on the Departures level. |
Please ensure that your airport travel arrangements involve the correct terminal for your departure or arrival city.
Effective June 24, 2013, United Airlines will be participating in Heathrow Airport's Positive Boarding Program which is intended to streamline the passenger journey through Heathrow and provide airlines with enhanced passenger boarding information to help facilitate efficient and timely airline departures. Please note that as part of United's participation in this Program passenger information, including but not limited to, name, transit location within the Heathrow Airport and other flight departure information will be used by the Heathrow Airport Authority and United in order to monitor passenger passage through the Airport. Using this information will allow United to better serve our customers in providing travel services requested by identifying and proactively working with passengers who might miss their flight. It is important that passengers travelling through Heathrow understand the use of their personal information for this specific purpose. By transiting through the Heathrow Airport passengers consent to the use of their personal information in this manner.
New York/Newark check-in information
United’s check-in counters at New York/Newark’s Terminal C have changed locations. Check-in counters remain in the same terminal but have moved to different floors. Domestic and international Economy check-in is now located on Level 2 of Terminal C. Domestic and international Premier Access® check-in is located on Level 3. Global ServicesSM members and customers traveling in United Global FirstSM should go to Level 3, Door 4, and then take the escalator to the C-2 checkpoint to check in at the Global Reception lobby.
Orlando terminal information
Check in for all flights departing Orlando International (MCO) at Terminal B, ticketing area F.
Quito airport relocation
Effective February 20, 2013, all flight operations to, from and through Quito, Ecuador, will be relocated to the new Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). The new location is approximately a 1.5-hour trip from the Quito city center, and we recommend that customers arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours prior to flight departure, so please plan accordingly.
San Antonio terminal information
All United flights from San Antonio International (SAT) depart from Terminal B.
San Diego terminal information
Check in at Commuter Terminal for all United Express flights operated by SkyWest® to Los Angeles (LAX). Check in for all other United and United Express flights at Terminal 2.
San Francisco terminal information
United flights from San Francisco International (SFO) depart from Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and the International Terminal. Ticketing, check-in and baggage drop are located at Terminal 3 for flights within the U.S. and Canada, and at the International Terminal for flights outside of the U.S. and Canada.
You may proceed through security at Terminal 3 and, if you are departing from Terminal 1, take the shuttle bus from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1. If you are departing from Terminal 1 and have already checked in, do not need to see a United representative, and do not have any bags to check, you may proceed through Terminal 1 security with your boarding pass.
Shuttle buses depart every five minutes from Terminal 3 (Gates 71A and 87A) to Terminal 1 (Gate 39). For elevator access to a bus stop, please use Gate 87A.
Check your flight status before departing for the airport for updated departure gate information. You can also check your flight status using the United mobile app or mobile website.
Sao Paulo terminal information
All United check-in counters at Sao Paulo - Guarulhos International (GRU) are now located in Terminal 1. United flights will still depart from and arrive at Terminals 1 and 2.
Seattle terminal information
All of United's operations at SEA-TAC International Airport (SEA) are now located at Terminal A.
Washington National terminal information
Check in for all flights departing Washington National (DCA) at Terminal B. Flights depart from Terminal B, at Gates 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibited items update
The TSA has canceled the previously planned changes to its Prohibited Items List, which included allowing small pocket knives on aircraft. For more information visit tsa.gov.
International travel
Reciprocity fee for travel to Argentina
American, Australian and Canadian citizens are now required to pre-pay a Reciprocity Fee for entry into Argentina. In the past, the fee was collected at Argentine airports upon arrival; however, customers must now pay the Reciprocity Fee online through Argentina's National Immigration Agency website before checking in for their flight to Argentina. A barcoded receipt for payment must be presented to a representative at check-in.
United is not permitted to transport to Argentina any American, Australian, or Canadian citizen who has not paid the Reciprocity Fee prior to departure. Failure to provide a copy of the barcoded payment receipt at check-in will result in a delay or possible denial of your travel to Argentina. Please visit www.migraciones.gov.ar for complete details, including the fee amount and the validity period. Any questions regarding this fee or the payment process should be directed to the Argentine authorities.
Travel to Venezuela
The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is unable to determine whether Venezuelan airports that serve as the last point of departure for non-stop flights to the U.S. maintain and carry out effective aviation security measures in accordance with the Standards and appropriate Recommended Practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). All flights are subject to continuing effectiveness of government approvals.
ESTA for U.S. Visa Waiver Program Travelers
The United States Department of Homeland Security requires Visa Waiver Program travelers to obtain approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to check-in for a flight to the U.S. or connecting through the U.S. Learn more about ESTA
To apply for authorization to travel to the U.S., travelers may go to the ESTA web-based system and complete an application.
U.S. Departure and Entry Requirements
U.S. federal legislation requires all customers, regardless of citizenship or age, to hold a valid passport for travel by air to or from the U.S. Review the complete details.
Passport, visa and health requirements for the transit and destination countries are provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on united.com as a courtesy and should be verified by the passenger before travel. Remember that if the passenger is departing the U.S., a passport is now required, regardless of the destination country's entry requirements.
U.S. federal legislation requires commercial air carriers operating international flights to the U.S. to submit the visiting address of all passengers who are non-U.S. citizens and non-residents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before travel commences. Customers will be expected to provide this information during check-in.
Other Travel Advisories
Go to the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html for the latest travel advisories.
Booking award travel for ANA-operated flights
Award travel for flights operated by ANA (All Nippon Airways) wholly within Japan may be booked on united.com. Currently, only one-way flights can be booked on united.com; roundtrip flights cannot be booked online at this time. Travel must be reserved at least four, but not more than 60, days prior to the departure date. These restrictions also apply to award travel booked over the phone through the United Customer Contact Center.