Online check-in help and FAQs

Online check-in lets you check in from your home or office and print your own boarding pass. You can also choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device. Just display your boarding pass barcode on the screen of your device at the security checkpoint and when boarding your flight, and you're on your way.

You can also use the United app to access your boarding pass for over 30 different partner airlines — you just need to be connecting from a United flight to a flight on one of the participating airlines. Learn more about the United app

Check-in is available starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Required timing for check-in, baggage check and boarding may vary based on your departure airport and destination. See our Check-in and Airport Processing Times page for details.

If seats are needed on your flight, you may be asked if you'd like to be added to the volunteer list during check-in. To learn more, you can visit on our Volunteering Your Seat  page.

Who is eligible to check in online?

Your reservation is eligible for check-in on united.com if:

  • The first flight in your itinerary is operated by United.
  • Your itinerary contains a total of four flight segments or less.
  • You are traveling with fewer than nine persons in your party.
  • You have previously scanned your passport when traveling with United.
    • You can scan your passport using the United app to complete check-in or use an airport kiosk.

Reservations are currently not eligible for check-in on united.com if:

  • Your reservation contains certain special service requests that require you to see a United representative at the airport.
  • The reservation is paper-ticketed.
  • You're booked in Basic Economy, unless you specify that you're checking a bag.

Frequently asked questions about united.com check-in

  • Yes. This service is now available when you need to check bags, as well as when you travel with only carry-on bags. Once you reach the airport, the quickest way to check your bags is by using one of our ticket counter kiosks. Dedicated kiosk areas are available at our hub airports and in select cities. You may also check your bags with a United ticket counter representative or curbside skycap (where available). Please be sure to review minimum required check-in times.

    You can also make the check-in process easier by prepaying for your checked bags. Learn more about prepaid bags.

  • Yes. You can use your wireless-enabled device to check in for your United flight. Go to united.com using your device's internet browser. You can also check in through the United app on your smartphone. Learn more about the United app.

  • You can always reprint your boarding pass from another computer (by checking in again). You may also reprint your boarding pass at any airport kiosk.

  • We will notify you of a cancellation or delay if you have signed up for our flight status notification subscription service at united.com. If you haven't signed up for flight status notification subscription and your flight is canceled after check-in, you should contact United to be rebooked. If you're already at the airport, an airport agent will handle the reaccommodation process, or you can use an airport kiosk.

  • Yes. All reservations are eligible for check-in on united.com provided you have an electronic ticket.