Important notices

Current as of [TIMESTAMP]. Information is updated as it is received.

 

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By Presidential Proclamation, travel restrictions are in place for travelers who have visited the People’s Republic of China in the past 14 days. Customers who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents will be subject to additional restrictions and health screenings on arrival to the United States. Non-U.S. citizens who have visited mainland China in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter the United States.

After evaluating our operations between the U.S. and Beijing, Chengdu, Hong Kong and Shanghai, we’ve decided to suspend those flights through April 30. We’ve also suspended ticket sales for MileagePlus Award travel and flights between the U.S. and China on our partner airlines through April 30.

We’re also suspending some service to Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Singapore and Seoul, and we’ll stay in close contact with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations as we continue to evaluate our schedule.

To give customers flexibility, we're waiving change fees or allowing refunds for travel to or from select cities. We recommend that all international travelers allow extra time at the airport before their flights. For information about country-specific travel restrictions, please check our International travel updates or search by destination for passport, visa and health requirements. For more information about coronavirus, visit the CDC website.

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.

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. 

 

There are currently no travel waivers in effect.​​

 

Wuhan, China Novel Coronavirus

Airports

  • Wuhan (WUH)

Original travel dates

January 22, 2020 - March 29, 2020

Additional information

Flight changes:

  • Refunds are allowed for unflown flights, even for nonrefundable tickets. Please visit united.com/refunds to submit a refund request.

​Original ticket must have been purchased by:

January 21, 2020

Travel agent information:

Travel agents may voluntarily self-refund (where allowed) by entering waiver code 7JCNQ in the OSI field (ARC reporting agencies) or ticket designator box (BSP reporting agencies).​

Refunds:

Travel agents may voluntarily self-refund tickets for unflown flights, even for nonrefundable tickets.

China Novel Coronavirus

Airports

  • Beijing (PEK)
  • Chengdu (CTU)
  • Shanghai (PVG)

Original travel dates

January 24, 2020 - April 30, 2020

Additional information

Flight changes:

  • The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing between January 24, 2020, and June 30, 2020, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
  • For wholly rescheduled travel departing after January 24, 2020, or for a change in departure or destination city, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply. Rescheduled travel must be completed within one year from the date when the ticket was issued.
  • Refunds are allowed for unflown flights, even for nonrefundable tickets. Please visit united.com/refunds to submit a refund request.
  • View your reservation and select Change Flight to search for alternate flights.

​Original ticket must have been purchased by:

February 12, 2020

Travel agent information:

Travel agents may make voluntary changes or may voluntarily self-refund (where allowed) by entering waiver code 7JCNZ in the OSI field (ARC reporting agencies) or ticket designator box (BSP reporting agencies).​

Refunds:

Travel agents may voluntarily self-refund tickets for unflown flights, even for nonrefundable tickets.

Hong Kong Novel Coronavirus

Airports

  • Hong Kong (HKG)​

Original travel dates

January 28 – April 30, 2020

Additional information

Flight changes:

  • The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing between January 28, 2020, and June 30, 2020, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
  • For wholly rescheduled travel departing after January 28, 2020, or for a change in departure or destination city, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply. Rescheduled travel must be completed within one year from the date when the ticket was issued.
  • Refunds are allowed for unflown flights, even for nonrefundable tickets. Please visit united.com/refunds to submit a refund request.
  • View your reservation and select Change Flight to search for alternate flights.

​Original ticket must have been purchased by:

February 12, 2020

Travel agent information:

Travel agents may make voluntary changes or may voluntarily self-refund (where allowed) by entering waiver code 7JCP8 in the OSI field (ARC reporting agencies) or ticket designator box (BSP reporting agencies).​

Refunds:

Travel agents may voluntarily self-refund tickets for unflown flights, even for nonrefundable tickets.

South Korea Novel Coronavirus

Airports

  • Seoul-Incheon, KR (ICN)

Original travel dates

February 24, 2020 - April 30, 2020

Additional information

Flight changes:

  • The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing between February 24, 2020 - June 30, 2020, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
  • For wholly rescheduled travel departing after June 30, 2020, or for a change in departure or destination city, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply. Rescheduled travel must be completed within one year from the date when the ticket was issued.
  • View your reservation and select Change Flight to search for alternate flights.

​Original ticket must have been purchased by:

February 23, 2020

Travel agent information:

Travel agents may make voluntary changes or may voluntarily self-refund (where allowed) by entering waiver code 7JC40 in the OSI field (ARC reporting agencies) or ticket designator box (BSP reporting agencies).​

Refunds:

Travel agents may self-refund tickets under the following conditions:

  • Original flight is canceled
  • Original flight is delayed and is estimated to arrive at the final destination more than 2 hours after originally scheduled arrival time

Northern Italy Coronavirus

Airports

  • Bologna, IT (BLQ)
  • Genoa, IT (GOA)
  • Milan, IT (BGY)
  • Milan, IT (LIN)
  • Milan, IT (MXP)
  • Trieste, IT (TRS)
  • Turin, IT (TRN)
  • Venice, IT (VCE)
  • Verona, IT (VRN)

Original travel dates

February 27, 2020 - April 30, 2020

Additional information

Flight changes:

  • The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing between February 27, 2020 - June 30, 2020, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
  • For wholly rescheduled travel departing after June 30, 2020, or for a change in departure or destination city, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply. Rescheduled travel must be completed within one year from the date when the ticket was issued.
  • View your reservation and select Change Flight to search for alternate flights.

​Original ticket must have been purchased by:

February 26, 2020

Travel agent information:

Travel agents may make voluntary changes or may voluntarily self-refund (where allowed) by entering waiver code 7JC49 in the OSI field (ARC reporting agencies) or ticket designator box (BSP reporting agencies).​

Refunds:

Travel agents may self-refund tickets under the following conditions:

  • Original flight is canceled
  • Original flight is delayed and is estimated to arrive at the final destination more than 2 hours after originally scheduled arrival time

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. TSA has a full list of what is and isn’t allowed on their website.

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 h​ave 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

If you’re traveling to the U.S. from one of the international airports listed below, we recommend you arrive at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure time. Flights from these airports are precleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, so please allow extra time to complete additional border security screening processes before you depart. When you arrive in the U.S., you’ll arrive at a domestic terminal.

We operate 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).

Hong Kong travel restrictions

Citywide protests and strikes in Hong Kong may affect your travel plans. Please check your flight status at united.com or the United app before heading to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). We also recommend leaving early to make sure you have plenty of time to travel to the airport and get through check-in and security.​​​

All travelers to Hong Kong must prove they haven’t traveled to Hubei, China, within the previous 14 days because of the new coronavirus outbreak. If they have, Hong Kong residents will be allowed to enter, but all other travelers will be denied entry without exception.

Marshall Islands travel restrictions

All travelers to the Marshall Islands, including Marshall Island citizens and foreign residents, who are between 6 months and 62 years of age will need an official up-to-date measles vaccination certificate from a health provider to enter the country on or after December 10. Immunization receipts from pharmacies such as Costco, Longs Drugs, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, will be accepted as proof of immunization for purposes of traveling to Majuro (MAJ) and Kwajalein (KWA). Visit the World Health Organization website.

All travelers to the Marshall Islands also must prove they haven’t traveled to China within the previous 14 days because of the new coronavirus outbreak. If they have, they will be denied entry without exception.

Micronesia travel restrictions

Anyone who’s traveled to mainland China since January 6, 2020 will not be allowed to enter the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Anyone who has been in a country with a confirmed case of the coronavirus (other than China) must stop in Guam, Hawaii or another location free from the virus for 14 days before entering the FSM.

French Polynesia travel restrictions

French Polynesia (PPT) visitors who have been in Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand or Vietnam since January 1, 2020, must present a medical certificate to enter the country. The medical certificate must be dated from maximum 5 days prior to their arrival and indicate that they’re not showing any signs of viral infection.​​​

TSA and other security updates

U.S. IDs and REAL ID enforcement

Beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

Travelers who don’t present an acceptable form of identification won’t be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Learn more about REAL ID enforcement and frequently asked questions.

Airport updates​​​

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 construction

If you’re flying out of Denver, we recommend arriving two hours before your scheduled departure time due to construction in the Great Hall of the Main Terminal. This ongoing construction may result in longer check-in times, 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. Please visit the Denver International Airport’s website for more information.

Denver bag drop

Denver International Airport (DEN) offers free bag drop and check-in service at the Transit Center and 75th Avenue to make it convenient for you to travel, baggage-free, from the time you arrive until you board your flight.

  • This service is for flights on United within the U.S. Flights to international destinations aren’t eligible for the bag drop service.
  • Drop your bags a minimum of 90 minutes before your flight.
  • Skip the ticket counter lines by checking your bag and getting your boarding pass.
  • This is a free service. Our bag fees still apply and can be paid at all bag drop locations.
  • Travelers with lap infants must go to the ticket counter for the child’s boarding pass.

Transit Center bag check: Check your bag at the Transit Center and get your boarding pass before you head up to the terminal and through security.

  • Location: Transit Center, Level 1 (below The Westin)
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (for flights departing as late as midnight)

75th Avenue drive-up bag check: Drive up and check your bag from the comfort of your car before you park. A greeter will remove your bags from your car, check you in for your flight and even print your boarding pass. Then, park in one of the lots or head to the terminal, baggage-free. Upon arriving at the terminal, head directly to security.

  • Location: 75th Avenue near the Pikes Peak parking lot
  • Directions: Exit Peña Blvd. at 75th Avenue, proceed straight through the Gun Club intersection and follow signs to the Bag Check queue
  • Hours: Saturday through Thursday, 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Haneda airport processing times

Due to airport expansion occurring at Haneda (HND), we recommend checking in online or with the United app and allowing extra time for checking bags and security screening.

Houston Intercontinental construction

On January 6, we’ll begin construction on the next phase of our new baggage handling system at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). As a result, we’re expecting more traffic than usual getting into the airport, and we recommend allowing extra time.

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.

Los Angeles traffic information and taxi/rideshare pickup

Ongoing construction near Los Angeles (LAX) is causing heavy traffic outside the airport. We recommend allowing extra time and arriving at least two hours before your flight.

Taxi and rideshare pickups leaving the airport have been relocated to LAX-it, a new area accessible to travelers by shuttle or a short walk from baggage claim. Learn more at flylax.com/lax-it

Phoenix terminal change

All our flights depart and arrive from the new Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

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 Dulles construction

Construction is underway at Washington Dulles (IAD) near the ticket counters. This may lead to longer wait times if you’re checking in or checking bags, so we recommend getting to the airport early.

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. Visit flyreagan.com/ProjectJourney for the latest updates.

Williston, North Dakota, airport change

All airlines now fly out of the new Williston Basin International Airport (XWA). If you’re flying from Williston, make sure you go to this airport and not Sloulin Field International Airport (ISN). The new airport is about 15 miles northwest of the old one. Find out more on the airport’s website.

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.

Hong Kong temporary closure

Because we’ve suspended flights to Hong Kong (HKG), our United Club location there is temporarily closed. Please check this page for important travel information and current travel waivers related to the new coronavirus outbreak.

New Orleans opening

We’re opening a new United Club location at New Orleans (MSY). You’ll be able to visit our space in Concourse C, near Gate C7, beginning Saturday, February 29.

New York/Newark United Club updates

We’re excited to share we’ve begun construction on a brand-new United Club location at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), our New York-area hub. To help us prepare, we’ve closed the temporary United Club pop-up location in Terminal C near Gate C124. During construction, you can visit our United Club locations in Terminal C, near Gates C74 and C93, or our location in Terminal A in Concourse A2.

We may not be able to accept or sell United Club one-time passes at our locations in Terminal C during peak afternoon and evening travel times when these locations are at or near capacity. We'll continue to accept one-time passes in our Terminal A United Club location, space permitting, as well as throughout the United Club network.

Phoenix United Club closure

Because of our move to the new Terminal 3 at the Phoenix airport, our United Club location in Terminal 2 is closed. We’re looking forward to bringing you a brand-new space in Terminal 3 later this year.

Portland, Oregon, elevator maintenance

We’re working to modernize the elevator at our United Club location at Portland International Airport (PDX). Because of this, it’s currently out of service.