Important travel notices

1. On united.com, select “My trips” and enter your information
2. Select “Change flight” and then “Edit” to make the following changes:
   1. Date of travel or destination
   2. Add a flight
   3. Remove a flight
3. Select “Continue” and choose a new flight option
4. Continue through booking to confirm our new flight

Note: The change fee will display as waived, but any difference in fare may apply.

Get more detailed instructions for changing or canceling flights

Depending on the destination of your international travel plans, there may be specific notices and advisories. For more information, visit the International Travel page.

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.

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 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.

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).

ESTA approvals

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.

Chicago O’Hare & New York/Newark: Space capacity and crowd behavior testing

At Chicago O’Hare and New York/Newark, United is testing new technology to learn how to reduce crowding in this space. We use anonymized data from mobile devices, CCTV and/or sensors at select gate areas and United Club locations to monitor the number of people, solely for managing space capacity and crowd behavior.

This data cannot be used to identify individuals. You can also disable your mobile device’s Wi-Fi to further opt out of detection via wireless networks. Please see below for how we use this data.

How we use CCTV feeds for this test

United uses certain technology to process video feeds from CCTV, which detect non-identifying attributes to create and obtain a count of people within a specific area. We do not process, collect or retain any personally identifiable attributes of an individual.

How we use wireless networks for this test

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities are available within most mobile devices to allow for connectivity and access to the internet and other technologies. These devices broadcast a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth MAC address (12-digit set of characters) assigned by the manufacturer to allow detection by Wi-Fi or BLE sensors.

United uses its wireless network to detect the available MAC addresses broadcasting within specific areas and anonymizes it into an unidentifiable hashed data string which is then used to provide a count of a device present. We then use this anonymized information to help create an understanding of how many people may be within the area.

We do not collect or retain any personally identifiable attributes which may be associated along with the MAC address nor can we reverse-detect a MAC address once it has been anonymized.

You can turn off your device’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions to prevent detection by wireless networks.

U.S. IDs

Due to the coronavirus, if your driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew at your state driver’s license agency, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration or 60 days after the duration of the emergency, whichever is longer.

REAL ID enforcement

Beginning May 3, 2023, 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.

Berlin airport change

Beginning November 8, 2020, flights to and from Berlin, Germany, will operate out of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). This will replace Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) as the primary international airport for Berlin, and all commercial airline operations at Tegel will end after November 7, 2020. For directions and more information about Berlin Brandenburg Airport, visit https://ber.berlin-airport.de/

Chicago O’Hare construction

Beginning May 28, 2020, two of the four pedestrian tunnels connecting Chicago O’Hare Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the main parking area and the CTA Blue Line station will be closed for construction. Alternate routes between each location will remain open and will be marked with signs.

Starting March 30, 2021, utility and pavement replacement construction on the lower level arrivals roadway will begin, eliminating about half of the curbside customer pickup area in Terminals 1 and 2. Some of the crosswalks adjacent to the closed areas and the ramp to the recirculation road will also be closed during construction, which is expected to be completed in 2022. As a result, more traffic congestion than usual is expected for travelers arriving at Terminals 1 and 2. To avoid delays, you’re encouraged to add extra time to your travel plans. Short-term parking for passenger pick-up is recommended.

Beginning April 16, 2021, motorists to O’Hare should expect additional traffic congestion due to ongoing construction on the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90). Outbound Kennedy motorists must merge sooner to access ramps, including the ramp to Interstate 190 to O’Hare, as a new collector-distributor road is located just after Canfield Avenue, about one mile before the current ramp access. We recommend allowing yourself extra time to arrive at the airport and to plan for alternate routes.

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 and closures

Due to ongoing airport construction, passengers may encounter some traffic delays along North and South Terminal Roads and are encouraged to add extra time to their travel plans.

All vehicle traffic from the Terminal C Departures Ramp will be rerouted through the Toll Plaza and exit through the Terminal E Garage onto South Terminal Road. Additionally, the Terminal D/E parking garage is permanently closed, and passengers are asked to park at an alternate terminal, using the subway train (pre-security) or Skyway (post security) to access Terminal E.

We appreciate your patience and remind passengers to pay close attention to all posted construction signs.

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

Los Cabos, Mexico, airport construction

Due to construction underway at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), travelers arriving to or departing from Los Cabos should be prepared for longer wait times during check-in or immigration and customs processing. Boarding areas may be more crowded than usual, and boarding announcements may be limited during this time as well.

New York LaGuardia Terminal B updates

With the opening of the new Terminal B Arrivals/Departures Hall at New York LaGuardia on June 13, 2020, it may take up to 20 minutes to walk from the end of the TSA security checkpoint in Terminal B to the gate area. Travelers departing out of Terminal B after this date should plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to allow for this additional travel time.

Phoenix terminal change

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

San Pedro Sula processing times

Ramón Villeda Morales Airport has limited resources after damage from storms and flooding, so it may take longer than usual to check in since verification is required for all COVID-19 documents. We recommend arriving at least four hours before your scheduled departure time and using immigration and customs precheck at prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/Login

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.

St. Thomas construction

Renovations are underway at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas. This may lead to longer wait times for check-in and security screening, so we recommend getting to the airport 3 hours before your departure.

Toronto check-in times

Because of increased congestion at the security and customs areas, check-in for all United and United Express flights will be 90 minutes before departure. We recommend you arrive 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. If your flight departs before noon, you’ll be subject to a new queue system to optimize the flow of customers. After you check in, look for the signs to determine which line you should enter for your flight.

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.

As you plan your next visit, learn how we're putting your health and safety at the forefront of your United Club℠ experience.

For updates on United Club locations and United Polaris® lounges across our network, visit our United Club and Lounge Locations page. Hours and available locations are subject to change.

Tickets: Applies to standard fare and Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2019 and January 31, 2022, and Basic Economy fare tickets issued between May 1, 2019, and January 31, 2022 for travel commencing January 31, 2022 or prior. Changes are not permitted on Basic Economy tickets if travel begins on or after February 1, 2022.

Changes/Cancellations: Customers with Basic Economy fare tickets issued between May 1, 2019, and January 31, 2022 for travel commencing January 31, 2022 or for standard fare tickets issued between May 1, 2019, and January 31, 2022, will be permitted to change without paying a change fee. Changes are not permitted on Basic Economy tickets if travel begins on or after February 1, 2022. If the new flight is priced higher, the customer may change for no change fee but must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and standard fare tickets may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit. If you purchased your ticket from a third-party agency, please check with the issuing agency for the rules of your ticket. Contract fares such as special bulk fares sold by travel agencies (e.g., opaque) may not be eligible for free changes. Any changes or cancellations must occur prior to ticketed travel date.

Please note: As of August 30, 2020, we no longer have change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. We also no longer have change fees for international travel originating in the U.S. For more information visit united.com/changefee.

Fare validity: This applies to all standard fare tickets issued through January 31, 2022, all destinations, all points-of-sale, all travel dates available for sale, provided ticket number starts with 016. It also applies to Basic Economy fare tickets issued between May 1, 2019, and January 31, 2022 for travel commencing January 31, 2022 or prior, all destinations, all points of sale, provided the ticket number starts with 016. Changes are not permitted on Basic Economy tickets if travel begins on or after February 1, 2022.

Miscellaneous: Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Some fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours after purchase. Other restrictions may apply.