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 October 1, 2021, 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
Starting December 1, 2020, roadway construction on North Terminal Road at Houston Intercontinental Airport will reduce the number of lanes leading to Terminal C Arrivals. As a result, we’re expecting more traffic than usual for passengers departing from Terminals C, D and E. Roadway construction is expected to be complete in March 2021.
To avoid curbside pickups, family members or friends can park for free at the Terminal C Garage for the first hour.
Starting January 13, 2021, construction on a new baggage handling system may cause some additional traffic delays along the North and South Terminal Roads. Also due to this project, beginning April 19, 2021, all vehicle traffic from Terminal C Departures Ramp will be rerouted through the Toll Plaza and will exit through Terminal E Garage onto South Terminal Road. To avoid delays, you’re encouraged to add extra time to your travel plans. This phase of the construction is scheduled through December 2021.
As of March 1, 2021, the Terminal D/E parking garage is permanently closed to allow crews to begin construction on the new international terminal arrivals and departures hall. Please park in any other terminal garages, including Terminal C, and use the subway train to access Terminal E.
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
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.
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.