How United check-in generally works
General timings. Exact windows depend on the airport and whether your flight is domestic or international.
United check-in on united.com and in the United app generally opens 24 hours before departure and closes a set time before the flight. It's the simplest way and usually surfaces the best remaining seats and a mobile boarding pass you can save to your phone's wallet for quick scanning at security and the gate.
Checking a bag or need documents verified? Use the counter or bag drop. International flights need more lead time — arrive earlier than for a domestic hop.
United boards by numbered groups and closes boarding several minutes before departure — the gate can shut earlier than you'd expect. Being there early matters.
Passports, visas and destination entry requirements are your responsibility and are checked before boarding. Verify them well ahead of travel.
United boards by numbered group, shown on your boarding pass. Polaris, Business, First, Premier members and Economy Plus board in earlier groups; Basic Economy boards in the last group, and if you only hold a personal item that's rarely an issue for overhead space.
Check-in and boarding cutoffs vary by airport, route and aircraft. If online check-in fails or a document question comes up, call us and we'll help you sort it before you travel.
Your check-in timeline
General timings — always confirm the exact windows for your airport and route.
Before you leave for the airport
A quick pre-flight check that prevents most day-of problems.
- Check in online and save the mobile boarding pass to the United app
- Confirm passport, visa and entry requirements for your destination
- Recheck your flight status in case of changes
- Know your bag drop and boarding cutoffs for the airport
If online check-in won't accept you, it's often just an international document check or ticket condition — usually you simply check in at the airport. Call us and we'll confirm why so there's no surprise at the counter.
Frequently asked
When does United check-in open and close?+
Online check-in won't accept me — what now?+
How early should I get to the airport?+
Do I need to print a boarding pass?+
Contact options
Reach United directly, or let us handle it.
Contact United Airlines directly
The airline's own official channels — free.
More United Airlines help
Related guides.