Opens 24 hours before · closes 1 hour before
United Airlines online check-in
The exact window, the process step by step, and what to have at hand before you confirm.
Checked in? Now skip the security queue
The United Airlines check-in window
Opens
24 hours
before departure, on the United Airlines site or app
Check-in possible
Closes
1 hour
before departure — after that, it is the airport desk
Too late online
Departure
Take-off
Be at the gate as instructed by the airline
How to check in with United Airlines
- 1
Wait for it to open, 24 hours before departure
Before that point United Airlines issues no boarding pass: the booking exists, but check-in is refused.
- 2
Have your booking reference ready
Six characters, in your confirmation email. The name you enter must match your passport or ID exactly — no nicknames, no abbreviations.
- 3
Settle bag and seat before confirming
Hold luggage added after check-in often costs more, and the seat can no longer be changed free of charge once the pass is issued.
- 4
Take the boarding pass offline
Add it to your Wallet or download the PDF: terminal networks saturate at peak hours. Online check-in closes 1 hour before departure.
Checked in online? Security is still ahead
Fast Track takes you through security in a dedicated lane. Bookable online at these airports United Airlines flies from.
- ORDFast Track Chicagofrom €6.34
- IADFast Track Washington Dullesfrom €6.49
- LAXFast Track Los Angelesfrom €6.72
Frequently asked questions
When does United Airlines online check-in open?+
It opens 24 hours before scheduled departure: for a 10:00 AM flight, check-in opens the day before at 10:00 AM. Before that, United Airlines does not yet issue a boarding pass.
How late can you check in with United Airlines?+
Online check-in closes 1 hour before departure. After that you have to use the United Airlines desk at the airport.
How do I get my United Airlines boarding pass?+
It is issued at the end of online check-in, on the United Airlines website or app. Add it to your phone’s Wallet or download the PDF so you have it without signal at security and at the gate.
Can I check in at the airport with United Airlines?+
Yes, at the United Airlines desk at the airport — and it is the only option once online check-in has closed, 1 hour before departure. The desk also closes before boarding, at a time that depends on the airport and destination: it is shown in your booking.
Do I still go to the desk with a checked bag on United Airlines?+
Yes: online check-in doesn’t replace bag drop. Checked bags go to the United Airlines bag drop desk before the cut-off shown in your booking. With cabin baggage only and the boarding pass on your phone, you go straight to security.
When should I get to the airport when flying United Airlines?+
Follow the reporting time United Airlines gives in your booking. Checked in online with no hold bag, what counts is the security queue: it varies widely by airport and time of day, and it’s where Fast Track saves the most time.
What happens if I forget to check in?+
You are not denied boarding, but check-in moves to the airport desk. Depending on the airline it is free or charged, and it means arriving earlier.
Is United Airlines online check-in free?+
Yes. Online check-in is free on United Airlines, as on nearly every airline. What gets charged are the extras — seat, bag, desk check-in.
Does SkyEntry check in for me?+
No: only the airline issues a boarding pass, and no service can guarantee otherwise. SkyEntry alerts you the moment check-in opens for your flight, with the direct link — you confirm in one tap.
Never miss a check-in opening again
SkyEntry membership alerts you when check-in opens, tracks the flight, and opens fast track and lounges in over 200 airports.