United States · UA / UAL · Star Alliance
United Airlines Online Check-in Guide
One of the largest airlines in the world and a Star Alliance founder. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on united.com or in the United app.
Opens on united.com in a new tab.
Is United Airlines check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
Direct United Airlines actions
Skip the homepage — go straight to the page you actually need on United Airlines's official site.
- Manage bookingChange your United Airlines reservation
- Flight statusReal-time on-time, delays, gate changes
- Account loginFrequent-flyer / loyalty sign-in
Get the United Airlines app for the smoothest check-in experience:
When does United Airlines check-in open and close?
How to check in online with United Airlines
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit united.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The United Airlines app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
United Airlines baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 43×25×22 cm | 18 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 56×35×22 cm | 18 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | From €35 |
Common United Airlines check-in problems
Basic Economy excludes overhead carry-on on most US domestic routes
Problem: United's Basic Economy fare in the US permits only a personal item — overhead carry-on triggers a $50–$65 gate fee.
Solution: Pre-pay carry-on at booking (~$25–$35) or upgrade to Economy fare which includes carry-on.
International APIS data delays check-in
Problem: Flights to/from the US require advance APIS data; check-in blocks if missing.
Solution: Use 'My Trips' on united.com 24h+ before departure. Add full passport, US destination address, and emergency contact.
United Airlines check-in FAQ
When does United Airlines check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 30 minutes before for domestic, 60 minutes before for international.
Does United include free checked bag in Basic Economy?
No — Basic Economy excludes free checked baggage on domestic routes ($35 first bag). Trans-Atlantic Basic Economy includes 1 × 23 kg checked bag.
