United Airlines will start checking in passengers 45 minutes before takeoff for domestic US flights starting June 3, a change that aligns with the policies of many other major carriers.
Currently, travelers without checked luggage can check in as early as 30 minutes before departure. However, this deadline will be reduced to 45 minutes for all customers taking only carry-on bags.
The move is intended to bring greater consistency for United’s customers and prepare airports and airlines for upcoming flights by confirming seat assignments and ensuring passenger names are at the security checkpoint.
Other US carriers have also implemented similar changes as part of their strategies to maintain on-time departures. Delta Air Lines requires passengers without checked luggage to check in 30 minutes before departure, while American Airlines has a deadline of 45 minutes. Southwest Airlines asks customers with carry-on bags only to arrive 45 minutes prior to takeoff.
International carriers also have varying check-in deadlines, ranging from 75 minutes for flights departing Paris and Dubai to 90 minutes for some airports in the US Virgin Islands and Nigeria.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/united-airlines-check-policy-june-3-1b157b91fed1687b300b3cab1181a190