Starting next week, for passengers traveling on United Airlines flights within the United States, there is a new requirement for those carrying only carry-on luggage and flying domestic. They must now check in earlier than before.
Beginning on June 3rd, the check-in deadline for most domestic United Airlines flights will be 45 minutes before takeoff. This aligns the check-in deadline with the same timeframe required for passengers checking luggage at the airport, but it’s 15 minutes earlier than the previous deadline for passengers without checked baggage.
Several other US airlines have also tightened their check-in and boarding policies as part of their strategies to maintain on-time departures.
Due to the time needed for passport checks and customs clearance, check-in deadlines for international flights are usually earlier.
United Airlines and some other US airlines have the following check-in deadlines:
For passengers on United Airlines domestic flights within the US, starting from June 3rd, they need to check in at least 45 minutes before the flight departs.
Although the new deadline applies to most domestic United Airlines flights, the check-in deadline may vary depending on the location and route. For example, the check-in deadline at St. Thomas Airport in the US Virgin Islands is 90 minutes before departure, and the same applies to flights between Guam and Honolulu.
For international flights, United Airlines requires passengers to check in at least one hour before departure. However, the check-in deadlines at many airports are even earlier, such as 75 minutes at major airports in Paris and Dubai, and 90 minutes in Toronto and Lagos, Nigeria.
Passengers on Delta Air Lines not checking any luggage can still check in at least 30 minutes before departure on domestic flights. According to the airline’s website, under the updated regulations implemented last month, passengers with checked baggage need to arrive at check-in counters at least 45 minutes before departure.
Delta Air Lines passengers on international flights must check in at least one hour before departure. However, like other airlines, Delta Air Lines’ minimum check-in requirements may vary based on specific airport locations.
As per the regulations on the American Airlines website, for flights within the US, passengers need to check in and check luggage 45 minutes before flight departure.
For round-trip flights outside the US, check-in and luggage check-in deadlines are 60 minutes before departure. However, some airports may require an earlier check-in time.
For domestic flights, the airline doesn’t specify a check-in deadline, but passengers carrying more than one carry-on bag must arrive at the airline’s counter at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. The airline warns that for baggage to be checked into the aircraft hold, failure to reach the airline counter within 45 minutes before departure will be considered a delayed check-in, and boarding cannot be guaranteed.
Apart from passengers with luggage, other passengers who fail to check in at least 10 minutes before the flight departure time and arrive at the boarding area may have their boarding reservations canceled.
Southwest Airlines’ website states that for international flights, all passengers and their luggage must check in at least 60 minutes before takeoff. However, individual airports may have earlier requirements.
The airline requires passengers traveling within the US to check in at least 50 minutes before takeoff, regardless of checked baggage. The airline’s website indicates that the check-in deadline for international flights is 60 minutes.
Similarly, there are exceptions at certain locations and airports. For example, passengers departing from Guadalajara, Mexico, must check their luggage and board at least 90 minutes in advance.
(Reference: AP News)