United Airlines wants all domestic travelers checked in 45 minutes before departure

USA Today

6 days ago

United Airlines wants all domestic travelers checked in 45 minutes before departure
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Flying is the safest way to travel according to global safety experts
Flying is the safest way to travel, according to experts.
United Airlines is changing its check-in deadline for domestic flights to 45 minutes before departure.
The new policy, effective June 3, aligns with the airline's checked-baggage deadline and policies at other airlines.
Previously, passengers without checked bags could check in up to 30 minutes before departure.
United Airlines will require all domestic passengers to be checked in for their flights 45 minutes before departure starting June 3.
Previously passengers without checked bags were able to cut it a little closer, with check-in closing just 30 minutes before departure.
"The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines," a United Airlines spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement.
The airline's full check-in time limit policies are available on its website.
Most airlines recommend passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for a domestic flight and at least three hours for an international flight, but there is some flexibility in those guidelines, and many travelers cut it much closer.
Still, airlines reserve the right to deny boarding to passengers who don't manage to check in before the cutoff, so it's usually best to leave a little breathing room in the travel schedule.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [e-mail].