Uproar as United Airlines announces new restriction on check-in rules
United Airlines has narrowed its check-in cutoff window, sparking frustration among travelers who now have to get to the airport even earlier to avoid missing their flight.
The Chicago-based airline revealed that passengers will soon have to check in for domestic flights 45 minutes before departure - an uptick from the previous 30-minute cutoff, ABC's Good Morning America reported.
Starting June 3, even travelers without checked bags will be required to check-in earlier under the airline's new policy.
'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,' United told the outlet via email.
The new 45-minute cutoff will apply to all passengers flying domestically with United, regardless of whether they have checked bags or not.
As for international flights, travelers will be required to check in an hour before departure.
However, check-in times may change based on specific flight details or the airport destination.
'Some airports or flights have special time limits which depend on location,' the airline explained on its website, which also features a list of locations showing the different cutoff times.
'However, we have the right to deny service which may result in cancellation of your reservation, denied boarding or the option to check your bags,' it added.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises travelers to check directly with their airline for specific check-in requirements, as these can vary depending on travel dates and confuse the process for vacation-goers.
In general, it's wise to allow extra time for traffic, airport delays, check-in routines and security screening to ensure a smooth departure.
The recent announcement sparked outrage among many travelers, who expressed anger on social media over having to arrive at the airport even earlier - cutting into their personal time and extending already long travel days.
Some even criticized the move as yet another inconvenience added to the widely-dreaded flying experience.
'Total bs, reselling seats,' one angry traveler wrote to X.
Another chimed in: 'How does being at the airport earlier "give travelers more time?"'
'F*** you..' a third user wrote. 'My time is worth more than that.'
Another frustrated customer added: 'Yeah... because we need to make flying LESS convenient for flyers.'
United Airlines has already made headlines several times this year, drawing attention for a series of policy changes and customer service controversies.
Earlier this month, United flight attendants protested at a company event, making it clear that they were looking for new contracts rather than a new business class.
While celebrating the launch of its new luxury seats at a company event in New York on May 12, about a dozen uniformed cabin crew employed with the airline protested their new contracts.
The protest highlighted a growing labor dispute at the airline. United has not offered raises to its flight attendants in five years, and contracts became amendable in 2021.
Talks have dragged on, sparking multiple demonstrations this year.
During the event, the protesters were chanting for new contracts, and requested that the company be 'shut down' if it doesn't provide them.
Security stepped in and ordered the protestors to leave immediately. One of them accused a cabin member of trespassing.
United confirmed that no protestors were suspended or disciplined for their actions. The company also decided not to reduce any of the participants' pay.
Flight attendants requested United implement 'significant double-digit base pay increases to lead the industry'.
The employees also sought out more schedule flexibility, job security and retirement plan improvements.
Additionally, they demanded compensation owed to employees for work dating back to their contract's amendable date.
The protests came after the airline introduced its new Polaris Studio suites - 25 percent larger than its existing business class seats.
Flyers will get luxury perks like Ossetra caviar, Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, regionally inspired tapas, plasma face masks, and designer hoodie pajamas.
The suites, complete with sliding doors and Wi-Fi from Starlink, will debut on international routes from San Francisco to London and Singapore by year's end. Tickets will cost between $3,000 and $15,000 return.
But while the front of the plane gets a glossy upgrade, the rest of United's customers are getting fewer choices.
United announced a plan to cut four in every 100 of its domestic flights this year - blaming Americans not wanting to travel as much.
The US's largest airline said it would be cutting back late night and early morning flights as it sees a sharp drop in demand as economic jitters ripple across the country.
However, many loyal travelers criticized the timing of United's new business class rollout, calling it tone-deaf as millions of Americans are struggling to afford summer travel.
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