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United Airlines Tightens Domestic Check-In to 45 Minutes Before Departure Starting June 3

It aims to speed up gate operations by matching all domestic check-in deadlines to existing baggage cutoffs.

Travelers use kiosks at the United Airlines check-in area at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in San Francisco, California, US, on Friday, May 23, 2025. Flyers heading out for the Memorial Day holiday in the US are bracing for stress as record numbers of travelers place fresh strain on an outmoded and undermanned air traffic system. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Travellers are directed to lines through security at Love Field airport, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Travelers print their boarding passes at kiosks inside of O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Friday, May 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Overview

  • Effective June 3, all domestic passengers must complete check-in at least 45 minutes before departure or risk denied boarding.
  • The update brings non–bagged travelers into line with the existing 45-minute cutoff for checked baggage, replacing the previous 30-minute window.
  • United says the extended check-in time will give gate agents more room to handle luggage processing, seating changes and other passenger needs.
  • International travelers still have a 60-minute check-in deadline and the TSA continues to recommend arriving two hours before domestic flights.
  • The rollout coincides with AAA’s report of 3.61 million US air travelers over Memorial Day weekend and follows scrutiny over United’s recent delays and safety incidents.