U.S. travelers flying with United Airlines will have to check in to domestic flights a little earlier starting next week, the Associated Press reports. That is, if they’re customers only taking carry-on bags.
Effective June 3, United’s “check-in cutoff” for most U.S. flights will be 45 minutes before departure. That’s the same deadline United has for passengers checking luggage at the airport but 15 minutes earlier than the current one for people without bags to check.
Checking in for a flight confirms a passenger’s booking and intent to travel ahead of takeoff. Most major U.S. carriers have online check-in systems that can be used at least 24 hours in advance, so the process no longer reflects when many travelers arrive at the airport, but it’s still an important step since boarding passes are issued once check-ins are completed.
Other U.S. and international carriers have tightened their check-in and boarding policies as part of their strategies for maintaining on-time departures, particularly amid the high demand that followed the COVID-19 pandemic.
