When you’re flying on United Airlines, it’s best to arrive early at the airport to ensure that you make your flight. If you arrive late, United Airlines has a strict check-in policy that could make it impossible to fly if you’re not there at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. You can learn more about the United Airlines check in policy here.
The reason you need to arrive early
There are two reasons why you should arrive early for United Airlines check in. The first, and most obvious reason is that it gives you more time to get through security and find your gate if you’re using United’s mobile app. Your gate location isn’t revealed until just before boarding begins, so it could be anywhere in the airport. If you don’t arrive early and need help finding your gate, you could easily miss your flight; there have been numerous reports of passengers who arrived at their gates just minutes before departure only to be told their flights were already closed. And when something like that happens, airlines often won't waive fees on checked bags or ticket changes.
The cost of your flight
Another reason you need to arrive early? Late check-ins come with a cost—literally. The United Airlines website is clear that If you do not arrive early enough at our airport location, and we cannot process your check-in, we may cancel your reservation. This policy helps keep things running smoothly, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. If you miss your flight due to not checking in early enough and don't have a confirmed seat on another flight that departs within 24 hours of your missed flight, United will charge you $200 per person for changing or canceling your ticket. That could be an expensive mistake if something goes wrong and you end up missing it all together.
Do you have everything with you?
When it comes to check-in at United Airlines, you have only one job — making sure you have all your luggage with you. There is a list of necessities that everyone must have before they step foot inside a United terminal. If you arrive at a United Airlines check in counter without any one of these items on your person, then they’ll send you away until you can get them together. For example, if you don’t have any ID with you or proof of citizenship then they won’t be able to check your bag for departure; similarly, if you don’t have your boarding pass printed off or an electronic copy stored on your phone, then United will also not be able to issue it from their end.
What’s in your carry on?
A fellow United Airlines passenger was removed from a flight recently, simply because he was holding a bottle of water in his hand as he approached an employee. When he attempted to explain that it was just water, security officials literally grabbed him by the arm and forcibly escorted him off of his flight. Now, while some might say that man deserved to be removed from that flight, there are millions of other passengers flying every day with little or no regard for airline rules and regulations. If you’re looking for tips on how you can avoid being a nuisance passenger and make your travel experience better for everyone involved, here are three helpful tips.
TSA Guidelines – What Is Allowed Through Security?
When you’re traveling, there are a few things you can’t leave home without. Your ID, your phone (with all numbers of your contacts), and your favorite gum or mints are just a few items that should always be in your carry-on bag. However, if you pack these same items in a checked bag United Airlines, they could lead to trouble at security checkpoints. Make sure these six items are either part of your carry-on or left behind before packing them in with your checked luggage—they could mean a serious headache at security checkpoints and airports across America.
The Best Times To Get Through Security And Still Make Your Flight
Chances are, you’ve been stuck in a very long line at security and missed your flight. But don’t fret—the airline check-in policies will help you avoid that disastrous scenario if you follow them carefully. The rules state that once you check in for your flight online or at the airport, there is a certain time frame by which your boarding pass should be printed. For example, if your flight is at 2 p.m., then it is required of United Airlines (and all other airlines) to print out your boarding pass no later than 11 a.m.. So what does that mean? It means that every person who checks in after 11 should print their boarding pass as soon as they get it and not wait until just before leaving for security.
Prepare Yourself For Gate Changes And Cancellations
Some airports have a large amount of traffic which means that flights will likely be delayed or gate changes may need to occur. If you are planning on traveling through Newark Airport, then you might want to allow for some extra time in case your flight gets delayed. The larger airports such as LaGuardia and JFK can also be susceptible for gate changes or other surprises so keep an eye out for cancellations and check if a new gate has been issued. It is important that you know where your gate is located and that you arrive there plenty early; even if it’s only ten minutes ahead of time. If you haven’t boarded by fifteen minutes after departure, United Airlines reservations the right to cancel your ticket.
