Airline check-in guide
United Airlines check-in: cutoffs, carry-on rules, and bag fees
Check in online 24 hours before departure and be through airport check-in by United Airlines's cutoff of 45 minutes before departure (with checked bags); 30 minutes (without checked bags) on domestic flights. Bag-drop closes 45 minutes before departure — miss that window and your bag may not make the plane even if you do.
Looking for oversize fees, sports equipment, or stroller policy? See the full United Airlines baggage guide.
When does United Airlines open online check-in?
United Airlines opens online check-in 24 hours before departure and closes it 45 minutes before departure (domestic with bags); 30 minutes (domestic, no bags); 60 minutes (international). The moment the window opens today, check in — you lock in your seat, skip the ticket-counter queue, and have your boarding pass on your phone before you leave home.
What is United Airlines's airport check-in cutoff?
| Flight type | Check-in closes | Bag drop closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 45 minutes before departure (with checked bags); 30 minutes (without checked bags) | 45 minutes before departure |
| International | 60 minutes before departure (standard); up to 90 minutes at select international airports | 60 minutes before departure |
These are hard deadlines — United Airlines can give your seat to a standby traveler once the cutoff passes. Arrive with room to breathe, not at the last second.
Can I bring a carry-on on United Airlines?
Yes. One full-size carry-on and one personal item are included on main-cabin fares at no extra charge. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin — United Airlines sets the limit at 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm)). Pack it smart so you have easy access during the flight.
How much does United Airlines charge for checked bags?
| Bag | Main cabin | Basic economy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $45 prepaid / $50 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) | $45 prepaid / $50 airport lobby / $75 at gate (carry-on must be checked; domestic, tickets on or after April 3, 2026) |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 prepaid / $60 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) | $55 prepaid / $60 at airport (domestic, tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026) |
Prices shown are for online prepayment. Paying at the airport or the gate runs higher. Baggage fees compared across every airline shows how United Airlines stacks up against the rest.
How does a bag fee change my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 5 to 10 minutes at the counter — time in line, handing off the bag, collecting a receipt. That window sits between your arrival at the terminal and your walk to security, so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Recompute your Leave-By Time with bag drop factored in — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the counter time so you leave home with exact numbers, not a guess.
Things to know before you fly United Airlines
- United raised domestic checked bag fees for tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026: first bag is now $45 prepaid ($50 at airport) and second bag is $55 prepaid ($60 at airport), up from $35/$40 and $45/$50 respectively.
- Basic Economy includes only one personal item (no carry-on); carry-on bags must be checked and cost $45 prepaid, $50 in the airport lobby, or $75 at the gate on domestic flights (post-April 3, 2026 tickets). Free carry-on exception applies to flights to South America, across the Atlantic, and trans-Pacific.
- MileagePlus co-branded Chase credit cards (Explorer, Quest, Club) waive the first or first-and-second checked bag fees and also grant a free carry-on in Basic Economy.
Related guides
Verified against United Airlines's official site, . Sources: united.com — airport process; united.com — checked bags; united.com — carry on bags; united.com — basic economy.