New United Airlines policy means you may need to arrive earlier
A new United Airlines policy will require passengers without checked bags to arrive at least 45 minutes before their flight.
- United Airlines will require domestic passengers to arrive earlier to check in for flights.
- The airline flies out of several major airports in Michigan.
- The changes will begin June 3, 2025.
If you’re flying United Airlines in Michigan this season, be prepared to arrive a bit earlier to board your flight on time.
United Airlines plans to move up its required arrival time for domestic flights, USA TODAY reported. Passengers will need to check in at least 45 minutes before their flight’s departure.
Previously, passengers without checked bags were able to cut it a little closer, with check-in closing just 30 minutes before departure.
“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,” a United Airlines spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement.
Here’s what to know about the move.
How early do you need to check in to fly United now?
Flyers without bags can arrive as little as 30 minutes before a flight and check in.
Flyers with bags to check must arrive 45 minutes early, and international travelers must be checked in 60 minutes before a flight.
There are additional exceptions with flights to some airports already requiring check-in as much as 90 minutes ahead of time. All travelers to Honolulu, Hawaii, for instance, must check in 45 minutes early or 75 minutes for international travelers.
What is United Airlines’ new check-in policy?
United Airlines will soon require all domestic passengers to be checked in for their flights 45 minutes before departure.
You can check in as early as 24 hours before a flight is scheduled online, via an app or at the airport.
The airline’s full check-in time limit policies are available on its website.
When will the change take effect?
United Airlines will roll out the new timeline beginning June 3, 2025.
Where does United Airlines fly in Michigan?
In Michigan, United Airlines operates at or with the following airports:
What other airlines have made changes?
Southwest Airlines recently announced a new ticket structure, including choice extra, choice preferred, choice and basic seating. The airline also offers new benefits for Southwest Rapid Rewards card members and for A-List and A-List Preferred Tier Members.
How early do airlines require travelers to check in?
Among the airlines serving Detroit Metro Airport, the following time requirements are listed:
- American Airlines requires check-in 45 minutes ahead of domestic flights, 90 minutes for international, with additional exceptions.
- Delta Airlines travelers when flying domestically with baggage must be checked in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you are traveling domestically and not checking baggage, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you are traveling internationally there are international check-in requirements.
- Avelo Airlines says to check in for your domestic flight at least 40 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time, and at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time for international flights.
- Frontier Airlines requires all travelers to be checked in 60 minutes before the scheduled flight.
- JetBlue says bags need to be checked in 40 minutes before a flight. Travelers without checked bags need to check in 30 minutes ahead of time.
The Lansing State Journal and USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
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