United Airlines revises domestic flight check-in times

The adjustment aims to enhance United's on-time performance. Despite improvements, United lags behind Delta Air Lines, which has maintained the best on-time performance among US airlines for four consecutive years up to 2024.

USA Today reports that part of United's motivation is to provide a uniform cut-off time for all domestic passengers and align more closely with other carriers' policies.

However, an examination of US airlines' check-in rules reveals varied requirements. While international check-ins consistently require at least 60 minutes prior notice across airlines, domestic rules differ significantly. For instance, Delta Air Lines allows a minimum of 30 minutes for passengers without checked bags, while others like Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have earlier requirements.

Delta recently adjusted its policy for passengers with checked bags from a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes before departure as of April 8, 2025.

United does have exceptions within its network where earlier check-ins are necessary due to specific regional or airport conditions. These include locations such as Micronesia and the Marshall Islands (90 minutes), Saipan (90 minutes), St. Thomas (90 minutes), and Guam (60 minutes). Additionally, there are about 25 international airports where United requires earlier than the standard 60-minute check-in time.