United Airlines Extends Domestic Check-In Deadline to 45 Minutes

United Airlines is changing its domestic flight check-in policy starting June 3, requiring all passengers, including those without checked bags, to check in at least 45 minutes before departure, up from the previous 30-minute cutoff for bagless travelers. The airline states the change aligns check-in deadlines with its checked baggage policy and matches the standards of most other carriers, aiming for greater consistency. International flight check-in times remain unchanged at 60 minutes before departure. Passengers missing the new 45-minute check-in deadline risk being denied boarding, although United has not detailed its rebooking procedures for such cases. This policy update comes amid heightened scrutiny of United’s operational performance following recent flight cancellations and safety incidents, including flight caps at Newark Liberty Airport and a minor aircraft collision in California. Travelers are advised to arrive earlier and allow extra time to avoid missing flights under the new rules.