For those keeping track of new travel rules, here’s another—as of June 3, United Airlines will require all domestic passengers to check in for their flights at least 45 minutes before departure.
This new regulation will likely not affect anyone checking in online, but planners, make sure your clients know about this, because domestic travelers who fail to check in on time could be denied checking their bags or be forced to miss their flights.
Check In Early or Risk Missing Your Flight
“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 spokesperson said in a media statement.
While the standard recommendation by airlines and airports is for passengers to arrive at least two hours before their departure time for domestic flights—and some will take the opportunity to get their daily steps in—many people are reluctant to sit around the airport that long.
The idea of making your flight just in the nick of time led to the creation of TikTok’s “airport theory” trend from early 2025, showing people arriving at the airport 15 to 20 minutes before their flight—unthinkable for meticulous travelers and a rush for adrenaline junkies. Unfortunately, the latter will have to get their thrills elsewhere if they’re flying United.
The rest of United’s boarding process for U.S. flights remains the same: as long as you’re checked in, you can arrive at your gate about 15 minutes before boarding starts. Note: NOT 15 minutes before departure.
According to the United website, if travelers don’t meet the check-in time limits, employees will try to “find another option.”
Delta implemented a similar rule earlier this year, requiring domestic travelers checking a bag to check in 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. However, if passengers are not checking their bags, they can check in 30 minutes ahead. At most Delta terminals, that is, some also require the 45-minute rule.
