United is narrowing its check-in window for US flights. Here’s how it compares to other airlines

NEW YORK AP Stragglers beware U S travelers flying with United Airlines will have to check in to domestic flights a little earlier starting next week That is if they re customers only taking carry-on bags Effective June United s check-in cutoff for largest part U S flights will be minutes before departure That s the same deadline United has for passengers checking luggage at the airport but minutes earlier than the current one for people without bags to check In an email to The Associated Press a United spokesperson revealed the change to a single cut-off minimum brings greater consistency for our customers and conforms with the policies of a large number of other airlines Checking in for a flight confirms a commuter s booking and intent to excursion ahead of takeoff Most of major U S carriers have online check-in systems that can be used at least hours in advance so the process no longer reflects when various travelers arrive at the airport But it s still an major step since boarding passes are issued once check-ins are completed Other U S and international carriers have tightened their check-in and boarding policies as part of their strategies for maintaining on-time departures particularly amid the high demand that followed the COVID- pandemic Generally speaking checking in allows airports and airlines to prepare for upcoming flights from confirming seat assignments to making sure guest names are at the safety checkpoint Check-in cutoffs or the latest workable time to claim a flight reservation are typically earlier for international flights to account for the time needed to check passports and clear customs Still requirements may vary by airline and airport Dubai-based Emirates for example closes online check-ins minutes before departure Ireland s Ryanair allows online check-in up to two hours before a flight passengers still may check in at the airport minutes in advance but for a fee Here s what check-in cutoffs look like for United and particular other U S carriers United Airlines Again if you re flying United within the U S you ll need to check in to your flight at least minutes prior to takeoff as of June While the new cutoff applies to greater part of United s domestic trips check-in deadlines may vary by location and direction The carrier s website notes that St Thomas airport in the U S Virgin Islands has a check-in time limit of minutes prior to departure the same cutoff listed for flights between Guam and Honolulu For international flights United requires checking in at least an hour before departure But multiple airports have earlier deadlines such as minutes for major airports in Paris and Dubai and minutes for the airports in Toronto and Lagos Nigeria Delta Air Lines Delta passengers not checking any bags still have a minimum of a half-hour before a domestic flight to check in Travelers with luggage to check need to get to the airline ticket counter at least minutes prior Delta s website notes per an update that went into effect last month In a announcement sent to the AP on Tuesday Delta explained it had made this minor change so that Delta teams can ensure all customers have a great experience For international flights Delta travelers must be checked in at least hour before departure But like other carriers Delta s minimum check-in requirements can vary by location for certain airports Delta customers checking bags at New York s John F Kennedy International Airport for example are supposed to check in an hour before departure whether their flights are domestic or international American Airlines If you re flying with American Airlines within the U S the deadline for checking in and checking a bag before a flight is minutes ahead of departure according to the carrier s website For trips to or from locations outside the U S the cutoff to both check-in for your flight and check a bag is minutes ahead of takeoff But again a handful of airports have earlier requirements Southwest Airlines Passengers with more than a carry-on bag should get to the airline counter at least minutes before a scheduled flight on Southwest The carrier warns that baggage destined for a plane s cargo hold is considered a late check and not guaranteed to get on your flight if it s dropped off less than minutes ahead of departure Beyond baggage if Southwest travelers aren t checked-in and in the boarding area at least minutes prior to departure their reservation could be canceled a Southwest spokesperson reported the AP via email The carrier did not specify any additional firm check-in cutoffs for domestic flights For international trips Southwest s website notes that all passengers and their luggage must be checked in a minimum of minutes prior to departure And again that can vary with flights departing Aruba for example having an earlier deadline of minutes before takeoff for passengers with or without checked bags Alaska Airlines Alaska requires a minimum of minutes before takeoff to check in passengers for flights within the U S whether or not they have bags to check The cutoff is minutes for international flights the carrier s website notes Again there are exceptions for certain locations and airports Passengers traveling from Guadalajara Mexico for example have to check their baggage and into their flights at least minutes ahead of time