United Airlines Check-in
United advises passengers to check in at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two hours before departure for international flights. Online check-in is available from 24 hours before travel until one hour before on domestic flights and two hours before for international flights. Self-service kiosks are also available at the airport.
United Airlines baggage allowance
Carry-on: One carry-on item and one personal item, such as a laptop, are allowed per passenger. The carry-on item must be no bigger than 14in x 22in x 9in.
Checked: For flights within the US and Canada, there is a $25 charge for the first bag and $35 for the second. Bags must weigh less than 50lbs.
For international flights, the first bag is free, except on flights to the Caribbean, as long as it weighs less than 50lbs. On flights to Mexico, there is a $40 for the second bag at the airport. For flights to South America, Asia and New Zealand there is a charge of $70 for the second bag and for flights to Europe, the charge is $100.
For all other international flights, two bags under 50lbs are permitted free of charge.
Excess: There is an excess fee for overweight and oversized bags. No bag, however, will be carried if it has linear dimensions greater than 115in, or weighs more than 100lbs. See United’s website for specific details and fees.
United Airlines legroom
Pre-arranged seating
Passenger change details
Changes can be made online to tickets for travel wholly in the US. These tickets are non-refundable so an administrative fee is charged along with any difference between the new fare and the old. Fees for changes to international tickets vary.
Child fares
One infant less than two years old may fly free on an adult’s lap on domestic flights. For international flights, a ticket must be purchased for all infants. There may be a discount depending on the destination. Contact the airline for information. No child fares are available.
Senior fares
Senior fares may be available. Check with the airline before booking.
Pets
Dogs, cats and rabbits can travel in the cabin, as checked luggage or unaccompanied as cargo. The cost for traveling with pets in the cabin is $125 each way and there is a $250 charge for traveling with your pet as checked luggage on domestic flights. Fees vary for intercontinental flights.
Carrying musical instruments
An instrument can be carried on board as a carry-on but it must be smaller than 45in and fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead storage bins. If your instrument is too large to be carried on board, it can be carried in the hold as checked luggage, provided that it is in a hard case, is smaller than 62in and weighs less than 50lbs. Alternatively, you may purchase a seat for your instrument if you don’t feel comfortable checking it or if it is larger than United accepts.
In-flight service
Soft drinks are free and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on every flight. A la carte snacks are available for purchase on every flight over two hours and other snack boxes and meals are available for purchase on flights more than three hours. There are movies to watch on United’s flights. Check online to see which movies will be available at the time of your flight.
Air miles
Mileage Plus is United’s frequent flier program.
Airline food link
Check out the details of your flight's meal plan and see photographs taken by fellow fliers of meals they’ve been served and read reviews at AirlineMeals.net.
In-flight magazine
United's in-flight magazine, Hemispheres, is published monthly. It is available on every flight.
Airline alliances
Airline overview
United Airlines flies to 1,000 destinations, domestic and worldwide, from its hubs in Chicago, Washington DC, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Currently in the process of merging with Continental Airlines, United will soon be the largest airline in terms of passenger miles. The new airline will be called United, will have Continental’s logo, and will be headquartered in Chicago.