United Airlines Flights

Check-in

Online

Online check-in is fast and simple. Passengers may check-in for their flight starting 24 hours before departure. Boarding passes may be printed or sent to a personal mobile device where they can be saved. Online check-in is available from the U.S. and most international destinations. For online check-in, the first flight of the itinerary must be on a United operated flight and the booking must contain 4 or less segments with less than 9 people and you must have scanned your passport previously with United.

Kiosk

Airport kiosks are available in U.S. airports and many international airports. Kiosks allow passengers to print boarding passes, change seats and declare baggage amounts. Once checked in, simply proceed to the bag drop off counter where passports and documentation are checked.

Counter

Airport check-in counters are open for specified time periods, usually from 3 to 4 hours before flight departure. Counters at London Heathrow and major U.S. airports are open throughout the day. 

Baggage

United Airlines have introduced a drop-and-go service that allows you to check your bags in faster. Find out more.

Carry-on

Travellers are allowed 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 personal item such as a shoulder bag, laptop bag or similar. Coats, a nappy bag and reading materials are also allowed. The maximum size for hand luggage cannot exceed 22cm x 35cm x 56cm including handles and wheels.

Please note that there may be additional carry-on guidelines for United Express® and other flights. Ask your Consultant for more details.

Checked

The baggage allowance is determined by the class ticketed, routing and frequent flyer status. Standard allowances are as follows:

• United Economy℠ - 1 bag up to 23kg in weight
• United Premium Plus℠ - 2 bags each up to 23kg in weight
• United Business℠, United First℠, United Polaris℠ Business Class - 2 bags each up to 32kg in weight

MileagePlus Premier℠ status holders may be allowed an additional allowance, please check before flying.

United Clubs and Lounges:

United Polaris lounges℠ are available exclusively to our international premium cabin travellers in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington D.C and offer signature seating, a relaxation area and showers.

United’s extensive worldwide network of lounges includes more than 45 United Club℠ locations as well as additional partner lounges and offer free snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi and more.

MileagePlus℠

MileagePlus℠ is your ticket to the world, with the most ways to earn and use miles of any US airline loyalty program. Earn miles when you fly, through hotels and vacation rentals, car rentals and when you use their partner credit cards. Then use your miles for your next getaway, upgrades, shopping and more. Discover MileagePlus℠ miles pooling – a new way for MileagePlus members to contribute and combine their miles into a joint account. United allows any MileagePlus member – whether relatives or close friends up to a group of five members – to share and redeem miles in one linked account.

If you are travelling internationally in United Economy℠, you’ll enjoy complimentary beverages, including beer and wine, complimentary meal service and 23kg checked baggage and free seat assignment at the time of booking. You can also purchase Economy Plus℠ seating, which adds up to 6 inches (15 centimetres) of extra legroom located near the front of the United Economy cabin.

United Premium Plus℠ offers more space and amenities than standard economy to make your travel more relaxing. Seats are closer to the front of the plane and include footrests as well as extra room to recline. On select long-haul international flights, United Premium Plus travellers receive upgraded dining options, complimentary alcoholic beverages, a larger inflight entertainment screen, noise-reducing headphones and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.

United Polaris℠ business class service aims to bring a new level of quality to premium cabin travel, from lounge to landing. You’ll enjoy the United Polaris inflight experience, including a redesigned inflight menu featuring dishes from around the globe, 6ft 6in lie-flat, all aisle access seat, Premier Access℠ premium travel services, free checked baggage and more.

• Up to 198cm of sleeping space
• Enjoy extra comfort with custom, luxury Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
• Sleep-themed amenity kit help flyers stay relaxed and refreshed
• Premier Access, Polaris Lounge access
• Plug in premium noise-reducing headphones and enjoy on-demand entertainment

United Polaris Studio℠ - Coming soon in 2026

United Polaris Studio suites are larger with privacy doors, a 27-inch 4K OLED touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and much more. United Polaris Studio amenities include exclusive hoodie-pyjamas and slippers, new noise-cancelling headphones powered by Meridian technology, amenity kits featuring clinically formulated Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ luxury skincare products, a plush velvet throw pillow on the ottoman as well as Saks Fifth Avenue bedding that includes a duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow.

First international passenger flights planned in 2026 from San Francisco to London. All of United's future Boeing 787 deliveries will receive United Polaris Studio suites and Elevated interiors - airline expects at least 30 aircrafts to join the fleet by 2027.

Entertainment

United App℠, the all-in-one travel partner, just keeps getting better and is a must for anyone travelling on United. Customers can check in for their flight, receive their boarding pass and pay for bags ahead of time. The app features airport maps with easy to navigate terminal guides, so if you’re after a specific lounge, or looking for the closest route to your gate, the app will get you there. Available for Apple and Android devices. Once onboard, the app also allows passengers to watch movies, play games or opt in to free inflight text messaging service.

United Wi-Fi℠ lets you stay connected while you’re in the air. Connect for free to access inflight entertainment on your personal device as well as all content on united.com and the United mobile app. You can also opt in to free inflight text messaging service or purchase a plan to browse the web and more you’re your seat. United Wi-Fi pricing varies depending on your flight.

*United Wi-Fi℠ features a portal that offers flight information, destination weather reports and free access to united.com, and the ability to purchase internet access on select flights. If you purchase internet access, you can check email, use previously downloaded apps or browse the internet. United Wi-Fi pricing will vary. Customers can also activate free messaging plan on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft (Except select 757s, 767s and 787s. SMS messages cannot be sent or received because they can only be sent over a cellular network.) The plan allows you to send and receive text messages over Wi-Fi (such as iMessage, WhatsApp, etc.)