american airlines how early do you need to be at airport
While the airlines provide general guidelines for when you should arrive at the airport, you might need to allow more time in some cases. For example, the day before Thanksgiving traditionally is one of the busiest travel days of the year, and you can expect airports to be crowded. • Check in online. Save time and annoyance at the airport by checking in online, up to 24 hours before your flight. • Get the app. United's mobile app will let you check in with your device, and you can opt to skip a printed boarding pass in favor of an electronic one on your device. Depending on the airline, some destinations may require checking baggage more than 30 minutes before the flight. For example, if you are flying to New York or Los Angeles on American Airlines, your baggage cutoff time is 45 minutes before departure. Check with your airline to determine the specific baggage deadline for your airport or destination. Our airport kiosks let you: 1  Check in and print your boarding pass. 2  Print your ticket receipt. 3  Check baggage. Each airline has its own specific requirements for check-in times, but in general, you need to check in for your flight at least 30 minutes before departure. Many planes begin boarding approximately 30 minutes before takeoff, and if you are not checked in at that time, you risk losing your seat to a standby passenger. This allows ample time for you to check in for your flight, check baggage and go through security screening. This recommendation refers to the time you actually arrive in the airport terminal, though. If you need to park, return a rental car or ride a shuttle from the airport parking area, include time for that. Mendoza was booked on the later flight, though, and his boarding pass was not valid for the 7:20 a.m. departure. United does allow fliers to make same-day changes for a $75 fee, without an increase in fare, if seats are available. Cautionary tale: Why you should arrive early at the airport. Question: I had a United Airlines ticket from Houston to Miami. My flight was to leave on a Sunday at 7:20 a.m. When I got to the airport, I tried to use the kiosk to check in, since I had only a carry-on. However, I was unable to get my boarding pass; the screen flashed that I needed to see a representative. To check in at an airport kiosk, you may use a major credit card, United MileagePlus frequent flyer card or passport, or enter your six-character United confirmation number or 13-digit eTicket number. Yes. Kiosks can be used for travel from most cities worldwide. If you are traveling internationally, you will be required to scan your passport at an airport kiosk to complete check-in, unless you have scanned it through the United app or on previous trips.
45 minutes