United Airlines Check-In

[cyclonedave25]

I’m flying United for the first time tomorrow and thought I read someplace that if you are flying basic economy and NOT checking a bag, you are unable to check in online and must check in at the counter. Is that still true? Because I just checked in via the app and I got my boarding pass. Did they change the rules because of the pandemic to minimize face to face contact? Just want to make sure before I stand in line for an hour when it wasn’t necessary.

 

[Gonzo]

If you're flying out of The Moines and not checking a bag and leaving at a low-traffic time you should be able to use the self-check kiosks in the ticketing area and that would probably be as quick as anything.

 

[cyclonedave25]

If you're flying out of The Moines and not checking a bag and leaving at a low-traffic time you should be able to use the self-check kiosks in the ticketing area and that would be probably as quick as anything.

Im flying out of Ohare.
I already have my boarding pass and it didn’t say anything about needing to go to a kiosk or counter at the airport. So I should be good to go right to TSA, right?? Im just confused bc I could have sworn United economy travelers needed to check in at the airport if not checking a bag.

 

[ianoconnor]

If you have your boarding pass, you're good to go. Just go straight to security.

 

[Gonzo]

Im flying out of Ohare.
I already have my boarding pass and it didn’t say anything about needing to go to a kiosk or counter at the airport. So I should be good to go right to TSA, right?? Im just confused bc I could have sworn United economy travelers needed to check in at the airport if not checking a bag.

Yeah if you have your boarding pass you should be good to go. Assuming you have a seat assignment?

 

[cyclonedave25]

Yeah if you have your boarding pass you should be good to go. Assuming you have a seat assignment?

Yep.

Ok, thanks for the input fellas.

 

[Pat]

I’m flying United for the first time tomorrow and thought I read someplace that if you are flying basic economy and NOT checking a bag, you are unable to check in online and must check in at the counter. Is that still true? Because I just checked in via the app and I got my boarding pass. Did they change the rules because of the pandemic to minimize face to face contact? Just want to make sure before I stand in line for an hour when it wasn’t necessary.

Their online FAQ says no online check-in for Basic Economy UNLESS you are checking a bag. If you’ve got a boarding pass with seat assignment, I’d say you’re good to go.

 

[cyclonedave25]

Their online FAQ says no online check-in for Basic Economy UNLESS you are checking a bag. If you’ve got a boarding pass with seat assignment, I’d say you’re good to go.

And thats exactly why I was confused. I am not checking a bag, but was able to check in online.

 

[Gonzo]

Yep.

Ok, thanks for the input fellas.

Enjoy.

 

[khardbored]

I have flown both Southwest and American basic economy (or equivalent) within the last 2 years, and since I printed my boarding pass at home, I didn't need to go to the check in counter. Just straight to security.

I would presume United is the same, but have not done it in person.

 

[cyclonedave25]

I have flown both Southwest and American basic economy (or equivalent) within the last 2 years, and since I printed my boarding pass at home, I didn't need to go to the check in counter. Just straight to security.

I would presume United is the same, but have not done it in person.

I usually fly AA and yes, you can check in online regardless of bags. But I went with United this time and this is what through me off:

Travelers who purchased Basic Economy and have indicated that they’re not bringing a checked bag need to see a United representative to complete their check-in. Once you arrive at the airport, visit an airport kiosk or check-in counter to verify your onboard bag allowance and receive a boarding pass. You may complete check-in online if you indicate that you’ll have a checked bag.

Ridiculous: United Doesn't Let Basic Economy Passengers Check-In Online

Here's another way United is punishing passengers who book basic economy fares.

onemileatatime.com

 

[cycloneworld]

And thats exactly why I was confused. I am not checking a bag, but was able to check in online.

If you are Basic Economy, you aren’t allowed a carryon (you can have a personal item that fits under the seat). If you have a carryon, they’ll charge you like $75 to gate check it. That’s probably why it’s confusing with online check in.

 

[khardbored]

I usually fly AA and yes, you can check in online regardless of bags. But I went with United this time and this is what through me off:

Travelers who purchased Basic Economy and have indicated that they’re not bringing a checked bag need to see a United representative to complete their check-in. Once you arrive at the airport, visit an airport kiosk or check-in counter to verify your onboard bag allowance and receive a boarding pass. You may complete check-in online if you indicate that you’ll have a checked bag.

Ridiculous: United Doesn't Let Basic Economy Passengers Check-In Online

Here's another way United is punishing passengers who book basic economy fares.

onemileatatime.com

Hmmm. That's a dilemma.

It's like they're being jerks and trying to force you to either upgrade to regular cabin or get a bag. The article the article is based on (points guy) is from 2017, so who knows if it has changed???

Looks like you will, according to this lingo, have to visit a kiosk or agent. Handle at your discretion.

 

[cyclonedave25]

Hmmm. That's a dilemma.

It's like they're being jerks and trying to force you to either upgrade to regular cabin or get a bag. The article the article is based on (points guy) is from 2017, so who knows if it has changed???

Looks like you will, according to this lingo, have to visit a kiosk or agent. Handle at your discretion.

Since I got my boarding pass and seat assignment, I’m just going to go to TSA. I would think if I have to check in at the counter, it wouldn’t have given me a boarding pass already.
I’m just going to assume they changed things temporarily to limit excessive human interaction during the pandemic.