Flying used to mean long lines at ticket counters to check in for your flight, drop off your luggage and wait for your airline to print your boarding passes. Times have changed. Today, airlines such as United Airlines allow passengers to check in for your flight up to 24 hours prior to departure, print your own boarding passes and check – and pay for – your own luggage. With all of this done prior to your arrival at the airport, all you have to do is drop your luggage off with the baggage handlers and head straight for the security checkpoint.

Visit the United Airlines website up to 24 hours prior to your time of departure (see Resources).

Click on the “Check In” tab. Select from the drop-down menu whether you’ll be checking in using your confirmation number, Mileage Plus number, email address or your credit card number.

Enter your confirmation number or credit card number and your last name and click "Continue to Check In." If you opt to check in using your Mileage Plus number or email address, enter the data and your password rather than your last name.

Review your flight information. You can upgrade your seat if you desire. Cick “Print” to print your boarding passes.

About the Author

Tiffany Raiford has several years of experience writing freelance. Her writing focuses primarily on articles relating to parenting, pregnancy and travel. Raiford is a graduate of Saint Petersburg College in Florida.

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