Aug 3, 2013, 7:10 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
How early may I check my bags before a UA flight?
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...s/default.aspx says,For flights within the U.S., as well as most international flights, baggage will generally not be accepted for check-in more than four hours before a scheduled flight departure, although this policy varies by airport and daily check-in counter hours.
There are reports in this thread of check-in agents allowing bag check in earlier than four hours prior to departure.
May bags be checked in the night before?
If it is more than four hours before scheduled departure, no, and there areno reports some reports for higher elites of a few hour earlier in this thread to the contrary.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...s/default.aspx says,For flights within the U.S., as well as most international flights, baggage will generally not be accepted for check-in more than four hours before a scheduled flight departure, although this policy varies by airport and daily check-in counter hours.
There are reports in this thread of check-in agents allowing bag check in earlier than four hours prior to departure.
May bags be checked in the night before?
If it is more than four hours before scheduled departure, no, and there are
Consolidated "How Early Can I Check My Luggage Before a UA Flight?" Thread [Merged]
Aug 13, 2022, 5:12 pm
#181
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Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 13, 2022 at 5:37 pm Reason: clean after merge
Aug 13, 2022, 5:26 pm
#182
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Aug 13, 2022, 5:34 pm
#183
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Aug 14, 2022, 10:12 am
#184
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There would be no issue if it’s checked through. Thats a clear cut case, claim
to clear customs then recheck under the checked through tag.
The ambiguity is if it isn’t checked through for whatever reason. I believe based on my understanding of UA’s policies, as long as it was eligible to be checked through (same ticket or *A partner), but for whatever reason the delivering carrier chose not to check through it, then OP should still be able to recheck it outside the 4 hour window.
to clear customs then recheck under the checked through tag.
The ambiguity is if it isn’t checked through for whatever reason. I believe based on my understanding of UA’s policies, as long as it was eligible to be checked through (same ticket or *A partner), but for whatever reason the delivering carrier chose not to check through it, then OP should still be able to recheck it outside the 4 hour window.
Aug 21, 2022, 6:00 am
#185
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 496
How early can I check a bag at IAD
Hi folks
I’m traveling from YYZ to FRA in a few weeks and will have a very long layover (10 hours) at IAD.
I’m considering heading into the city to go to a few museums during that time and don’t want to bring my carry on bag with me.
Does anyone know how early I can check a bag at Dulles? Website says 4 hours but exceptions do apply.
I know I can check it in Toronto all the way through. But YYZ is a real mess right now and I’m worried by bag will get lost there and never make it to IAD. So was thinking of carrying on to Dulles and then checking from there.
Thoughts?
I’m traveling from YYZ to FRA in a few weeks and will have a very long layover (10 hours) at IAD.
I’m considering heading into the city to go to a few museums during that time and don’t want to bring my carry on bag with me.
Does anyone know how early I can check a bag at Dulles? Website says 4 hours but exceptions do apply.
I know I can check it in Toronto all the way through. But YYZ is a real mess right now and I’m worried by bag will get lost there and never make it to IAD. So was thinking of carrying on to Dulles and then checking from there.
Thoughts?
Aug 21, 2022, 6:43 am
#186
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Can't answer for IAD luggage check-in time. My recommendation is to visit The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum. Storage locker is available.there.
https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/udv.../visiting-tips
https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/udv.../visiting-tips
Aug 21, 2022, 9:17 am
#187
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The published policy is four hours but there have been recent reports (in another thread) of travelers being successful much earlier, similar to your timeline. Something has appeared to change because in the past the computer would block earlier bag check. Unfortunately, short of the day/night before, it is present unclear what the limit might be. Agent dependent YMMV.
Nov 14, 2022, 9:13 pm
#189
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How strict is UA with only accepting checked bags at HNL 4 hours prior to departure?
Have flown out of HNL dozens of times and first time have seen note in my reservation they only accept checked bags within 4 hours of departure. I need to check my bag, but also wanted to meet up with someone in the lounge earlier than the 4 hours. Has anyone had this issue and did you find a solution (such as flexibility for 1Ks at check in)?
Nov 14, 2022, 9:29 pm
#190
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The reason for HNL's 4-hr limit is large number of tourists using UA basically as bag storage after an early hotel check out, which led to a larger-than-desired number of bags left at HNL airport after departure of the much-later flights they were to be loaded to. It's a move to minimize liability/labor/delivery costs. I would take policy as fixed because of the reason, but no harm in trying. Downside is being at airport landside if a fail.
Nov 15, 2022, 8:40 am
#191
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The reason for HNL's 4-hr limit is large number of tourists using UA basically as bag storage after an early hotel check out, which led to a larger-than-desired number of bags left at HNL airport after departure of the much-later flights they were to be loaded to. It's a move to minimize liability/labor/delivery costs. I would take policy as fixed because of the reason, but no harm in trying. Downside is being at airport landside if a fail.
Nov 15, 2022, 9:49 am
#193
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Have flown out of HNL dozens of times and first time have seen note in my reservation they only accept checked bags within 4 hours of departure. I need to check my bag, but also wanted to meet up with someone in the lounge earlier than the 4 hours. Has anyone had this issue and did you find a solution (such as flexibility for 1Ks at check in)?
Last edited by MDTyKe; Nov 15, 2022 at 10:01 am
Nov 15, 2022, 6:35 pm
#194
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Have flown out of HNL dozens of times and first time have seen note in my reservation they only accept checked bags within 4 hours of departure. I need to check my bag, but also wanted to meet up with someone in the lounge earlier than the 4 hours. Has anyone had this issue and did you find a solution (such as flexibility for 1Ks at check in)?