United Airlines’ New Policy: What Illinois Travelers Need to Know This Summer

There has been quite a few shake-ups in air travel over the last month, and now a new policy change for United Airlines begins on June 2, 2025.

2025 Air Travel Policy Changes

I haven't flown anywhere so far in 2025, and I don't have any plans to in the foreseeable future, which might be a good thing considering all the policy changes that have been made in air travel lately.

READ MORE: One Reason to Visit Chestnut Mountain in Galena This Summer

Here are two of the biggest changes that recently went into effect:

1. As of May 7, 2025, all Illinois residents must have a REAL ID (or current passport) to fly anywhere in the United States.
2. Southwest Airlines no longer offers their "bags fly free" perk.

If those changes are not enough to make you rethink your air travel plans, perhaps this one will...

United Airlines Check-In Policy Change

When I fly, I tend to use United Airlines the most, so I'm thankful that no major price increases or shake ups have been announced, but they have made a policy change just in time for the summer travel season.

According to a Rockford Register Star article:

Starting in June, domestic passengers flying with United must check in at least 45 minutes before departure.

This is slightly earlier than the airline's previous requirement of 30 minutes before departure.

Whenever I'm traveling I always plan to arrive at the airport 2 hours before my flight, so this check-in time change isn't a big deal, but for other travelers on tight schedules, it sure could be!

Why Did United Airlines Change Check-In Time?

Whenever policy changes are made most people want to know the reasons behind them, and for United Airlines the change is pretty simple: to better align with their current bag check deadline, and the check-in policies of other airlines.

United Airlines' new check-in time policy goes into effect on June 3, 2025, so if you'll be flying with them soon start planning accordingly!