It's almost June, and summer travel season is officially here. Over the Memorial Day weekend, AAA predicts 3.61 million passengers will be on flights in the U.S., which is a significant increase of 2% over last year, when 3.55 million Americans traveled during the annual holiday. This year's Memorial Day trends also point to airlines surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 12%, although the record for air travel over Memorial Day weekend still dates back to 2005 at 3.64 million travelers.
According to AAA, the majority of the flights taking place over Memorial Day weekend are to large cities such as Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver and Seattle.
To save some dough, AAA suggests booking flights that take off on Tuesdays or return on Wednesdays, since weekend flights tend to be more costly.
Now, passengers using United Airlines will have to make a change starting on June 3, as the airline has announced that it will require all domestic passengers without checked luggage to check in at least 45 minutes ahead of departure, a change from 30 minutes. So, for domestic passengers flying on and after June 3, that 45-minute mark will be the cutoff, and those who don't meet it will be left behind.
According United Airlines, the check-in time limits for domestic travelers with and without checked in bags is 45 minutes, while the check-in time for international travelers is 60 minutes. That international check-in time remains unchanged.
The airline says the change with domestic flights will increase efficiency and streamline their process. The added time will help their agents assist those who make the cut with their luggage, seating and arrangements. Starting on June 3, the airline will start enforcing this rule, without exceptions.
So, the time when last-minute check-ins were acceptable is winding down. It's just another reason to get to the airport as early as possible when you're taking a trip.
Related: Major U.S. Airline Announces Expansion of Routes
United Airlines Announces New Check-In Rule Starting on June 3 first appeared on Men's Journal on May 24, 2025
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