United Airlines' new rule could make people miss their flights

The airline announced new check-in rules that go into effect next month

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If you aren’t checking bags, you’re going to need to start showing up to the airport a little earlier if you’re flying United Airlines.

That’s because the airline announced that starting June 3, customers with carry-on bags only will have to check in at least 45 minutes before their flight takes off.

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United used to give passengers without checked bags a deadline of 30 minutes before departure to check-in, but held people with checked bags to the 45 minute deadline.

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United said in an email that the policy shift “brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines.”

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The new policy won’t change much for many passengers since the popular online check-in system allows them to check in a day before their flight and has reduced the amount of people who check in for a flight at the airport.

For comparison, American Airlines (AAL+0.15%) requires customers to check-in 45 minutes before departure, Alaska Airlines (ALK+0.78%) requires it 50 minutes before, and Delta (DAL-1.62%) says those not checking bags have to check in 30 minutes before departure.

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So if you’re running late to your next United flight, make sure you download the app on your way and check-in before it’s too late.