Major airlines change policies that could cost GA travelers big bucks
United Airlines is changing two things that could cost Georgia travelers time and money.
Starting June 3, reports Travel and World Tour, United Airlines will require all domestic passengers to check in at least 45 minutes before departure, regardless of whether they have checked baggage.
This is a shift from the previous policy, where travelers without checked bags could check in as late as 30 minutes before takeoff.
What this means for Georgia travelers
A United Airlines spokesperson told Travel + Leisure, “The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines.”
Despite Delta and American Airlines issuing a similar policy, the change could trip up frequent flyers used to tighter timelines. This will most likely affect those who travel light and cut it close, like many who use the Atlanta airport.
According to the ATL Airport Chamber, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is among the busiest in the world, with more than 108 million passengers traveling through in 2024.
Although the Columbus Metropolitan Airport is much smaller, seeing only a little over 84,000 passengers in recent years, it may still affect late arrivals who are used to breezing through check-in.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
United says this deadline is strict and boarding access automatically will lock promptly at 45 minutes, and gate agents won’t be able to override it.
“If you don’t meet your check-in time limits, we’ll do our best to find another option,” United says on its website. “However, we have the right to deny service which may result in cancellation of your reservation, denied boarding or the option to check your bags.”
Checked bag fees are also higher
United also raised its checked bag fees earlier this year, following similar moves by American, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines.
According to Fox Business, the changes include:
- The first checked bag on a domestic flight changed from $35 to $40
- The second checked bag is up from $45 to $50.
Why are airlines increasing fees?
Airlines are raising bag fees to offset higher operating costs, says Fox Business. Bag fees have become a significant revenue stream for all the major carriers, including United and the airlines collected over $33 billion in these fees globally last year.
The airline told Fox they haven’t updated their baggage fees in years, and “Baggage fees, according to a report, are seen as a ‘significant component of ancillary revenue’ to help carriers offset other costs.”
How to save on airline fees
United MileagePlus Premier members, United co-branded credit card holders, active-duty military, and premium cabin passengers may still qualify for free checked bags.
You can also prepay online. It will save $5 per bag by paying at least 24 hours before your flight.
Tips for Georgia travelers
If you’re flying United from Georgia this summer, Fast Company has some advice:
Check in earlier than you might be used to—no more cutting it close at the airport.
Expect to pay more if you need to check bags.
Take a few minutes to prepay for bags or check your eligibility for free baggage to save money.
Summer is notoriously busy for travel, and the raised fees certainly complicate matters even more. However, it seems that you could save yourself a lot of travel-related heartache (or wallet ache) with just a little more time and planning.
Do you have any stories related to planes, trains or automobiles to share? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Major airlines change policies that could cost GA travelers big bucks."
