How to tell if United Airlines' website is actually down
United Airlines' website goes down occasionally for maintenance, updates, or technical problems. The fastest way to know whether the problem is on their end or yours is to check a third-party status site. Visit downdetector.com, search for "United Airlines", and look at the real-time outage map. If you see a spike in reports from other users in the last hour, the website is down. If the map is flat, the problem is likely your internet connection, your browser, or your device.
You can also try accessing United's website from a different device — a phone instead of a computer, or a tablet instead of a phone. If it works on one device but not another, the issue is with that specific device or browser, not United's servers. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. In most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), selecting "all time", and clicking clear.
Key Takeaways
- Check downdetector.com to see whether other users are reporting United's website down right now, rather than assuming the problem is on their end.
- If the website is down, you can still book, change, or check a flight by calling United at 1-800-864-8331 instead of using the website.
- United's website typically comes back online within 30 minutes to 2 hours during routine maintenance windows, which usually happen late at night or early morning.
- If you have a flight in the next few hours and cannot reach the website or phone line, go to the airport early and speak to an agent at the ticket counter.
What to do while United's website is down
If the website is confirmed down and you need to book, change, or check a reservation, call United's main reservations line at 1-800-864-8331. Wait times are usually longer when the website is down because other customers are calling too, so expect to hold for 15 to 45 minutes. Have your confirmation number or last name and date of birth ready before you call.
If you are checking in for a flight that departs within 24 hours, you can also check in at the airport ticket counter or at a kiosk. Most airports have self-service kiosks where you can print a boarding pass without needing the website. Arrive at least two hours early for a domestic flight or three hours for an international flight to allow time for the check-in process.
For real-time flight status — whether your flight is on time, delayed, or cancelled — call the same number or text "UNITED" to 24-7 from any phone. Some airports also display flight information on overhead monitors in the terminal, which you can check without needing the website or phone.
When United's website typically goes down
United performs scheduled maintenance on its website most often between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern Time. During these windows, the website may be unavailable for 30 minutes to 2 hours. United usually announces these maintenance windows in advance on its social media accounts (Twitter: @united, Facebook: United Airlines), though the announcements do not always specify exact times.
Unscheduled outages — caused by server failures, software bugs, or traffic spikes — can happen at any time and usually last between 15 minutes and 1 hour. If you see a spike on downdetector.com but no announcement from United, it is likely an unscheduled outage, and the website should return within the hour.
Checking your flight status without the website
If you need to know whether your flight is delayed, cancelled, or on time and the website is down, you have several options. Call United at 1-800-864-8331 and give the agent your confirmation number or flight number. They can tell you the current status and any changes to your departure or arrival time.
You can also check flight status through third-party apps and websites that pull data from airlines' systems. FlightAware.com and FlightRadar24.com show real-time flight tracking and status for most commercial flights, including United. These sites are independent of United's website, so they work even when United's own site is down. Search for your flight number (for example, UA 456) to see whether it is on the ground, in the air, delayed, or cancelled.
If you cannot reach United by phone either
During major outages, both the website and phone lines can become overwhelmed. If you have called and been on hold for more than an hour, or if the line keeps disconnecting, try contacting United through social media. Tweet @united or send a message through their Facebook page. Response times are slower than phone support, but United's social media team does monitor these channels and can help with urgent issues.
If your flight departs within a few hours and you cannot reach anyone, go to the airport. Speak to an agent at the ticket counter or a supervisor. They have access to United's internal systems even when the public website is down, and they can help you check in, change your flight, or resolve issues with your reservation.
Preventing problems on your next flight
Check in online 24 hours before your flight when you know the website is working. This way, you have your boarding pass saved on your phone or printed at home, and you do not have to rely on the website or kiosks at the airport. Most airlines, including United, allow you to check in up to 24 hours in advance through their website or app.
read the United Airlines app on your phone. The app often works when the website is down because it uses a different system. You can check in, view your reservation, and track your flight through the app even if the website is unavailable. The app is free and available on iOS and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take for United's website to come back up?
Scheduled maintenance typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. Unscheduled outages usually resolve within 15 minutes to 1 hour. If the website has been down for more than 2 hours, check downdetector.com again to see if other users are still reporting problems, or call 1-800-864-8331 to ask when service will be restored.
Can I still change my flight if the website is down?
Yes. Call United at 1-800-864-8331 and speak to an agent. They can change your flight, add a seat, or modify your reservation using their internal system. You may be charged a change fee depending on your ticket type, but the website being down does not waive fees.
Will I miss my flight if I cannot check in online?
No. You can check in at the airport using a kiosk or at the ticket counter. Arrive at least two hours early for a domestic flight to allow time for check-in and security. If you are already at the airport when the website goes down, go directly to the ticket counter and an agent will help you.
Is the United app different from the website?
Yes. The app and website use different systems, so the app often works when the website is down. read the United Airlines app before your flight so you have it ready. You can check in, view your reservation, and track your flight through the app even during website outages.
What should I do if I have a connecting flight and the website is down?
If you are already at the airport, go to the ticket counter and tell an agent about your connection. They can rebook you on the next available flight if you miss your connection. If you have not yet left home, call 1-800-864-8331 to change your itinerary before you travel.