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Contact us
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Terms and conditions
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COVID-19 FAQ
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United Airlines Safety Procedures
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Why choose United Vacations
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MileagePlus®
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Travel Protection Plus
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Deposits and payments
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Changes, cancellations and refunds
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Travel credits
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Genral flight and hotel info/ booking infants
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Pricing vaacation packages
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General website navigation
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Travel confirmations and e-documentation
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Proof of citizenship, airport check-in, security/ baggage
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Find a travel advisor
Contact us
This FAQ provides answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding vacation planning, your current booking, during travel or post travel concerns or inquiries, or group bookings, click here for our contact information.
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United Vacations terms and conditions
The United Vacations Terms and Conditions are extremely important. They outline United Vacations' policies and procedures. We encourage you to read through them carefully. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
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COVID-19 FAQ
Please note that, because this situation is very fluid, policies and protocols may change at any time. For a list of closures and restrictions due to COVID-19, please click here for the latest details. We encourage you to visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) for information about COVID-19 and the U.S. State Department’s website for information about international travel to specific countries (www.travel.state.gov). It is important that travelers make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.
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United Airlines Safety Procedures
The safety of customers and employees is always top priority at United Airlines, which is why they have taken action to protect you when flying with United. Along with their updated cleaning procedures, the airline is also implementing the use of breakthrough cleaning technology and has partnered with Clorox to start United CleanPlus℠, an initiative that will make Clorox products available across U.S. airports to help support a healthy and safe travel experience.
Please review United Airlines' updated safety procedures and resources to learn more about what the airline is doing to protect you in the wake of COVID-19 from before takeoff until after landing. You can also learn more about what United is doing to promote social distancing in the air and on the ground.
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Why choose United Vacations?
Who is United Vacations and why should I book with them?
United Vacations is the full-service vacation brand of United Airlines® operated by ALG Vacations Corp. United Vacations bundles United Airlines airfare with negotiated hotel rates, car rentals, and optional activities, and pass the savings to you. By purchasing air, hotel, and activities with United Vacations, you are saving time as well as money. With United Vacations, you have flexible payment options, our best-price guarantee, the opportunity to earn MileagePlus® bonus award miles in addition to credited flown miles, and the option to purchase Travel Protection Plus that includes a Cancel for Any Reason waiver, and post-departure travel insurance.
What origins and destinations does United Vacations offer?
United Vacations offers vacation packages from cities in the U.S. served by United Airlines® and its codeshare partners to vacation destinations around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
How do I find out about the deals you have to offer?
Visit our website, UnitedVacations.com, sign up for our emails here to learn about all the great deals and savings we offer, or ask your preferred travel advisor.
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MileagePlus®
Will I earn MileagePlus award miles on my United Vacations package?
Yes, when you travel with United Vacations, you can earn MileagePlus bonus award miles in addition to credited flight miles by providing your MileagePlus number when you make your reservation during check-out.
Can I use my MileagePlus® reward miles with a United Vacations air and hotel package?
At this time we are unable to redeem MileagePlus reward miles toward a United Vacations package.
How do I create a MileagePlus Account?
You can create a MileagePlus Account by clicking here. Or sign in to “My UV” on the United Vacations website, and you will be prompted to create a MileagePlus® account. It’s a few, short and simple steps. You’ll then receive a MileagePlus number, which functions as your new username. Once enrolled, you can view your saved United Vacations packages and past searches. It will automatically track the miles you’ve earned and will automatically fill in with each booking.
Do I have to create an account to book with United Vacations?
No. You can still log in as a guest and book a vacation package. However, signing up can only benefit you. It makes the booking process easier, you’ll automatically earn miles for future trips, and you have the option to receive our emails to learn about future savings possibilities.
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Travel Protection Plus
Does United Vacations offer Travel Protection for changes, cancellations, and travel insurance?
Yes! Click here for all you need to know about Travel Protection Plus, an extremely important option to protect your vacation investment. The unexpected happens, so we strongly recommend purchasing Travel Protection Plus which allows you to cancel or make changes for any reason without penalty, and provides a price guarantee, and high quality post-departure travel protection.
You may cancel for ANY reason up to two hours* prior to departure and receive a full refund less the cost of the Travel Protection Plus Plan. This feature even reimburses normally non-refundable airfares and the refund is always made in the original form of payment. Non-refundable hotels are not included.
*Advance cancellation time is based on airline’s no show policy. Some airlines have stricter no-show policies and you must cancel more than two hours in advance of scheduled departure. If you are cancelling a land-only reservation, you must cancel at least two hours prior to your hotel’s check-in time.
Do the benefits of Travel Protection Plus cover the cost of quarantine if you contract COVID-19 while on a United Vacation?
Yes. The insured is covered for Travel Interruption and Travel Delay if they are quarantined during their insured trip. Benefits cover unused pieces of the original itinerary and/or additional costs to get you home, along with meals and any necessary alternative accommodations incurred.
Click Travel Protection Plus for more details.
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Deposit and payment information
Can I use more than one credit card to apply payment?
Yes. You can use up to four different credit cards for payment at the time of booking.
Am I able to apply a deposit on my vacation instead of paying in full at time of booking?
If you're planning your vacation more than 6 weeks before travel, and your vacation cost meets the deposit requirements, you will qualify for the vacation payment plan. You will see deposit information on Checkout Step 3 of the reservation process if your vacation package meets the deposit requirements.
Yes, United Vacations allows you to hold your vacation with a deposit from as little as $250 down and pay later. The actual deposit amount required varies based on the destination and hotel accommodations selected. If you're booking more than 45 days in advance of your travel date, the option to put down a deposit with as little as $250 down will appear on Checkout Step 3 in the Final Payment section:
-Schedule your Automatic Final Payment
The amount to be scheduled will appear. Select a payment date more than 45 days before your departure date, and your credit card will automatically be charged on that date. If you've entered multiple credit cards for your initial deposit, select the corresponding number in the Payment # field – a "1" in this box will charge the first credit card listed, "2" will charge the second credit card listed, and so on.
-Schedule an email reminder
If you'd like to make several payments over time, or charge the final payment on multiple credit cards, you can set up an email reminder. You must select a date that is more than 47 days prior to departure. This automated email will remind you to log in to the account you created during the booking process to enter credit card information and complete payment on your vacation. You may log into your account and apply multiple payments over time, or pay using multiple credit cards. Important: All payments must be completed no less than 45 days before departure.
What is Uplift*?
Uplift makes travel more accessible, affordable, and rewarding. With flexible payment options, you can finance your trip and pay over time. Simply select Pay Monthly at checkout, complete a short application, and learn about your monthly payment options within seconds. Visit Uplift's Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
*Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary. Not everyone is eligible and some states are not served, including IA and WV. Loans issued by CBW Bank, Member FDIC.
What if I prefer to pay in full instead of using the deposit option?
You may pay for your vacation in full at time of booking. Simply change the Payment Amount in Checkout Step 3 to the total package price, and your full payment will be processed when you complete your booking.
To schedule payments, log in to the account you created at time of booking or by call us at 1-888-854-3899. We will subtract these payments from your total amount due. If any balance remains after your interim payments, only the balance amount will be charged to your credit card.
Are payments processed on a secure server?
Yes, all United Vacations payments process through a secure server. You know the server is secure by the little closed lock that appears at the bottom right of the Internet Explorer window. You can also see the "secure" URL displayed briefly on the bottom left of the screen immediately after you click Complete Booking.
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Changes, cancellations, refunds and rebookings
What are “brand” vs. “supplier” penalties and fees that may apply to changes and cancellations?
All changes and cancellations are subject to availability, limitations, restrictions, and fees imposed by United Vacations (“brand fees”) and its third-party suppliers (assessed directly by the airline, hotel, and/or feature providers, such as excursion operators). You will find these fees described in our Terms and Conditions.
Does United Vacations charge change fees?
United Vacations-imposed brand change fees will be waived for the first instance when supplier penalties do not apply. Additionally, Travel Protection Plus (TPP), if selected, is considered unused and can be moved to the new reservation without a reactivation fee. When supplier penalties apply and the booking has TPP, United Vacations brand fees and supplier penalties will be covered, but the TPP reactivation fee applies if you wish to include Travel Protection on your new booking. After the first change, subsequent changes on bookings with or without TPP are subject to United Vacations’ brand change fees and supplier penalties.
How do I cancel my online reservation?
Contact us at 1-888-854-3899 to cancel your reservation and request a refund based on the Terms and Conditions of the vacation package booked. If you booked through a travel advisor, contact your travel advisor directly to cancel and request any refund due.
If I cancel a confirmed reservation, what are the details regarding refunds?
Your refund is based on the Terms and Conditions of the vacation package booked.
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Refunds for cancellations WITH Travel Protection Plus (TPP): If you cancel your vacation, fees will be waived, and the refund due (less the cost of the TPP premium) will be in the form of travel credit or original form of payment based on the type of TPP purchased.
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Refunds for cancellations WITHOUT Travel Protection Plus (TPP): If you cancel your vacation, any refund due on the air portion will be in the original form of payment, with the balance in the form of travel credit. Any refund due for land-only bookings and contracted group bookings (after applicable penalties) will be in original form of payment. All applicable cancellation penalties are deducted from travel credit.
How will my refund be dispersed?
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Refund allocations in original form of payment: Refund in original form of payment is posted to the original credit card charged. If multiple cards were charged, refunds are posted in proportionate amounts to the original charges. Refunds in original form of payment are generally processed within approximately 30 days of cancellation.
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Refund allocations for travel credit: Travel credits are allocated equally among all adult (18+) passengers on the original reservation. If there were children under 18 years of age on the original reservation, their travel credit(s) are allocated equally among the adult (18+) passengers. Travel credit refunds are generally processed one-two business days after cancellation.
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Travel credits
How do I pay with my travel credit?
At checkout, select ‘Travel Credit’ as the payment method. Then enter your original reservation number to apply your travel credit to your new reservation.
What are the travel credit details and restrictions?
Travel credits:
-are valid for travel within 395 days from original departure date.
-are nonrefundable, nontransferable, not redeemable for cash, and must be used for travel commencing by expiration date.
-will be issued in the names of each adult (18+) passenger on the original reservation.
What if I cancel and rebook my vacation?
If you cancel your reservation and rebook within 7 days, United Vacations-imposed fees are waived. Applicable supplier penalties may apply. Additionally, Travel Protection Plus (TPP), if selected, is considered unused and can be moved to the new reservation without a reactivation fee. When rebooking 8 days or more after initial cancellation, normal fees apply and TPP is considered used. After the first change, subsequent changes on bookings with or without TPP are subject to United Vacations-imposed change fees and supplier penalties.
If I receive a travel credit, can I rebook and add Travel Protection on the next booking?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the new booking. However, if you purchased the Travel Protection Cash Refund option on the new booking and subsequently cancel, the portion paid with a travel credit will be refunded as a travel credit.
How many travel credits can be used on a new reservation?
You can use travel credits from up to two reservations in one transaction.
If my travel credit doesn’t cover the full cost of my new trip, how do I pay the balance?
Add your travel credit as your first form of payment, then provide your credit card information to pay remaining balance.
If my travel credit has a remaining balance after I purchase a new vacation, can I redeem the balance for a future trip?
Yes, the same travel credit rules and expiration dates apply, but you can use the remaining travel credit funds on another trip.
Can I use my travel credits along with the Uplift payment option?
No.
Can I apply travel credits for a vacation previously booked?
Yes, you can apply to any remaining balance on previously booked trips once you receive your travel credits issuance email with the details about your credit.
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General flight and hotel questions/ booking infants
How do I book a flight only?
United Vacations offers complete vacation packages. The search tool on our home page allows you to select the type of vacation package you want. If you are just interested in purchasing airfare, visit the United Airlines website at www.United.com.
How do I reserve my seat assignments?
During the vacation booking process, you will be offered the option to reserve your seat assignments. If you choose not to reserve them at the time of booking, seats will automatically be assigned to you when available. Confirmed seat assignments will be printed on your electronic travel documents
What if I have airline credits to use?
If you want to take advantage of any airline credits listed above, you will need to call our Contact Center at 1-888-854-3899, or contact your travel advisor to book your trip.
Is it possible to upgrade to United Polaris℠ first class if available?
To see if United Polaris first class or United Polaris® business class options are available, choose first class from the Build your vacation search tool to filter your air results. If you would like to upgrade after you have already purchased your vacation, contact us at 1-888-854-3899. You may also request seat upgrades at the airport for an additional charge.
What is Basic Economy?
Basic Economy gives price-sensitive customers most of the same inflight services and amenities that are available with standard Economy, but with some important restrictions that you'll want to be sure to review carefully before booking. Learn more about the restrictions and if this is the best flying option for you on our information page.
How do I book an infant?
According to airline regulations, an "infant" is a child under the age of two (2). Infants do not require an airline seat and can sit on the lap of an adult traveler while flying ("lap child"). If you do not want to purchase a separate seat for the infant, first select the number of children traveling with you, and then select ” IN” from the drop-down menu that appears for the children's age. For some international destinations, additional taxes may apply when you include an infant on the reservation. The airline may also issue a ticket for the infant traveler.
I would like my infant to have his/her own seat—how do I book it?
In the Build your vacation search tool, select the number of children traveling with you and then select “1” as the age of the infant from the drop-down menu that appears, and make sure you bring proof of the child’s age to the airport.
Where can I find more details on each hotel?
Hotel descriptions are available for each resort we offer. You can find details about the hotel accommodations, amenities, location, and more by clicking on the name of the hotel.
What is the meaning of All-Inclusive (AI) or European Plan (EP)?
Many resorts offer a a European Plan, an All-Inclusive plan, or both. A European Plan hotel rate does not include any meals or beverages. An All-Inclusive plan, common in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, includes all meals, beverages, activities, and some watersports. All-Inclusive plans do vary, so please check the specific hotels for details. Some hotel brands use different terminology when referring to all- inclusive accommodations.
How do I make special room requests?
If you need to make a special room request, email United Vacations, contact us by phone at 1-888-854-3899, or contact your preferred travel professional.
Do you accommodate physically challenged travelers?
Our extensive hotel descriptions outline the number of available adaptive rooms a hotel or resort offers. Click on the name of a hotel at any point in the booking system to review the hotel description for that property. If you need to request special arrangements for a physically challenged traveler, please contact us 1-888-854-3899.
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Pricing vacation packages
How far from my intended travel date can I price a vacation?
Normally, you can search for a vacation 330 days prior to departure. There may be some exceptions to this rule. Please try different date options if your vacation search is not successful.
How do I find the lowest vacation price?
Use the tips in the list below to search for the best vacation price.
-Check the great specials available in the Deals section.
-Compare midweek and weekend departure prices.
-Price morning departures and late departures to find special pricing for off-peak travel times.
-Price a vacation with a weekend stay-over.
United Vacations also offers a best price guarantee, which means we will match any competitor's price on the same vacation package before or on the same day you book your vacation.
What is the United Vacations Best-price Guarantee?
The best-price guarantee ensures you will get the lowest price on your vacation price when booking with United Vacations in the unlikely event you find a lower price on a competitor website the same day you book your package. Best price guarantee details.
When I previously checked the vacation price, it was lower than it is now. Why?
When you price a United Vacations package, you are viewing live inventory. Because prices are based on many factors, including availability of rooms/room types, flights, and demand for the packages, prices can fluctuate, even within minutes. Because it is not uncommon for prices to fluctuate, United Vacations suggests that you check out different flights or alternate dates for a lower fare that is still available. The only way to secure a vacation price is to complete your booking and apply a deposit or full payment.
How do I know what the vacation price includes?
When you search for a vacation package, the availability prices always include the combined hotel and flight prices, any selected add-on prices, and all applicable air and hotel taxes and fees. The website does not add any surprise taxes or fees to the air and hotel vacation prices when you confirm the reservation. Note: Car prices do not include local state taxes, which are payable upon arrival at the car rental location at the airport of the destination. Car prices do not include extra day charges. Extra day charges may apply if your return flight is one hour (or more) later then the scheduled drop-off time for your rental car.
What taxes and fees do I have to pay?
Taxes and fees can include airport facility charges, federal taxes, state taxes, and government fees. The complete vacation package determines the fees and surcharges. The website includes these fees in all vacation prices that appear on the selection screens. When you search using the vacation search tool, the prices you see available include the air and hotel taxes and fees when you book online. Information on taxes and fees. In some foreign destinations, there may also be additional nominal fees not included in the vacation package price. These fees are due upon arrival and must be paid at the airport before departure.
Air-related taxes and fees included in your vacation price include:
-Federal Excise Tax, a government-imposed tax on each flight segment of your itinerary
-Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), a fee collected by airports from airlines for each departing or connecting passenger
-September 11th Security Fee, used to pay the government's cost for providing federal civil aviation services such as training, salaries, and benefits for the federal security screeners and law enforcement personnel, and the Federal Air Marshal program.
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Website navigation
How do I search for a vacation?
Use the Build your vacation search tool on the home page to search for a vacation package. After you enter your search criteria, the website automatically searches for your vacation package options. You can then use the selection screens to customize a travel itinerary.
What are promotion (“promo”) codes, and how do I use them?
United Vacations creates promo codes to reward you with a specific discount amount, a percentage discount, and free or discounted items. You receive promo codes through promotional emails, mailings, ads, or listings in the Deals section of our website. Type the promotion code exactly as it appears in the Promo Code field in the vacation search tool.
If you receive an error message when using a promotion code, please use the following tips:
-Check the promotion code's restrictions for valid flight service, destinations, and travel date range.
-Check your spelling or capitalization of the promotion code. The promotion code must appear the same as the advertised version when you enter it.
If you continue to experience difficulties using the promotion code, contact our customer care center (1-888-854-3899) or your preferred travel professional.
What is “Save Your Itinerary”?
This feature allows you to save vacation itineraries that you may want to view or purchase later. PLEASE NOTE: This feature does not guarantee the price. The price is guaranteed only when you complete Checkout and get a Reservation number.
How do I book more than one room for a vacation?
To add more than one room to your reservation online, select the “Advanced Search” option within the “Build your Vacation” search tool. Under the return date information is a drop-down box for the number of rooms you would like on your reservation. Select the appropriate number of rooms and then select the number of adults and children for each room. United Vacations will then automatically search and display hotels that are able to accommodate the number of people requested for each room. You can also choose to upgrade individual rooms when making your reservation online.
You may be eligible for a group discount with a minimum of ten passengers and five hotel rooms. For more information, please contact your preferred travel advisor or the United Vacations' Group Department at 1-844-904-0187.
Can I easily email my vacation itinerary to myself/others before I confirm my reservation?
Yes. Click “Email” at the bottom of the Package Summary screen during the booking process to email an itinerary quote before you confirm the reservation. This email includes the itinerary details for the vacation package you created. It is not a confirmation; the inventory and price are not confirmed and are subject to change at any time.
Can I change the sort order for flights, hotels, and cars?
Yes. Use the drop-down menu at the top of the “Select Your Flight” screen to sort flights by price, stops, flight duration, time, or carrier. You can also use the drop-down menu at the top of the “Select Your Hotel” screen to sort the hotels by price, name, rating, distance from the airport, or location. You can use the radio buttons on the “Select Your Car” screen to sort the cars by price or brand.
Can I retrieve my confirmed reservation online?
The website stores any existing and/or canceled reservations. You can use “My UV” to access and review your reservations. Because your reservations are private, you must log in to access them.
-Follow the steps below to access your reservations.
-Click My UV in the top menu bar on the home page. Select My reservations from the drop-down menu.
-Click Retrieve under Look Up a Reservation on the My reservation screen. The Look Up Your Reservation screen opens.
Type the reservation number in the Reservation Number field, and click “Display Reservation”. You must first log into the website before you can access a reservation. If you previously logged into the website, the Retrieval screen opens.
If you did not log into the website, the login screen appears. Complete the login fields in the upper left portion of the screen. After you log into the website, the Retrieval screen opens.
If you called us to make a reservation, the reservation agent created a login for you: your email address and a password. The reservation agent should share the login information with you before completing the reservation.
-Select Reservations in the drop-down menu. The website displays a list of your existing and canceled reservations.
-Click Go next to the reservation or itinerary you want to access. The Reservation Confirmation screen opens.
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United Vacations travel confirmation and e-documents
Will I receive an itinerary confirmation and travel documents?
When you confirm an online reservation, you’ll automatically receive an email confirmation to the email address you entered during checkout.
In addition, within three days of full payment, United Vacations sends an e-travel document to the email address you provided. This serves as your official travel document which you must carry with you during travel. You will use the e-travel document for check-in and voucher exchange throughout your vacation.
It is extremely important that you carefully review the documents carefully including your itinerary, and the spelling of passenger names (must match your passport / travel identification). If you require another e-travel document due to lost email or email address change, please contact us.
I did not receive an email copy of my reservation confirmation. Why?
Occasionally, email confirmations do not successfully reach their recipients. Examples of when this may happen include:
-The email address was entered incorrectly.
-Your email provider blocked the email with a spam filter. Make sure you add us to your address book. (Please note, you can check the setting in your email spam filter and ask your email provider to stop blocking your emails.)
-Your email box was full.
Please contact us if after have checked the above so we can resend your documents.
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Proof of citizenship, airport check-in, security/ baggage
For more details, visit passport requirements.
What is the required entry/re-entry documentation/ proof of citizenship?
Requirements vary based on the destination to which you are traveling. Proper documentation is YOUR responsibility. The following information is based on current requirements for U.S. citizens. This information may change so for the most current requirements on your travel date, see your travel advisor, contact your destination consulate, or visit http://www.travel.state.gov
Passengers returning to the U.S. by air from any international destination must have a valid passport, and may be denied boarding by the airline if the passport is damaged, mutilated, or has excessive wear. A “Passport Card” is not acceptable. If your name on your passport (or for non-U.S. citizens, “valid travel documents”) does not match your name on your travel documentation, you will not be allowed to travel. A passport valid for up to 6 months past the date of completed travel is required when traveling internationally. Married or divorced women traveling under names other than what is printed on their travel documents must supply a marriage license and/or divorce decree. If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact your destination’s consulate or embassy to determine required entry documents.
Passports are NOT required for travel within the continental U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, travel to these U.S. destinations/ U.S. territories requires a valid state/government-issued picture I.D. or valid state-issued driver’s license that as of May 3, 203, must be compliant with the Real ID Act.
What is the Real ID Act?
Beginning May 3, 2023, your valid state/government-issued picture I.D. or valid state-issued driver’s license must be compliant with the Real ID ACT. Visit dhs.gov/real-id for more information. If it is not compliant, visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification for alternate forms of acceptable ID. Any passenger who is denied boarding due to lack of proper documentation will have their vacation cancelled. Failure to comply with the above requirements will result in you not being allowed to travel and no refund will be given.
How do I check in for my United Vacations getaway?
You can check in online, via an automated airport check-in kiosk, or at a United Airlines check-in counter.
How early should I arrive at the airport?
On the day of travel, please call the airline directly to reconfirm flight times. Airport check-in will begin no earlier than 4 hours prior to departure but could vary by airport and destination. It is recommended to check in at least 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.
What can I bring through security?
For the most up-to-date information on prohibited and permitted items, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website.
What are the checked baggage requirements?
United Airlines and its codeshare partners have different policies for checked baggage. Those charges are payable directly to the airline at the time of check-in; they are not included in the price of your United Vacations getaway. See baggage policies for current baggage fees.
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Find a travel advisor
How do I find a travel advisor?
Click “My UV” from the top navigation bar and select “Find a travel agent” from the drop down menu. You’ll find a list of preferred, accredited travel agencies in your area who work with United Vacations.
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