United’s mobile app now shows TSA wait times at select airports
United Airlines has enhanced its mobile applications for both iOS and Android by introducing several new features aimed at improving the travel experience. Among these updates is the ability to view estimated security wait times, enabling travelers to better plan their arrival at the airport amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has resulted in understaffed TSA checkpoints.
Travelers can now access security wait times for United’s major U.S. hub airports, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., within the app's “Travel” section. The feature provides estimated wait times for specific screening lanes, covering both standard security and TSA PreCheck, across terminals utilized by United.
“We appreciate the work and professionalism of our TSA agents, and while most began receiving back pay earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, and people want to stay informed about expected security wait times at our airports,” stated Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer, in a press release. “Our customers rely on our mobile app for all their travel needs, and this new feature enables them to know what to expect and allows for better trip planning.”
Additional updates in the app are designed to assist passengers with connecting flights. Users will now receive personalized, step-by-step directions to their next gate, complete with estimated walking times, real-time status updates, and suggestions for making the most of longer layovers. Furthermore, the app will alert travelers if United can hold a plane for those with tight connections.
The application will also include automatic rebooking assistance. Rather than waiting in line to confer with an agent or manually search for alternatives, United’s self-service tools will automatically provide travelers with rebooking options, as well as details on baggage tracking and eligibility for meal and hotel vouchers in the event of delays or cancellations.
Moreover, the app has incorporated Apple’s “Share Item Location” feature for AirTag, which allows travelers using an AirTag or compatible Find My network accessory to share their item’s location with United’s customer service team should their baggage go missing.
Users will receive text updates that feature real-time radar maps, providing insights into how severe weather in one region may impact flights in another area of the country.
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