United Airlines is updating its iOS and Android mobile apps with several new features, including estimated security wait times to give travelers a better idea of when they should arrive at the airport. The move comes as the ongoing partial government shutdown has left TSA checkpoints understaffed.
In the “Travel” section of the United mobile app, travelers can now view security wait times for the airline’s U.S. hub airports in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Users will see estimated wait times for specific lanes, including standard security and TSA PreCheck, throughout terminals serving United customers.
“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,” Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer, said in a press release. “Our customers rely on our mobile app for all their travel needs, and this new feature lets them know what to expect and better plan their trip.”
The app is also rolling out updates designed for passengers with connecting flights. Travelers will now receive personalized, turn-by-turn directions to their next gate, complete with estimated walking times, real-time status updates, and tips for longer layovers. It will also provide a “heads up” if United can hold a plane for passengers with tight connections.
The app will offer automatic rebooking assistance as well. Instead of waiting in line to speak with an agent or manually searching for alternatives, United’s self-service tools will automatically present travelers with rebooking options, along with baggage-tracking details and meal and hotel vouchers if they’re eligible for them, in cases where a flight is delayed or canceled.
The app has also integrated Apple’s “Share Item Location” feature for AirTag, allowing travelers who use an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share their item’s location with United’s customer service team in the event that their baggage is lost.
Users will also receive text updates featuring real-time radar maps to inform them on how severe weather in one region of the country can affect flights in another.
