United Airlines has announced a new pilot program in its award-winning mobile app that will soon include estimated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times, using data the airline collects. The new features will allow United customers to view estimated security wait times at U.S. hub airports in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., in the app’s travel section as part of the pilot program. The United mobile app now includes:
- Day-of travel features: New suite of features that include a Virtual Gate, package-delivery-style bag tracker, United ClubSM’s closest and best’ feature, and more.
- Personalized connection: Features that make catching connecting flights easier, including personalized, turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates with estimated walk times, real-time flight status updates, tips for longer layovers, and a heads up if United is able to hold the plane for those with an extra-tight connection.
- Bag tracking enhancements: Integrated Apple’s Share Item Location for AirTag, so customers worldwide who travel with an AirTag or Find My network accessory can seamlessly share the accessory’s location with United’s customer service team to help locate their luggage if it is mishandled.
- Automatic rebooking assistance: Rather than standing in line to speak with an agent or manually searching for alternatives, United’s self-service tools automatically provide travelers with personalized rebooking options, baggage tracking details, and, when eligible, meal and hotel vouchers if their flight is delayed or canceled.
- Real-time weather updates: United texts real-time radar maps to help customers understand how inclement weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere. United is the first and only U.S. airline currently providing its customers with these specific messages, and it is sending them with assistance from generative AI tools.