Pilot program for new customer feature starts at airline’s U.S. hub airports in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
First-of-its-kind digital tracker includes regular wait time updates, helping travelers plan their trip and navigate airport lobbies with confidence
CHICAGO, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — United’s award-winning mobile app will include estimated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security wait times using data collected by the airline, a first-of-its-kind offering from a major U.S. airline*. As part of a new pilot program, the feature provides regular wait time updates throughout the day, giving travelers timely information on airport security lines and helping them plan their travel with confidence.
In the Travel section of the United mobile app, United customers can 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. United will provide estimated wait times for specific lanes – including standard security and TSA PreCheck® – throughout terminals serving United customers, allowing them to choose the option that works best for them.†
The new feature is rolling out today to United mobile app users traveling through all of the airline’s U.S. hub airports.
“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,” said Jason Birnbaum, United’s Chief Information Officer. “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.”
United is an industry leader in digital innovations that help customers self-serve and increase transparency. 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 ‘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 everywhere who travel with an AirTag or Find My network accessory can seamlessly share the accessory location with United’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event that 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 these kinds of specific messages and the airline is sending them with assistance from gen AI tools.
United’s mobile app was named the “Best Airline App” by The Business Traveler North America in 2023, won the “People’s Voice” Webby Award for Best Travel App in 2021 and was a finalist in 2019 for “Business & Finance.”
For more information, visit united.com, and download the United mobile app here.
*Customers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport will receive estimated security line wait times based on data collected by Houston Airport System.
†Estimated security wait times are based on data available to United and may not reflect actual wait times, which may vary from the estimates.
About United
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers, and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.
SOURCE United Airlines
