Say what you’d like about United Airlines, but you have to admit that they’ve done a good job in taking advantage of new device features as Apple has made them available. They were the first airline to turn on AirTag lost luggage tracking, even integrating the feature into their app. It also quickly supported iOS 26’s new boarding passes feature, and last but not least, it offers Apple TV content on its in-flight entertainment systems.
Now, with its latest app update, United is offering the ability to track the TSA line at the airport.
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.
That’s a feature add that comes in particularly hand in recent times, due to the partial US government shutdown that is leaving many TSA checkpoints horribly understaffed.
For its initial launch, security wait times will be available for the airline’s US hub airports in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington DC, and will include estimated times for specific lanes, both standard and TSA PreCheck.
“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’s app now also includes turn-by-turn directions to take you directly to your gate, providing estimated walking times and information on whether the airline can hold a plane at the gate for travelers with tight connections between their flights.
In addition to the new features mentioned above, the United app also offers:
- 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.
