United Airlines began rolling out new features in its mobile app on Wednesday, including predictions for TSA security wait times at major hubs and support for sharing AirTag locations for lost luggage. The updates also provide gate directions, rebooking options, and weather radar. The changes come amid a partial government shutdown affecting TSA operations.
United Airlines launched several enhancements to its mobile app starting Wednesday, aimed at easing travel uncertainties. Travelers can now view predicted wait times for standard security and TSA PreCheck lines at hub airports including Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental, Los Angeles International (LAX), Newark Liberty International, San Francisco International, and Washington Dulles International. The feature appears in the app's Travel section and responds to recent disruptions from the ongoing partial U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which began in February and left over 60,000 TSA employees unpaid until back pay processing started last Friday on President Trump's order. Lines have since returned to normal as attendance improved with paychecks arriving this week. Some TSA agents had quit amid the furloughs, though most are now receiving compensation. Jason Birnbaum, United's chief information officer, stated: 'We appreciate the work and professionalism of our TSA agents, and while most began receiving back pay earlier this week, the US Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, and people want to stay informed about expected security wait times at our airports.' Additional tools include turn-by-turn directions to gates with estimated walking times, automatic flight status updates, self-service rebooking, digital vouchers for delays, and radar maps showing weather impacts on layovers or destinations. The app also enables passengers to share locations of lost items equipped with Apple's AirTag directly with United customer service staff.
