Skip to main content

Does air travel stress you out? You’ll love these changes to the United Airlines app

The United Airlines app released updates that are going to let passengers feel more in control of their flight

A United Airlines airplane on the ground at the airport.
Tim Gouw/Unsplash

We love having everything digitally at our fingertips, and United Airlines is capitalizing on this to make your travel plans fly a whole lot smoother. Just like you love watching that Domino’s pizza tracker to see where the driver is at with your food, the United Airlines app will make sure you know where your flight is and will help if anything goes wrong. Here are the changes to the app you’ll love the next time you book with United.

A person on a tablet on the United Airlines app.
United Airlines

The new United app upgrades 

Who doesn’t love when their favorite place updates its app with awesome new features? Here’s how your United reservations are going to get better.

Did your flight get canceled or delayed by more than 60 minutes? Instead of having to chat with a desk agent, the app will automatically present you with rebooking options, bag tracking, and any meal and hotel vouchers that you’re eligible for. These options will be available right on the app’s home screen. Sweet.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Have updates sent straight to you

You don’t have to be surprised by a flight cancellation or flight delay. All updates about your flight will be sent straight to your phone.

  • Change flight or rebook as needed

When that update hits, and you see you’ve been bumped or delayed, you’ll be able to fix it on the app. It takes the hassle away and will show you different flights to pick from if you need to rebook.

  • Follow the luggage

No one likes to show up without their luggage. Being able to track where your bag is every step of the way will definitely take a bit of stress out of traveling.

  • Call for backup

 Just text, voice call, or video call with an agent from wherever you are (no more waiting in lines at the airport).

United started beta-testing the new services on the app last year and had such positive results that they rolled it out for everyone to fall in love with. Not only does this take the stress off of the passenger, but the employees as well. The lines at the service desks at the airports are shorter, and employees have more time to assist other passengers.

It makes everyone’s day easier by letting United passengers feel more connected to the airline. With open communication and transparency at your fingertips, there will be fewer possible angry customers who don’t know what’s going on with their flight.

If you don’t have the app

Not everyone likes to have every app on their phone, and not everyone has room to download another app. That’s fine, United still has you covered. All you need to do is jump on your laptop, computer, or other device and go to their website to use the self-service option.

Airports and airlines only want happy passengers who get to their destination on time and with all of their luggage in one piece. There are plenty of factors outside of the airlines’ control that can sometimes keep this from happening (thanks, weather), but at least you know you’ll stay informed with these app updates. Before making your next United reservation, have the app downloaded so you feel more in control of your final destination.

Editors' Recommendations

Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
Upgraded seats, renovated airport lounges, and more: 4 British Airways changes you’ll love
Will these new updates help the airline?
British Airways

British Airways took center stage at a media event in London on Monday, March 4, to unveil a series of groundbreaking enhancements set to redefine the passenger journey in the upcoming year. Business Insider reports that these transformative changes are not merely incremental adjustments but rather represent a giant leap forward, and the airline will put $9 billion toward the initiative. From cutting-edge technology to unparalleled comfort, these are the improvements that British Airways is promising to make. 
1. New app and in-flight perks
British Airways has revealed that they are working on a new app and website. Currently undergoing beta testing, these platforms promise to offer a level of customization and ease for passengers looking to change their travel plans. Gone are the days of lengthy phone calls to customer service; with the new app, passengers will have the power to make changes at their fingertips, effortlessly adapting their travel plans to fit their needs.

Additionally, starting April 3, Executive Club members will enjoy an added perk as they will be able to send messages for free using the onboard WiFi, regardless of their class of travel.

Read more
American Airlines makes major change to loyalty program to get you to book direct
American Airlines

The way travelers earn loyalty points and book flights is about to change significantly, thanks to a series of significant policy shifts by American Airlines. Starting May 1, the airline has announced a new rule in its loyalty program (American's AAdvantage program), which will only award miles and loyalty points for bookings made through "preferred" travel agencies. This update represents a significant shift in how travelers will approach booking flights and maintaining loyalty statuses.

What's changing for the American Airlines loyalty program?
The preferred status of travel agencies is now linked to their use of the New Distribution Capability (NDC). This change is nudges travelers to book directly with American Airlines or through specific agencies that align closely with their new booking systems. To be considered preferred, agencies must jump through all sorts of hoops, including new NDC usage thresholds.
Impact on travelers
As a frequent flyer, I've always valued the flexibility of booking through various platforms, often choosing the one offering the best deal or convenience. However, with this new policy, the ability to earn AAdvantage miles and points becomes tied to how and where the booking is made.

Read more
Before you travel, make sure you do this to your Google Maps app first
Person using Google Maps application on an Android smartphone

Are you planning an upcoming trip? Whether you're road-tripping across the country, backpacking through Europe, or simply heading to a family member’s house for the holidays, having access to accurate maps and navigation is essential when traveling. 

Google Maps has become one of the most widely used navigation apps for travelers worldwide. But before you fully put your trust in Google Maps to get you from point A to point B, there's an important calibration step you should take first. 

Read more