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United’s mobile app is getting even better just in time for the holiday travel rush.
The Chicago-based carrier just announced five new app features.
But there’s also a sixth, notable update in the works that United neglected to mention on Tuesday.
Here are all the updates that travelers can expect.
Related: United’s loyalty chief explains how dynamic PlusPoints will work
New family mode
United will debut a new family mode section of the app in the coming months.
The airline has been testing a new section of the app that makes it easier for adults to access and manage MileagePlus accounts of minors.
The feature will allow customers to link reservations without calling customer service, manage children’s profiles, and grant access to perks like free Starlink Wi-Fi.
United says that this beta feature is still in the early stages. I’ll keep you posted as I hear more updates on this never-before-announced feature.
‘Virtual Gate’
United is introducing a Virtual Gate feature that shows real-time boarding progress directly in the app.
In addition to displaying the currently boarding group, the app will now show how many passengers have boarded and where your group sits in the overall queue.
Personally, I love this.
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The more data I have access to, the better, especially when estimating whether there will be room for my bag in the overhead bin by the time I board.
Live club capacity
This one is also big.
The app will recommend the “closest and best” United Club based on proximity to your gate and real-time capacity.
Crowding data will initially be available in Chicago, with additional airports expected to follow next year.
As lounge overcrowding worsens, this will make it easier to choose the least-packed option. And it’ll hopefully help spread the crowds more evenly across multiple lounges.
More personalized updates
The airline already does a good job offering personalized updates.
Now, it’ll expand the notifications to include guidance for travelers flying with strollers or wheelchairs, reminders for required travel documents, and alerts about biometric boarding options.
Improved arrival information
United is also revamping the arrivals experience in the app. This is an area where Delta has set a high bar. (Anyone else love receiving the “we’re glad to see you had an early arrival” push notification when flying Delta?)
The app will now surface local weather conditions, estimated local arrival time, and instructions for getting to rideshare pickup after landing.
Mobile bag tracking
This one is more of a design than a functional improvement, but the app will now display bag tracking, similar to what you’d see from FedEx or UPS delivery.
Expect a package-delivery-style tracker that shows real-time locations throughout the travel journey for all your checked bags.
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