United’s mobile app now shows TSA wait times at select airports

United Airlines is information its iOS and Android mobile apps with several new features, including estimated security wait times to give travelers a better idea of ​​when they should arrive at the airport. The move comes as the ongoing partial government shutdown has left TSA checkpoints understaffed.

In the Travel section of the United mobile app, travelers can now 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. Users will see estimated wait times for specific lanes, including standard security and TSA PreCheck, for all customers who serve United customers.

“We appreciate the work and professionalism of our TSA agents, and while most began receiving delays earlier this week, the 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. press release. “Our customers rely on our mobile app for all their travel needs, and this new feature allows them to know what to expect and better plan their trip.”

The app also rolls out updates designed for passengers with connecting flights. Travelers will now receive personalized, turn-by-turn directions to their next gate, with estimated walking times, real-time status updates and tips for longer vacations. It will also provide a “heads up” if United can reserve a plane for passengers with close connections.

The app will also offer automatic restart assistance. Instead of waiting in line to speak with an agent or manually searching for alternatives, United’s self-service tools will automatically present travelers with rebooking options, along with bag tracking details and meal and hotel vouchers, if they qualify, in cases where a flight is delayed or canceled.

The app has also integrated Apple’s Share Item Location feature for AirTag, allowing travelers using an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location of their item with United’s customer service team in the event of lost luggage.

Users will also receive text updates with real-time radar maps to let them know how severe weather in one area of ​​the country can affect flights in another.