United Airlines Updates Mobile App to Include Lounge Waits and More
United Airlines has announced some updated features to its mobile app. These new features help passengers with various aspects of travel, including lounge access, gates, baggage, and more.
United Club - Closets and Best
The United Club "closest and best" feature recommends the best United Club locations based on gate proximity and current lounge utilization. The capacity feature is initially rolling out at Chicago (ORD) but will be expanding to additional airports in 2026.
Virtual Gate
This feature gives customers real-time updates about boarding groups and boarding progress. This shows how many people have boarded and helps reduce time waiting at the gate.
Bag Tracking
United has incorporated a package-delivery-style bag tracker that shows real-time location as the luggage moves through the airport.
Extra Features
The app also updated guidance for those traveling with strollers or wheelchairs, travel document requirements, and biometric boarding options, as well as arrival information like live weather data and local rideshare options. The app also helps customers on connecting flights, including personalized, turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates with estimated walk times, real-time flight status updates, and a heads-up if United is able to hold the plane for those with an extra-tight connection.
More than 84% of United customers use the app the day they fly. United's new app features are rolling out to customers and will be widely available ahead of the holiday travel period.
Related
Closing Thoughts
The nearby and capacity-based lounge recommendation feature sounds very nice, especially when at United hub locations where there are multiple lounges as well as the United Club Fly (grab and go) locations.