United makes tech changes many waited for

The airline announced a series of updates to its mobile app notifications.

Jun 25, 2025 - 15:56

United makes tech changes many waited for

While common fears around turbulence and the potential of a crash are the biggest worries preventing many from stepping into a plane, numerous surveys show that baggage trouble and missed flight connections are the main factors that contribute to one remembering a travel experience in a negative light.

Even though airlines are legally required to rebook travelers who missed a connection due to delays or cancellations (and will very often do it for free, even if the traveler misses it due to their own tardiness), the stress many feel is palpable whenever a plane that is running slightly late lands. There is always that passenger who tries to rush to the front while asking everyone to let them through because they "have a tight connection."

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United promises to 'destress the flying experience' (will it work?)

As part of its efforts to improve how it presents information about connecting flights, United Airlines (UAL) announced a series of updates to its mobile app: a time countdown to one's connecting flight as well as live-time directions to the gate one needs to get to.

The expanded features make use of the ConnectionSaver AI tool to connect the flights in a passenger’s booking with real-time plane information. According to the airline, over 20 million of its customers will have a flight with a connection in the upcoming summer.

"Those with comfortable connections will see relevant updates about their connecting flight, a notification of how long they will have to make their next flight, an airport map with navigation tips, and information about United Club locations," United's Chief Commercial Officer David Kinzelman told reporters in a call. "Those with tight connections will see personalized updates about their connection status, including walk time to the connecting gate, turn-by-turn instructions, and a notification if ConnectionSaver has been activated to hold their flight."

A push notification will also appear if a passenger automatically gets moved to a later flight — this is something that happens when it becomes clear that the connection will be missed before the plane has landed, even if the priority is to get the passenger on the flight for which they are booked.

"I hear all the time from our frontline employees that people often clap and maybe even cheer for connecting passengers when they actually make the connection and board the flight," Kinzelman said further.

United Airlines aims to make connecting flights less stressful for passengers.
United Airlines

More languages, text updates, and weather tracking to roll out soon

United also teased the rollout of the connection tracking in more languages — the updates are currently available in English and Spanish — as well as location services that can provide directions based on one's current location at the airport and the ability to opt in to receive connection updates by text message.

The airline tested the new features last spring in a trial run, during which 350,000 random travelers on different United flights across the country had the tracking information appear on the app. To get access now that the features have launched, download the United app onto your phone and either sign into your loyalty account or add your booking number.

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"Last year, we started texting live weather radar maps so customers understand how inclement weather in one part of the country can impact a flight elsewhere," Kinzelman said. "These efforts have been quite successful and continue to make real-time impact for customers during summer weather events."