Trying to get a sense of how long it will take to get through security at the airport? United Airlines is attempting to help through its app.
As part of a new pilot program that was launched Wednesday, the feature will provide regular TSA wait time updates throughout the day. The program, which will include wait times at Newark Liberty, is believed to be the first introduced since TSA wait time have become a major issue at airports due to funding battles in Congress.
Here’s how it works. In the travel section of the United mobile app, United customers can view security wait times for the airline’s U.S. hub airports in Newark as well as Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington D.C.
United will provide estimated wait times for specific lanes – including standard security and TSA PreCheck – throughout terminals serving United customers, allowing them to choose the option that works best for them.
To be sure, there are no guarantees. United officials, which have prided themselves on increased on-time efforts, say estimated security wait times are based on data available to United and may not reflect actual wait times, which may vary from the estimates.
But at a time when wait lines are multiple hours at some airports and only a few minutes at others, United officials are hopeful the program will bring relevant information to travelers before they get to the airport.
Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer, noted the challenges passengers are facing.
“We appreciate the work and professionalism of our TSA agents, and while most began receiving back pay earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues and people want to stay informed about expected security wait times at our airports,” he said. “Our customers rely on our mobile app for all their travel needs, and this new feature lets them know what to expect and better plan their trip.”
The initiative is another example of how United aims to stay a step ahead of the competition.
United CEO Scott Kirby offered more insights into the company earlier this week during a fireside chat with BINJE editor Tom Bergeron at the ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo in Atlantic City. Kirby said he viewed Newark as the crown jewel of the airline’s hubs.
