With trip interruptions an unfortunate part of peak travel season woes, United now offers in-app self-service options. Travelers should download the app now.
For many travelers, especially going into the height of summer vacations, flight cancellations and delays are seemingly an inevitable part of the journey. Last year, we saw countless news stories of passengers stuck at airports after airlines canceled or delayed flights because of weather, overbookings, and staffing concerns. The latter made it significantly harder for customers to receive assistance, forcing them to figure things out or generating significant hold times as travelers waited in queues for customer service agents.
United is already struggling with cancelations ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend, so if you’re flying the airline, do yourself a favor and download the app now.
United Is Putting Self-Service at Your Fingertips
Last week, United Airlines rolled out a new update to their mobile app that equips passengers with everything they need to continue their travels after experiencing a trip interruption. The app update allows tech-savvy travelers to free up the lines at service desks and over the phone by providing vouchers and rebooking options on their smartphones. The update also provides passengers with luggage tracking for checked-bags as well.
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United’s Chief Customer Officer, Linda Jojo, said in a press release: “Our new mobile app feature offers more transparency, saves time and reduces stress for our customers, and it shortens lines at customer service desks so our employees can better assist passengers with complex issues or questions. Plus, it’s another example of United’s continued investment in new technology and tools.”
How United’s In-App Features Work?
With United, when you experience a flight cancellation or a delay of an hour or more, you will be presented with options automatically on the United mobile app home screen. Here’s what you can expect with the updated United app:
Receive a notification: United will automatically notify you about the delay or cancellation via the phone number attached to your reservation with a text message. The text message will contain a link. Or, via the website (or app), you can enter your flight details for self-service options. You will see all available options on the home screen if you already use the mobile app.
Confirm your flight details: Once you have opened the app or searched for your flight on the website, you will see if United has already re-booked you on the next available flight. You will also have the option to select other available flights based on your travel needs.
Luggage tracking: You can track your checked luggage throughout your trip. The tracking feature will allow you to see when your luggage is checked in, loaded on your flight, and has reached your final destination in real-time.
View eligible vouchers: When you are eligible, vouchers for ride-share services, meals, or hotel stays, they will automatically populate in the app. Customers whose flights are delayed by three hours are more can expect a meal voucher for each traveler on their itinerary. Those with overnight cancellations or delays can expect hotel and ride-share vouchers.
Virtual connections: Right from your phone, you can chat with a United customer service agent via video chat, phone call, or text message.