United Airlines has introduced a new tool in its mobile application to show estimated wait times at security checkpoints, though it launches just as queues have shortened significantly after recent disruptions. The addition comes days following the easing of extended lines caused by staffing issues.
Initially, the functionality is limited to the airline's primary gateway cities: Chicago's O'Hare International, Denver International, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental, Los Angeles International, Newark Liberty International, San Francisco International, and Washington Dulles International. Travelers using these airports can access the information within the app's Travel menu, where it provides distinct estimates for regular security lanes and expedited TSA PreCheck options.
The rollout's timing appears less than ideal, coinciding with the recent stabilization of security processing. Earlier this week, lines diminished as Transportation Security Administration personnel started receiving delayed compensation, improving workforce presence and reducing delays.
More than 60,000 TSA staff members had operated without salary since the federal government partial closure initiated in February. Although the Department of Homeland Security operations remain affected, President Trump directed the processing of retroactive payments to these employees on Friday. In response to queries about the delay in issuing the directive, White House communications director Karoline Leavitt referenced an 'existential crisis' at major airports.