United Updates App To Facilitate Connecting at Hub Airports

Updated: June 28, 2025, 5:04pm CDT

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United’s App Updates
Final Thoughts

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Connecting between flights can sometimes be stress-inducing, even at airports you know well.

United recognizes this and has highlighted some recent updates to its mobile app to make connecting at its main U.S. hubs as simple as possible for its passengers.

“We know that giving people more information, in a transparent and easy-to-understand way, can help de-stress the connecting flight experience,” said David Kinzelman, chief customer officer at United.

Let’s take a look at what these updates mean for your next flight with United.

United’s App Updates

Passengers flying through a major United hub like Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO), or Washington Dulles (IAD) now have access to a new section of the app with helpful features when connecting.

The options available will be useful for all types of connections, whether comfortable, tight, or missed.

Passengers with comfortable connections can benefit from personalized updates that include a boarding countdown timer, real-time directions to facilitate walking between gates, and the location of United’s lounges.

United Airlines app step by step connection info — Testing the app during a layover. Image Credit: United

Ryan Smith, News Managing Editor at Upgraded Points, tried the new app feature firsthand when connecting last night. He confirms that the turn-by-turn directions are very detailed and there’s no way he could have gotten lost when heading to his next gate.

Similar features will be available to those with tighter connections, with the addition of a ConnectionSaver notification to let transiting passengers know if their connecting flight is being held until they arrive. This feature will bring welcome peace of mind to passengers who might be stressed about missing their next flight.

United Planes Docked Newark — United’s app updates will provide extra help and reassurance for passengers with connections at its largest hubs like Newark (EWR). Image Credit: Alberto Riva

And those unfortunate passengers who miss their connections will receive personalized re-booking options, such as confirming a seat on a new flight and joining the standby list for earlier flights.

Future plans for United’s connection feature include providing the service in more languages than just English and Spanish, using a cell phone’s location services to show your current location within the airport, and real-time text message updates.

Hot Tip:

If you’re a frequent United flyer, you might want to consider opening a co-branded United credit card to enjoy extra perks and benefits when flying your preferred airline.

Final Thoughts

United hopes its app updates will ease stress for its connecting passengers as we head into the busy summer travel season. If you haven’t already, make sure to download the app before you fly. Here’s to a summer of smooth connections for all!