United added TSA wait times to its official app — but there's a big catch

The line for airport security is bad at the best of times, but the recent government shutdown proved that there's always a chance things can get worse. The problem is that keeping tabs on TSA wait times isn't always easy, and there's no telling how bad the line is going to be until you actually reach the airport. Unless you happen to be flying with United, that is.

United has confirmed that it has added a bunch of updates to its official app, and the most notable is the ability to see estimated TSA wait times for the airline's major U.S. hubs. That includes Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

That way, you can see how bad the security line is likely to be before you set off for the airport. No more letting uncertainty get in the way of your travel plans, or convincing you that you should arrive at the airport several hours too early.

The estimates cover different security lanes, including TSA PreCheck and the standard security line, but only in terminals that serve United flights. So if you're flying a different airline from a different terminal, like Spirit out of LAX, then you're out of luck.

This feature is rolling out to the United mobile app right now. The feature is no use for anyone affected by the recent government shutdown, but at least the new wait time estimates are ready to go should a future shutdown affect the TSA in the same way.

Other United updates have landed

TSA wait times aren't the only thing United has added to its app recently. The airline is also adding support for Apple's "Share Item Location for AirTag," which makes it easier for airlines to find the location of lost luggage. Though this hinges on you actually having an AirTag in your bag, and not forgetting to change the batteries before you travel.

United isn't the only airline offering AirTag support, though. Major carriers around the world have gotten involved, including U.S. airlines like American, Delta and JetBlue.

The United app also includes real-time weather updates, complete with radar maps, automatic rebooking assistance, bag-tracking, and personalized information that make it easier to connect between flights. That (rather helpfully) includes turn-by-turn directions, estimated walk times, flight status updates and a heads-up if United will hold your flight to accommodate your super-tight connection.

And, of course, United has partnered up with Starlink Wi-Fi, which Tom's Guide recently got to test for ourselves.

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