United Airlines launches automated earlier-flight standby feature

United Airlines is making disruption recovery more flexible with a new mobile app feature that automatically monitors earlier-flight availability and alerts customers when a seat opens, reducing the need for manual rebooking.

Summary:

United Airlines has launched an industry-first mobile app feature allowing disrupted customers to stand by for up to three earlier flights while keeping their confirmed itinerary.
The app automatically monitors seat availability and sends customers a text notification when a seat becomes available, removing the need to repeatedly check for changes.
The new capability expands United’s suite of self-service disruption tools, including automatic rebooking, eligible meal and hotel vouchers, and checked-bag tracking.

United Airlines has announced an industry-first mobile app feature that gives customers more flexibility and options when travel plans are disrupted. Now, customers who are rebooked to a later flight after a travel disruption can stand by for up to three earlier flights. Instead of repeatedly checking the app to see if seats open up on earlier flights, United automatically monitors availability behind the scenes and sends a text notification when a seat becomes available.

More than 85% of United customers use the airline’s mobile app on the day they travel, making digital tools an increasingly important part of how customers manage disruptions and navigate their journey.

“This feature reflects our commitment to making travel more seamless and less stressful for our customers,” said Jennifer Schwierzke, Vice President of Customer Operations, Strategy & Execution, United Airlines. “During disruptions, customers can keep their confirmed itinerary and stand by for three additional flights. We work behind the scenes to monitor availability and alert customers as soon as a seat becomes available.”

The feature expands United’s portfolio of self-service recovery tools, which allow customers to automatically rebook flights, receive meal and hotel vouchers when eligible and track checked bags during disruptions – all without having to wait in line to speak to an agent.