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United Airlines is introducing a new feature in its app that will give users limited TSA wait times as airport traffic increases amid a Department of Homeland Security shutdown that has hampered screening operations.
The feature is launching in a pilot phase at the airline’s major US airports, including Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Newark, with possible wider expansion if successful.
The seven-week partial shutdown of DHS disrupted airport operations, resulting in long security lines and unpredictable wait times. Staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration have resulted in absenteeism exceeding 10% at times, making delays at checkpoints even worse.
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Travelers wait in line at a TSA checkpoint at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 27, 2026. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Within the “travel” section of the United app, users can view estimated wait times for TSA screening throughout the day, broken down by route type, including regular screening and TSA PreCheck.
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The move reflects a broader push by airlines to provide real-time information as travel demand remains high, and airline systems face challenges. Security wait times, which can be highly variable, have historically been difficult for passengers to predict.
People wait in line to go through security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on March 28, 2026, in Houston, Texas. (Danielle Villasana/Getty Images)
Access wait time estimates can influence when travelers arrive at an airport, which check-in route they choose and how they handle tight departure windows.
United has been expanding its mobile app capabilities as part of a broader effort to transition the travel experience to digital platforms, including baggage tracking with Apple AirTag integration, automatic rebooking during disruptions, contact guidance and real-time weather alerts.
| A ticker | Security | Finally | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC. | 92.21 | -2.87 |
-3.02% |
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Travelers wait in line at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, US, Friday, March 27, 2026. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The release underscores how airlines are trying to fill information gaps as operational challenges — including staffing disruptions coupled with DHS’s financial situation — continue to impact airport operations.
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As demand for travel remains high, tools that help passengers navigate delays and congestion more efficiently may become the focus of airline competition.
United shares have risen more than 53% in the past year and are down 17.5% year to date.
