United Airlines adds real-time TSA wait-time estimates to its mobile app

Real-time TSA waits across seven US hubs

United Airlines has added estimated Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security wait times to its mobile app, which the carrier describes as a first for a major US airline. For now, the feature covers United’s seven US hubs — Chicago, Denver, Houston (George Bush Intercontinental), Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Travellers can access it from the Travel section of the app. The aim is to provide up-to-date visibility of checkpoint queues so passengers can better anticipate their passage, particularly at peak times, and reduce the stress associated with screening.

The app displays estimates that are updated regularly throughout the day and distinguishes between standard lanes and TSA PreCheck, the agency’s pre‑screening programme. In terminals where United operates, times are shown by zone to help travellers choose the most relevant queue. The estimates are based on data collected by United, except in Houston where they come from the Houston Airport System. The times shown are estimates based on available data and may not reflect actual wait times, which can vary.

Responding to the shutdown

This announcement comes in a particular context: as of 1 April 2026, the launch date of this feature, the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security — the longest in US history — is ongoing, and travellers want more precise information on security delays.

"We appreciate the work and professionalism of our TSA agents, and while most began receiving back pay earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues and people want to stay informed about expected security wait times at our airports," said Jason Birnbaum, United's Chief Information Officer. "Our customers rely on our mobile app for all their travel needs, and this new feature lets them know what to expect and better plan their trip."

Beyond this immediate context, United is looking to reduce uncertainty at checkpoints, smooth passenger flows and increase transparency, as security wait times weigh ever more heavily on the airport experience. The initiative forms part of a broader digital strategy to centralise key operational information within a single interface to make trip preparation and execution easier.