United Now Tells You Exactly Why Your Flight Is Delayed
United Airlines launched a pilot program in January of this year that tells passengers exactly why their flight is running behind schedule — down to crew members who missed their connections or the exact mechanical issue.
TPG noticed the change when one of our editors was flying out of Houston (IAH), she got an alert in her United app saying that crews were working to fix the Boeing 737-700's fuel panel. "We found you a new plane as our maintenance team needed additional time to a fuel panel on your original plane," the maintenance alert read.
A spokesperson for United told TPG that the pilot program for the detailed status alerts has so far only rolled out in the carrier's main hubs at Houston (IAH) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD), as well as flights that divert to those two airports. In addition, the new program only applies to mainline aircraft.
The alerts detail everything from specific maintenance and mechanical problems with the aircraft to weather delays and issues with late crew arrivals.
"We will do what we can to provide additional clarity," the United spokesperson said, adding that the airline has recently seen customer satisfaction scores improve because of the detailed alerts.
TPG readers weighed in on the new program by commenting in the TPG Facebook Lounge:
Michael G. noted: Aviation geek or no, it's nice to know the reason.
Avi R. wrote: I like it. They are finally transparent.
Mialisa G. said: I prefer this to being kept in the dark. I wish all airlines would do it!
Patrick M. said: Good info is provided for mainline United flights... not so for their United Express affiliated companies. Often for these regional carriers even basic on-time or delayed info is not provided at all.
And reader Kim K. suggested a helpful tip: It is good because if you take screen shot I can use for travel delay insurance.
The alerts are sent out through United's app and also via email, depending on the contact information passengers provide when booking. United hopes to expand the alert program later this summer to United Express and its regional carriers.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.