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United Airlines is introducing a new feature to its app that provides users with estimated TSA wait times at security as airport congestion increases during a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, putting pressure on screenings.
The feature will launch in a pilot phase at several of the airline’s largest U.S. hub airports, including Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Newark, with broader expansion possible if successful.
A partial DHS shutdown lasting nearly seven weeks has disrupted airport operations, contributing to long security lines and unpredictable wait times. Staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration have sometimes pushed absenteeism above 10%, exacerbating delays at checkpoints.
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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)
In the Travel section of the United app, users can view estimated TSA screening wait times throughout the day, broken down by lane type, including standard 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 airport systems are under pressure. Wait times at security checkpoints, which can fluctuate widely, have traditionally 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 to estimated wait times can impact when travelers arrive at the airport, which screening lane they choose, and how they handle tight departure times.
United has expanded the capabilities of its mobile app as part of a broader effort to shift more of the travel experience to digital platforms, including baggage tracking with Apple AirTag integration, automatic rebooking during disruptions, connection guidance and real-time weather alerts.
| Ticker | Security | Last | 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, U.S., on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The rollout underscores how airlines are trying to fill information gaps as operational challenges – including workforce disruptions due to the DHS funding crisis – continue to impact airport performance.
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As demand for travel remains high, tools that help passengers deal more efficiently with delays and congestion may become increasingly important in airline competition.
Shares of United are up more than 53% over the past year and down 17.5% this year.
