Let's hope every airline gets on board with a new piece of technology that could make life better for thousands of air passengers.
Everyone knows that sometimes, things go wrong when you travel. Flights can get delayed or cancelled, then passengers are left scrambling to figure it all out: new flights, food, even an unanticipated hotel stay until you can get on your way to your destination.
It can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate – especially when other affected passengers are all trying to do the same thing. Sometimes tempers even flare.
Well, now… there’s an app for that.
United Airlines has introduced a new mobile app feature to assist air travelers if their flights are disrupted.
The airline’s new self-service digital tool automatically provides affected customers with personalized re-booking options, bag tracking information, and eligible vouchers for meals and hotels if their flights are delayed or cancelled.
"Our goal is to get our customers to their destination on time, but we know things don't always go as planned and that's when a tool like this can make a real difference," says United’s Chief Customer Officer.
"Our new mobile app feature offers more transparency, saves time and reduces stress for our customers, and it shortens lines at customer service desks so our employees can better assist passengers with complex issues or questions."
Here's how it works:
If a United Airlines flight is delayed by more than 60 minutes or cancelled, customers using the United mobile app will be notified. You can then check your flight status, explore re-booking options, track your checked bags, and receive eligible vouchers for meals, hotels, and rideshares.
Plus, you can connect with the airline’s customer service agents through calls, texts, or video chats directly within the app.
No app? No worries.
For those without the United mobile app, the self-service tool is accessible on a mobile device or computer on the airline’s website.
And customers still always have the option to connect in-person with a customer service agent at the airport. Hopefully, there is one more readily available because more affected passengers are getting help automatically through the app.
The app should make life easier for disrupted pax and for airline staff - and help take the temperature down at airports on difficult days when travel isn’t going smoothly… which makes travel better for everyone.
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