The United Airlines app has been updated to provide easier access to AirTag luggage tracking. The app now makes it even easier to share the location of your AirTag with United's customer service personnel.

Additionally, due to a partial government shutdown resulting in understaffed TSA checkpoints, the app will now help you estimate wait times for security at your departure airport – along with many other useful developments...

AirTag lost luggage connections

Experienced travelers have long been trying to solve this issue by placing AirTags in their luggage. This results in the owner of a lost bag knowing exactly where their bag is before airline staff have any clue.

Apple solved this problem with a new sharing feature in 2024. This feature allows you to create a link that enables others to track the location of a specific AirTag. Many airlines have adopted this feature by supporting the sharing of these links through their apps.

A report from January indicated that the use of this system significantly reduced the number of lost bags.

United makes access to AirTag tracking easier

CNET reports that the latest feature added to United's app makes it easier to share AirTag links directly with airline customer service personnel. This should significantly reduce the time it takes to reunite you with your luggage.

TSA wait time predictions

TSA security checkpoints can be one of the most unpredictable aspects of any trip to the airport. Getting through security can take just a few minutes if the lines are short and positions are well filled, but delays can add substantial time to your airport journey.

Currently, TSA lines can be particularly long due to staff not being paid and many people leaving their jobs as a result of a partial government shutdown. United states that the latest version of the app will provide customers with an estimate of how long it will take to get through security at the departure airport.

“We appreciate the work and professionalism of our TSA agents, and most began receiving paychecks earlier this week, but the Department of Homeland Security's shutdown continues, and people want information about expected security wait times at our airports,” said United's Chief Information Officer Jason Birnbaum in a statement.

And more

Many other improvements have also been made to the app.

The app adds turn-by-turn directions to your gate, estimated walking times, and automatic in-app flight status updates.

Travelers will also have the option to rebook directly within the app and receive digital vouchers when a flight is delayed.

Additionally, you will find the option to receive radar map text to see how the weather at your transfer or destination might be affected.

Apple released AirTag 2 earlier this year, and this update made it easier to hear the AirTag when you get close enough to it.

  • AirTag 2 tracking devices at Apple's official Amazon store
  • Official Apple Store on Amazon
  • Apple's iPhone cases: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max | iPhone Air
  • Wireless CarPlay adapter (2026 update)
  • AirTag holders and accessories
  • Mac Pro-style Mac mini case
  • NordVPN – a privacy-focused, no-logs VPN verified by independent audits

Photo: David Syphers, Unsplash