Getting out of a middle seat on your next flight may be as simple as a tap away. This spring, United Airlines introduced a new feature designed to automatically move passengers to their preferred seats when one becomes available before departure. Recent data indicates that this innovation is having a significant impact.
High Adoption Rate Demonstrated
“In July alone, United switched over 18,000 passengers to their preferred seats, which accounts for nearly 40% of eligible customers,” United Airlines reported in a statement to Travel + Leisure. This feature is accessible through United’s mobile app, allowing passengers to select their preference for a window or aisle seat within their reservation. The app then works in the background to accommodate these requests and make the necessary changes when a seat opens up.
Enhanced Convenience for Travelers
This new functionality alleviates the need for passengers to frequently check the seat map on the airline’s website, hoping for a better option. For example, United demonstrated how a passenger initially assigned a window seat in the last row was upgraded to an aisle seat several rows forward. “We’ll automatically assign it to you and update you with your new seat info,” United explains on their website.
Broader Technological Enhancements
United Airlines is also making strides in other areas to streamline passenger experience. During severe weather or operational challenges, the airline proactively rebooks passengers. According to the airline’s recent earnings report, 47% of passengers requiring rebooking in the past three months were accommodated through automated or self-service options.
Technological Advancements for Time Savings
Linda Jojo, United’s Chief Customer Officer, previously discussed with Travel + Leisure the airline’s efforts to enhance technology for passenger convenience. Jojo highlighted that travelers using the airline’s app benefit from time-saving features such as bag drop shortcuts and turn-by-turn airport directions, which collectively save an average of 30 minutes at the airport.
Conclusion
United Airlines’ new seat-switching feature and ongoing technological advancements are set to improve the travel experience by making seat changes and rebooking processes more efficient. Passengers can now enjoy greater convenience and potentially save time through the airline’s latest innovations.