What happened
United is adding an app tool so delayed passengers can keep a later confirmed seat and list for up to three earlier flights. The tool is for customers already rebooked on a later United flight. United monitors those flights and texts when a seat opens rather than sending people gate to gate. Flyers can take the earlier seat or remain on the later booking. Standby applies only to earlier United flights to the same destination.
United is also testing gate pickup of food and travel essentials at nine Terminal C gates in Newark. The test runs at gates C125 to C138. A predeparture app alert or email with an order link goes to eligible customers. Participating restaurants at the test gates are Nonna's Kitchen and Victory Grill. The food test is slated to reach Houston later this year. United would take the food test to other airports only if it likes the results. If the test expands, United would let passengers order on seatback screens from the air for arrival pickup.
List for earlier United flights in the app during a delay and watch Newark Terminal C for gate-order prompts.
- Where
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Houston
- Who qualifies
- Standby is for delayed customers rebooked on a later United flight; gate food ordering is for eligible customers who receive a predeparture United app notification or email at the test gates.
- Takeaway
- During a United delay, use the app to list for earlier flights while keeping your confirmed seat, and watch for gate-order prompts at Newark Terminal C; Houston may get the food test later this year.