United Airlines App Standby Feature Now Available
United Airlines app standby feature allows passengers to join standby lists for earlier flights and automatically find seats during delays. Learn more.
United Airlines launched a new mobile app feature that allows passengers to join standby lists for earlier flights and automatically find seats during travel disruptions.
How the New Standby and Rebooking Tools Work
- Earlier Flight Standby: Request to move to an earlier flight by joining a standby list in the app.
- Automated Seat Search: The app searches for open seats during flight delays or cancellations.
- Real-time Notifications: Receive immediate updates when a seat becomes available or when your standby status changes.
- Direct Trip Management: View and manage your updated itinerary through a single interface.
How to Access Standby in the United App
- Open the United app on your mobile device.
- Select your upcoming trip from the home screen.
- Locate the standby option on the flight details page.
- Choose an earlier flight from the list of available options.
Standby vs. Rebooking
Understand the difference between these two functions. Standby is an elective action. You use it when you want to depart sooner than your scheduled time. Rebooking is a reactive action. This occurs when a flight cancellation or significant delay forces a change to your itinerary. The app handles rebooking by finding the next available flight to your destination.
Options for Disrupted Travelers
If you face a travel disruption, you can use the app to rebook, check standby lists, or request a refund. For major cancellations, you can find alternative flight options through the app’s automated search tool. Always check your connection times when the app suggests a new itinerary.
Impact on MileagePlus and Star Alliance Travelers
MileagePlus members with Premier status—Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K—can use these tools to manage travel more effectively. Those with PlusPoints can use the app to check for earlier upgrade opportunities. Because United is a member of the Star Alliance, this feature helps travelers on complex international itineraries. The app finds seats on Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa or ANA if a delay occurs at a major hub like Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Travelers who redeemed miles via Chase Ultimate Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy should verify if award availability exists for earlier flights, as these options can differ from revenue seats.
Check your mobile app store to ensure you have the latest version of the United app installed before your next flight.
Learn more in our Guide to United MileagePlus.