The new United app feature displays live radar and flight paths to show weather impacts.

On Wednesday, United Airlines launched a new tool in the United app to help travelers navigate weather-related delays during the busy July Fourth holiday, which is projected to be a peak time in this record-breaking summer travel season.

This innovative tool utilizes generative AI to present live radar maps, allowing passengers to visualize possible delays and their effects on flights, even if conditions are clear and sunny where they are.

United Airlines is the first domestic carrier to offer radar map-based, real-time updates on weather-related flight delays, according to a press release. In addition to this new weather feature, the airline has been providing detailed explanations for delays or cancellations since 2018, starting as part of a pilot program before fully integrating it across their operations.

This feature enhances the Chicago-based airline's ongoing efforts to improve communication with passengers, offering nearly immediate updates on flight details such as gate changes, boarding times, aircraft changes, crew rescheduling, and weather conditions.

With the Transportation Security Administration reporting more screenings on June 24 than any other day in its nearly 23-year history, these features could be particularly beneficial for United passengers during the July Fourth holiday travel week. TSA data indicates that this upcoming holiday may feature eight of the 10 busiest travel days ever at TSA checkpoints since Memorial Day weekend.

On June 30, more than 1,370 flights were canceled across U.S. airports, including 120 from United, which accounts for about 4% of its total schedule. Nevertheless, cancellations are significantly lower this summer compared to the chaotic airline meltdown of summer 2022.

"With record numbers of travelers this summer, we aimed to provide our customers with an easier way to access real-time flight information, and texting was the simplest option," said Jason Birnbaum, United's chief information officer. "We understand that customers value transparency, and by integrating innovative technology with personal service, we can deliver even more timely updates about their flights."

Starting Wednesday, the United app will offer customers links to live weather radar maps that depict conditions along flight routes that may result in weather-related delays. Additionally, all users can now find weather map links in the United app under "flight status updates" to check for weather-induced flight delays.

This initiative for real-time communication involves collaboration between specialized customer service teams in network operations and flight operations teams, leveraging AI to analyze flight data and generate customer notifications.

"These messages provide more useful and relevant information via text or email, offering context on flight changes due to weather-related delays — including links to live weather radar," United stated in a press release.

Similar to the TSA, United anticipates its busiest Fourth of July weekend on record, forecasting over 5 million passengers traveling from June 28 to July 8, a rise of more than 7% compared to last year.

Additional features in the United app that aid travelers during delays include automatic self-service rebooking, which enables customers to rebook flights, track their luggage, and check eligibility for meal and hotel vouchers. United also offers real-time updates on flight numbers, gates, and a countdown clock to departure displayed on their phones via Live Activities without needing to open the app. Moreover, it remains the only domestic airline providing an in-app seat map feature for families looking to book complimentary seats for children under 12 within their group (included in basic economy fares).