CHICAGO - United Airlines is gearing up for an anticipated record-breaking Memorial Day weekend, expecting to serve three million passengers from May 23-28, marking a nearly 10% increase from the previous year. The airline attributes its readiness to handle the surge in part to its mobile app, which offers features aimed at saving travelers an average of up to 30 minutes at the airport.
Linda Jojo, United's Chief Customer Officer, highlighted the app's ability to streamline the travel process, especially for those visiting new or unfamiliar airports. The app provides live flight updates, seat selection preferences, automatic rebooking during disruptions, and other tools designed to expedite the airport experience.
Among the notable app features is the ability for passengers to receive live, personalized flight notifications, including boarding times and gate numbers. United also offers a seat preference tool that has successfully moved travelers to their desired seats 35% of the time. Additionally, the airline's Agent on Demand service, which allows customers to virtually connect with customer service representatives, has assisted over 1.6 million travelers in 2023.
United is also the first U.S. airline to support Live Activities for iPhone, and the first to offer automatic rebooking assistance directly in its app. The airline continues to innovate with services like TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID, currently available at select airports, which utilizes facial scanning technology to speed up bag drop and security processes.
Travelers (NYSE:TRV) using the United app can also benefit from animated terminal maps for navigation, a Terminal Guide for optimal airport entry points, and a bag tracker to monitor their luggage's journey.
InvestingPro Insights
As United Airlines prepares for a bustling Memorial Day weekend, the company's financial metrics and market performance provide a broader context for investors. According to InvestingPro data, United Airlines (UAL) boasts a market capitalization of 17.89 billion USD, reflecting its significant presence in the airline industry. The company's P/E ratio stands at an attractive 6.64, which is further adjusted to 5.18 for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, indicating a potentially undervalued stock relative to its earnings.
InvestingPro Tips highlight United Airlines' high shareholder yield and the fact that seven analysts have revised their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, suggesting a positive outlook on the company's financial health. Additionally, the airline's stock has experienced a large price uptick over the last six months, with a 38.14% total return, which could interest investors looking for companies with strong recent performance.
For those considering an investment in United Airlines, it's worth noting that the company operates with a significant debt burden, yet it is also a prominent player in the Passenger Airlines industry. The airline's commitment to customer service and technology enhancements, as showcased in their app developments, may also contribute to its competitive edge.
Investors seeking more insights can explore additional InvestingPro Tips for United Airlines, with 12 more available at Investing.com/pro/UAL. Use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription, which includes in-depth analysis and more tips that can guide investment decisions.
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