Tag Archives: N69059

United introduces passport scanning with their mobile app

United Airlines (Chicago) became the first U.S. airline to offer customers the ability to scan their passports to check in for international flights via their iOS and Android mobile devices. United is offering customers the opportunity to use passport scanning functionality on the airline’s mobile app as the carrier completes testing.

Customers may access the passport scanning feature when checking in for international flights in the 24 hours before departure. After initiating the app’s check-in feature, customers will have the option of verifying their existing stored passport data or scanning their passport. The app uses the mobile device’s camera feature to capture travelers’ passports, similar to a mobile banking deposit. Jumio Inc., a credentials management company, will then verify the passport for additional security. Once the verification process is complete, customers may obtain a boarding pass. Customers requiring additional travel documentation, such as visas, will continue to check in at the airport.

“We are focused on building the most useful travel app in the industry for our customers,” said Scott Wilson, United’s vice president of merchandising and ecommerce. “The new passport scanning feature saves valuable time and provides customers with more options to control their travel experience.”

United will collect feedback during the testing phase of passport scanning functionality with the goal of further improving the product and launching additional customer-friendly features utilizing this technology.

Last year, United launched its all-new mobile app, and since then more than 13 million customers have downloaded it. CIO Magazine recently selected United as a recipient of its prestigious CIO 100 Award, recognizing the airline’s commitment to improving the customer experience with mobile technology. Later this year, United will begin to introduce its all-new united.com website, providing customers a simplified, clearer and faster user experience.

In 2007, United became the first U.S. airline to introduce mobile boarding passes, and it is the first U.S. carrier to offer mobile boarding at all 214 domestic airports it serves. United currently offers mobile boarding at 54 international airports, more than any other U.S.-based carrier.

Copyright Photo: Mark Durbin/AirlinersGallery.com. Up close. United’s sleek Boeing 767-424 ER N69059 (msn 29454) rotates on the runway and departs from the San Francisco international hub.

United Airlines (current):

IAM members ratify new contracts with United Airlines

United Airlines‘ (Chicago) fleet service, passenger service and stockroom employees, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have ratified a new contract with the company.

The IAM issued this statement:

After more than four years of negotiations, a merger of three airlines and numerous representation elections, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced members at United Airlines ratified agreements covering approximately 30,000 fleet service, passenger service and stockroom employees.

“I thank all IAM members for their patience and solidarity through this entire process,” said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney. “These contracts provide IAM members at United Airlines the best overall terms in the airline industry. It’s now time to move on, unify as one and make our union stronger.”

With over 65 percent participation, each contract was approved by more than 70 percent of voting members.

The agreements run through 2016 and provide immediate wage increases ranging from 7-29 percent, and from 19-56 percent over the term of the agreements. The accords also preserve and improve both defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, provide 96 percent of the workforce protection from outsourcing, maintain affordable health insurance options and increases vacation time, among other enhancements.

“IAM members demonstrated perseverance and patience during these difficult negotiations,” said Airline Coordinator Ira Levy. “There haven’t been negotiations in recent memory as complex as these, and our negotiators should be proud of what they accomplished.”

Approximately 1,500 IAM fleet technical instructors, maintenance instructors and food service and security officers remain in negotiations.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-424 ER N69059 (man 29454) climbs away from the Washington Dulles hub.

United Airlines: