United Airlines is partnering with the TSA to modernize airport security at several major hubs. The program introduces automated security lanes, new and permanent TSA PreCheck enrollment centers, and redesigned checkpoints to streamline the customer experience.
“We are working every day with the TSA to develop and launch innovative ways to improve the airport experience for our customers. These improvements demonstrate United’s commitment to use the latest technology to ensure our customers have a reliable and enjoyable experience every step of their journey,” said Greg Hart, executive vice president and COO of United Airlines.
The first automated lanes will debut this fall at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), adding 17 new lanes in Terminal C. Additional automated lanes are planned for Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles International (LAX) later in the year. These lanes allow up to five travelers to load bins at once, speeding throughput, while automated mechanics return empty bins to the front of the line to keep traffic moving efficiently.
Checkpoint redesigns include consolidating four existing checkpoints at Newark into fewer, more efficient screening areas, and creating a new customer check-in zone along with a consolidated screening checkpoint in Los Angeles’ Terminal 7. These changes are intended to simplify passenger flows, reduce bottlenecks, and improve wayfinding for travelers.
To expand access to TSA PreCheck enrollment, temporary off-airport centers will open in New York’s Penn Station and in Chicago’s Willis Tower, providing convenient enrollment options for commuters and local travelers. United and the TSA also plan permanent enrollment centers in several cities, including Chicago, Newark, Houston (IAH), Los Angeles, and San Francisco (SFO), making it easier for frequent flyers to apply for expedited screening.
Collectively, these improvements aim to reduce wait times, enhance predictability, and make security processing smoother for passengers at United’s core hubs. By combining automated technology, redesigned physical spaces, and more accessible enrollment options, the initiative targets a faster and more pleasant journey through airport security.