United app update in Google Play store enables travelers to watch hundreds of TV shows and movies on smartphones and tablets.
CHICAGO – United Airlines customers using Android devices can now use the latest version of the United app to access the airline’s complimentary personal device entertainment service, which enables passengers to view hundreds of movies and television shows in flight on their Wi-Fi-enabled mobile devices and laptops.
United launched a beta version of its personal device entertainment system earlier this year for laptop computers and Apple devices.
Content, stored on on-board servers, is available on nearly 200 United aircraft, including the carrier’s entire Airbus A319, Airbus A320 and Boeing 747 fleets and its Boeing 777 aircraft that operate primarily between the continental United States and Hawaii.
In the coming year, United will further expand personal device entertainment availability to hundreds of additional aircraft, including two-cabin regional jets and domestic and international aircraft that do not currently offer customers an on-demand entertainment option. By late 2015, most United and United Express aircraft will offer customers personal device entertainment, personal on-demand entertainment via seatback monitors, or live television.
“Travelers increasingly want to watch entertainment on their own devices, as shown by the measurable improvement in satisfaction among travelers who fly on aircraft with personal device programming,” said Tom O’Toole, United’s senior vice president of marketing and loyalty and president of MileagePlus. “By expanding our personal device entertainment to Android users, we now offer many more customers the ability to enjoy their favorite movies and television shows on their own devices while onboard.”
Travelers may confirm whether a flight offers personal device entertainment, along with Wi-Fi and in-seat power, by checking Inflight Amenities under Flight Status and Information on United.com. On the United app, travelers find that information in Amenities under Flight Status.
New app enables customers to make in-store purchases and earn extra miles with smartphone
United Airlines is also kicking off the holiday shopping season by offering a test group of MileagePlus members a new, convenient way to pay for in-store purchases and earn up to 24 award miles per dollar spent with a special preview of the MileagePlus X mobile app.
United is inviting a group of MileagePlus members with iOS and Android mobile devices to download the app, which lets members use their smartphones for in-store purchases at national retailers including Lowe’s, Sears, Gap and AMC Theaters. The airline plans to expand MileagePlus X to all members and offer more retailers soon.
The MileagePlus X app enables customers to find nearby participating retailers and view the amount of miles they can earn at more than 50,000 locations. Customers can also browse a catalog of all merchants or search for specific stores.
Transactions are simple: At check-out, customers enter the total dollar amount of their purchase via the app, creating a digital merchant gift card. The cashier then scans the barcode to complete the digital gift card purchase. Award miles will instantly appear in members’ accounts in addition to any miles the customer may earn purchasing the digital gift card with a MileagePlus Credit Card from Chase.
“The new MileagePlus X app builds on the increasing popularity of mobile purchasing, enabling members to make in-store purchases and earn miles without having to pull out a credit card,” said Praveen Sharma, United’s vice president of loyalty.
United is continuing to improve MileagePlus X and plans to launch additional features, including the ability to redeem miles for in-store purchases.
In 2013, United launched its all-new mobile app, which has reached more than 15 million downloads. This year, United became the first U.S. airline to offer customers the ability to scan their passports to check in for international flights via its mobile app. CIO Magazine recently selected United as a recipient of its prestigious CIO 100 Award, recognizing the airline’s commitment to improving customer experience with mobile technology.
Early next 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 59 international airports, more than any other U.S.-based carrier.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
