United Airlines becomes the first U.S. airline to offer an Alexa skill for customers to learn about flight status and on board amenities as well as to check in.
CHICAGO – United Airlines announced a new option for customer to check in and learn flights without the touch of a finger. The new United skill for Amazon Alexa allows customers to use their Alexa-enabled devices, such as the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Echo Dot, to check in and ask a variety of questions about flights. United is the first U.S.-based airline to offer an Alexa skill, further exemplifying the airline's dedication to innovation and providing a smoother travel experience for its customers.
"Every day we connect nearly 400,000 customers to business meetings, loved ones and new adventures," said Praveen Sharma, vice president of digital products and analytics at United. "Introducing the new skill to check in and receive flight information with Alexa is an innovation that gives our customers extra time to prep for a business meeting, play with their children or relax as they get ready for their upcoming flight."
With this new skill customers can ask specific questions about flights, such as, "Alexa, ask United what is the status of my flight to San Francisco?" Customers can also learn about amenities on board, such as, "Alexa, ask United does United flight 869 have power outlets?" Once a customer's MileagePlus account is connected with Alexa, he or she will be able to check in for upcoming U.S. domestic flights using command, "Alexa, ask United to check me in." Additional similar types of questions to ask can be found when enabling the United skill in the Alexa app.
With this new United skill for Amazon Alexa, customers can find information about their flights in seconds via Alexa, on the United app – which has been downloaded 29 million times – as well as online at united.com or at the airport.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
