New United Airlines App Feature Will Provide Passenger Hotel and Meal Vouchers via Smartphone

United Airlines has made some recent updates to its mobile app. For tech-savvy travelers, these features could improve their travel experience. United's new mobile app capabilities will make it easier for passengers to quickly rebook their flights and, if eligible, receive any hotel and meal vouchers to their smartphones. Here's what you need to know before your next flight.

United's mobile app upgrades could save you time

After experiencing a significant flight delay or cancellation, the last thing any traveler wants to do is wait on hold to reach a customer service agent or stand in a long airport line to get help rebooking their travel plans. Having to do that can make an already stressful day more difficult.

United has been working on mobile app upgrades that will make it easier for customers to get assistance when disruptions occur. The airline's mobile app now includes a self-service tool that automatically gives travelers personalized rebooking options, allowing passengers to choose the best option for their preferences. Travelers can also get bag-tracking updates in the app.

Electronic meal and hotel voucher delivery is another notable feature that can help travelers save time. If a United flier is eligible for meal or hotel vouchers due to a delayed or canceled flight, they can receive them via smartphone delivery instead of having to wait to request them from a customer service agent. These features can make your United flying experience better.

Know your rights regarding flight disruptions

Flight disruptions aren't a rare occurrence. Knowing what to expect before you arrive at the airport can help you avoid added frustration. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has an Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard on its website. The electronic tool outlines what each major U.S. airline has committed to doing for controllable flight disruptions.

Here's what United Airlines will do for controllable delays:

• Rebook travelers on a United Airlines flight at no extra cost for significant delays.
• Rebook travelers on a partner flight at no extra cost for significant delays.
• Provide a meal or cash voucher when a flight delay results in a passenger waiting three hours or more.
• Free overnight hotel stay when a passenger is impacted by an overnight delay.
• Free ground transportation to and from the hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay.

Unfortunately, the DOT doesn't define a significant delay. The length of the delay and the flight length can impact whether a passenger is eligible for rebooking by an airline.

Here's what United Airlines will do for controllable cancellations:

• Rebook travelers on a United Airlines or partner flight at no extra cost.
• Provide a meal or cash voucher when a cancellation results in a passenger waiting three hours or more for a new flight.
• Free overnight hotel stay when a passenger is impacted by an overnight cancellation.
• Free ground transportation to and from the hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation.

Travel credit cards can help you save money

Travel credit cards and airline credit cards can be valuable tools for those who travel regularly. If you're a United Airlines fan, you may want to consider adding one of the best United Airlines credit cards to your wallet before your next flight.

Here are two examples of United credit cards that can help you save money on travel expenses:

United℠ Explorer Card: You can save money on checked bag fees as this card allows the cardholder and one champion to get one free checked bag. You can also earn a 25% statement credit when using your credit card to buy in-flight food, drinks, or wifi on United flights.

United Quest℠ Card: At each card anniversary, you can earn up to $125 in statement credits toward United purchases charged to your card. When using your United miles to book an award flight, you can earn a 5,000 miles credit to your account up to two times yearly. You and one companion can also check up to two bags for free when traveling on the same reservation.

You'll also earn rewards when using these credit cards to make purchases. Consider travel credit cards and airline credit cards if you travel often. You can redeem your credit card rewards for nearly-free travel, which could make honoring your vacation budget easier.