United Airlines' Reservation System Upgrade: What Travelers Need to Know
Get ready for a smoother flying experience! United Airlines is set to upgrade its aging mainframe flight reservation system, known as Shares. The upgrade will take down the online reservation system early Wednesday morning, but don't worry - we've got you covered with all the details.What's Happening?
United Airlines is planning a major technology update that will temporarily shut down its online reservation system from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. EDT on Wednesday. The airline is urging passengers with flights scheduled to depart on Wednesday to check in via United's website or mobile app on Tuesday to avoid encountering problems.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
During the outage, customers won't be able to make new reservations, cancel bookings, check in for flights, or retrieve their itineraries. However, passengers can still book, complete check-in, or make changes to their trips prior to February 4 at 2:30 a.m. EDT, or once the data transfer is completed.
Why Is This Upgrade Necessary?
United Airlines' current mainframe flight reservation system has been in use for years and is due for an upgrade. The new system will be transferred to a more high-tech facility in Chicago, which will improve reliability and provide a smoother flying experience for travelers.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
United Airlines has rehearsed the data migration process, so things are expected to go smoothly. However, if the upgrade doesn't go as planned, it could spell headaches for customers. Travel experts expect relatively little disruption and advise travelers not to freak out if they can't search for flights in the middle of the night.
The upgrade is a necessary step towards providing a better flying experience for United Airlines' passengers. While there may be some temporary inconvenience, the benefits will far outweigh the costs. So, sit back, relax, and let United Airlines take care of the rest - your flight will be waiting for you when the system comes back online!
