United Airlines Announces Technology Upgrade and Temporary System Outage
United Airlines has announced an overnight technology upgrade scheduled for February 4, 2026, from 1:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. CT (07:30–11:00 UTC). The upgrade is designed to restart United’s systems, improving functionality and reliability for travelers, agents, and airline partners.
During this period, several United systems will be temporarily unavailable:
- Reservations access via United.com, United mobile app, or agency channels (NDC/GDS)
- Flight check-in online, via mobile app, or at the airport
- Creating or modifying reservations (ticketing, exchanges)
- Purchases, including new tickets, seat upgrades, and checked bag fees
- MileagePlus account access
Travelers who try to access these systems during the outage will see a brief notification message.
How United Is Minimizing Customer Impact
United has proactively adjusted flight schedules to reduce disruptions. No United or United Express flights are scheduled to depart during the outage, but flights already en route before the upgrade will arrive at their scheduled destination. Customers were also given the opportunity to adjust travel plans in advance.
This upgrade reflects United’s ongoing efforts to improve digital reliability and provide a smoother booking and check-in experience in the long term.
Bottom Line:
If you’re traveling with United on February 4, 2026, plan ahead. Avoid booking or modifying flights between 1:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. CT, and check in before the outage to ensure a smooth travel experience.