Dec 21, 2015, 10:25 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Hello,
The quickest way to update passport information is through the United App during check-in for an international flight, as we have removed the passport data field from MileagePlus profiles on united.com. When you have a stored passport on the App, you will be asked to confirm that you are traveling with that passport. If travel documents have changed, you can choose to replace the existing passport or add a new passport (there is a limit of two stored passports). After selecting to replace or add a new passport, you will be prompted to accept the Passport Storage Terms. The application will then allow you to take a photo of the picture page of your passport. Once the validation process has been successfully completed, the check-in process can continue with the newly scanned passport. Hope this helps.
Thank you,
-UA Insider
The quickest way to update passport information is through the United App during check-in for an international flight, as we have removed the passport data field from MileagePlus profiles on united.com. When you have a stored passport on the App, you will be asked to confirm that you are traveling with that passport. If travel documents have changed, you can choose to replace the existing passport or add a new passport (there is a limit of two stored passports). After selecting to replace or add a new passport, you will be prompted to accept the Passport Storage Terms. The application will then allow you to take a photo of the picture page of your passport. Once the validation process has been successfully completed, the check-in process can continue with the newly scanned passport. Hope this helps.
Thank you,
-UA Insider
Yes (we need to build a list of which ones work)
What visa will scan?
(we need to build a list of which ones work)
China -- L tourist visa
Passport data entered by phone app scan
Mar 4, 2016, 10:25 pm
#91
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,358
United requires that the passport be physically presented, either in person or via the app scan. I posted up thread the original post from the CO days as to why and when they implemented this policy. They have never since allowed simply entering your info into a profile. Being able to enter this info again wouldn't help anyone unless they changed this policy. So it's the policy to be upset with, not the functionality.
When a profile was first created on UA, it was not necessary to appear in person to have the passport number and expiration date entered in the profile.
Why, then, must an expired passport and subsequent renewal of a passport be handled differently?
Isn't a renewed passport merely the same person with an updated photo, a new expiration date added and a new passport number assigned in place of a prior passport?
In a somewhat related issue, a passenger can currently enter his or her "trusted traveler" number in an online profile. This number is more difficult to obtain than a passport.
Why the passport cannot be entered except through an app or at the airport is, indeed, puzzling.
Mar 5, 2016, 5:03 am
#92
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI, PHL, IAD
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium; Mileage Plus 1K, 1 MM; Global Entry
Posts: 1,516
Yes, you used to be able to add a new passport to your profile on line. But, in my experience when you did that you were unable to do OLCI on your next international trip. You would get a message about having to have your travel documents checked at the airport. Just having the info in your profile is no guarantee you can OLCI. I have even occasionally been unable to do OLCI with a passport that I had used on previous trips.
So, being able to scan the passport via the app and complete OLCI is actually an advantage, as I see it, as it gets you checked in much earlier.
So, being able to scan the passport via the app and complete OLCI is actually an advantage, as I see it, as it gets you checked in much earlier.
Mar 5, 2016, 7:17 am
#93
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Potomac MD
Programs: UA MP 1K
Posts: 7,182
Yes, you used to be able to add a new passport to your profile on line. But, in my experience when you did that you were unable to do OLCI on your next international trip. You would get a message about having to have your travel documents checked at the airport. Just having the info in your profile is no guarantee you can OLCI. I have even occasionally been unable to do OLCI with a passport that I had used on previous trips.
So, being able to scan the passport via the app and complete OLCI is actually an advantage, as I see it, as it gets you checked in much earlier.
So, being able to scan the passport via the app and complete OLCI is actually an advantage, as I see it, as it gets you checked in much earlier.
Mar 5, 2016, 5:38 pm
#95
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI, PHL, IAD
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium; Mileage Plus 1K, 1 MM; Global Entry
Posts: 1,516
Mar 7, 2016, 7:30 pm
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
Yes online change approved at GOES. I still don't understand why UA had to make this so difficult. I don't understand what "bad habits" there are on entering passwords--or if there are somehow, why they couldn't be handled by a secure website. Or can't UA give us a secure website?
Bad habits was a poor choice of words; perhaps legacy practices is clearer.
The only possible reason for building a separate system is that it might make life easier for passengers. [If this is so complicated, I could probably find a programmer who could do it for them without too much difficulty.] But as an overentitled elite, I guess that this isn't a priority.
If the passport data was stored or could be stored via a profile, this problem would not occur.
Several factors determine who will get an upgrade. One of those factors is the time when a passengers' name is added to the upgrade list at check in.
If the passenger cannot check in until he or she goes to the airport (because of an inoperative app and/or an old passport on file in the profile) the time stamp for that passenger will be nearly one day later than it would be if the passenger could check in without the passport issue.
Several factors determine who will get an upgrade. One of those factors is the time when a passengers' name is added to the upgrade list at check in.
If the passenger cannot check in until he or she goes to the airport (because of an inoperative app and/or an old passport on file in the profile) the time stamp for that passenger will be nearly one day later than it would be if the passenger could check in without the passport issue.
- A new passport
- An inoperative app
- An uncleared upgrade
- A status and fare class tie on the upgrade list
- A visa and reciprocity fee free destination
And even with stored PP data, there are so many other bugs that will block checkin (as I've experience repeatedly) with a stored PP that I can't see how it would be worth it to UA, and they apparently agree.
Correct. The online entire was entirely pointless since it did not allow checkin.
Mar 22, 2016, 1:55 pm
#97
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: College Station, Texas
Programs: UA GOld, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 114
Passport info no longer in profile?
I was booking some flights and wanted to be sure the passport information in the profile was up to date. Searched around... could not find where it was in the profile. Called the Gold line, was referred to the Internet support desk. After being put on hold for 10-15 minutes, person (whose first language was clearly not English) told me (I think) that its no longer in the profile. But you can still check in online (with a mobile phone only) and you scan your passport with your phone camera.
Does this sound right? Why would they take it out of the profile? They store your Global Entry number in there.
Does this sound right? Why would they take it out of the profile? They store your Global Entry number in there.
Mar 22, 2016, 1:59 pm
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
Because they were not using it for checkin anyway.
[Helpful info on consolidated thread edited by Moderator as moot after this separate thread was combined with the consolidated one.]
[Helpful info on consolidated thread edited by Moderator as moot after this separate thread was combined with the consolidated one.]
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Mar 22, 2016 at 2:41 pm Reason: See note above.
Mar 22, 2016, 2:43 pm
#99
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,695
I was booking some flights and wanted to be sure the passport information in the profile was up to date. Searched around... could not find where it was in the profile. Called the Gold line, was referred to the Internet support desk. After being put on hold for 10-15 minutes, person (whose first language was clearly not English) told me (I think) that its no longer in the profile. But you can still check in online (with a mobile phone only) and you scan your passport with your phone camera.
Does this sound right? Why would they take it out of the profile? They store your Global Entry number in there.
Does this sound right? Why would they take it out of the profile? They store your Global Entry number in there.
Mar 22, 2016, 8:42 pm
#101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
In the last couple months IAH-SCL didn't work, SCL-IAH did, FRA-IAH did not.
Mar 28, 2016, 5:55 am
#102
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1
Thanks so much for these instructions UA Insider. After being asked for a new passport info at check in online - finding NO where to put it, and being 'flagged' to manually check in to an international flight (meaning we now had to arrive an extra hour early and get stuck in the lines even though we have nexus, global crossings, tsa pre - you name it 
) - we called united - spent 40 min on the phone with them to no success the agent just kept repeating the same line of go to manual check in at the airport. the agent had NO idea where in the profile to update the passport (to at least Avoid this fiasco Next time we flew) finally we found this thread - and followed the instructions - voila -- check in complete thanks again - we really appreciate it
) - we called united - spent 40 min on the phone with them to no success the agent just kept repeating the same line of go to manual check in at the airport. the agent had NO idea where in the profile to update the passport (to at least Avoid this fiasco Next time we flew) finally we found this thread - and followed the instructions - voila -- check in complete thanks again - we really appreciate it
Apr 20, 2016, 12:08 pm
#103
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: continental united starwood hilton marriott
Posts: 339
TSA pre question
Have global entry and TSA pre, renewed my passport was able to fill out form for Global but with TSA can I bring new Passport to a United Ticket office or must I wait to I check in for a flight.
Is another alternative available?
Thanks
Is another alternative available?
Thanks
Apr 20, 2016, 12:40 pm
#104
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
I'm not sure I understand your question.
TSA Pre isn't tied to your passport, so renewing a passport and updating that information for Global Entry shouldn't have an impact on Precheck.
I just renewed my passport in January and have had no problems with Precheck since then.
Is that what you're asking?
TSA Pre isn't tied to your passport, so renewing a passport and updating that information for Global Entry shouldn't have an impact on Precheck.
I just renewed my passport in January and have had no problems with Precheck since then.
Is that what you're asking?
Apr 20, 2016, 12:42 pm
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,888
GOES allows you to update your passport (GE). UA used to slow you to update passport information on your profile, but apparently they don't anymore.
No need to stop into United office - hey probably wouldn't be able to do anything anyway. If you check into your next flight with the app, you'll be able to scan it and it takes a couple of minutes to verify. Or you can do it at a kiosk. Or with an agent.
Passport has nothing to do with Pre. TSA runs that - and it matches you by secure flight info and if you provide it, the known travelled number, which is the pass ID on the back of your GE card.