United Airlines Pass Travel: Your Guide to Mobile App Access
Quick Summary
- eRES passrider portal is retired.
- United mobile app is now essential.
- MileagePlus account linkage required.
- Employee manages pass rider setup.
- Never share login credentials.
- Adhere to updated dress code.
The way United Airlines employees, retirees, and their eligible pass riders manage non-revenue travel has recently evolved. As of July 31, 2025, the dedicated employeeRES (eRES) pass rider access website has been fully retired. This change means pass riders and dependents no longer use a separate web portal for booking and managing their trips.
Instead, all pass travel activities for eligible pass riders now primarily take place through the official United mobile app. This digital shift aims to streamline the process, requiring pass riders to link their MileagePlus accounts to their pass travel profile. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about navigating these updates, ensuring a smooth experience for accessing United pass travel benefits.
- 📋 Preparing for United Pass Travel with the Mobile App
- 📍 Accessing Your United Pass Benefits on the Mobile App
- ⭐ Managing Your Standby Travel and Discounts through United
- ⚠️ Resolving Access Challenges for United Pass Riders
- 🔒 Maintaining Secure Access to Your United Travel Privileges
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Common Questions About United Pass Travel Changes
Preparing for United Pass Travel with the Mobile App
- A valid MileagePlus account for each pass rider. This account must be linked by the sponsoring United employee or retiree through the internal Flying Together portal.
- The official United mobile app installed on a smartphone or tablet. This app is the primary tool for pass riders to book and manage their non-revenue travel.
- Sufficient travel benefits allocated by the sponsoring United employee or retiree. The employee is responsible for setting up and managing pass rider eligibility.
- A clear understanding of United's pass travel policies, including applicable dress codes and conduct expectations for standby travel.
Accessing Your United Pass Benefits on the Mobile App
- Step 1: Employee Links MileagePlus Account - The sponsoring United employee or retiree must first log into the Flying Together portal. From there, they will link the pass rider's MileagePlus account to their pass travel profile. This critical step enables the pass rider to access benefits via the mobile app.
- Step 2: Download the United Mobile App - Pass riders should download and install the official United mobile app on their personal device from their device's app store.
- Step 3: Sign In with MileagePlus Credentials - Open the United mobile app and sign in using the MileagePlus number and password associated with the linked account. Ensure your device is registered for two-step verification if prompted.
- Step 4: Access Pass Travel Options - Once successfully logged in, look for specific options within the app related to booking non-revenue (standby) travel or accessing United employee discounts. These options become visible after your MileagePlus account is properly linked to your pass rider profile.
- Step 5: Book and Manage Travel - Follow the on-screen prompts within the app to search for flights, list for standby, or purchase discounted tickets. The app allows for managing existing pass travel bookings.
Managing Your Standby Travel and Discounts through United
- Direct Non-Revenue Travel Bookings: Eligible pass riders can directly list for standby flights via the United mobile app after their MileagePlus account is linked by a sponsoring employee.
- Access to United Discounts: The mobile app provides access to specific United discounts available to pass riders.
- Travel Management on the Go: Users can manage their existing pass travel bookings, including reviewing flight details and making changes directly within the app.
- MileagePlus Account Integration: Seamlessly connects your pass travel benefits with your existing MileagePlus loyalty program account, allowing for a unified travel experience.
- Access to Flight Information: While not exclusively for pass riders, the app provides essential flight status updates, schedules, and gate information crucial for standby travel.
Resolving Access Challenges for United Pass Riders
⚠️ Unable to log in to the United app as a pass rider.
Cause: The pass rider's MileagePlus account may not be correctly linked by the sponsoring employee, or there's an issue with the MileagePlus credentials. The old eRES pass rider website is also no longer active.
Solution: First, confirm with your sponsoring United employee that they have successfully linked your MileagePlus account to your pass rider profile through the Flying Together portal. If linked, try resetting your MileagePlus password via united.com or the app. If issues persist, the employee may need to verify your setup in Flying Together.
⚠️ Forgot MileagePlus password or username.
Cause: Loss of login credentials for your personal MileagePlus account.
Solution: Visit united.com and use the 'Need help signing in?' link to reset your password or retrieve your MileagePlus number. You will typically receive a one-time passcode (OTP) via your verified email or phone for verification.
⚠️ Pass travel options not appearing in the United app.
Cause: The MileagePlus account might not be fully recognized as an eligible pass rider account, or the app might need a refresh.
Solution: Ensure your MileagePlus account is correctly linked by the sponsoring employee. Try logging out of the United app and logging back in. Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can resolve display issues.
⚠️ Account lockout from too many failed login attempts.
Cause: Repeated incorrect password entries for your MileagePlus account.
Solution: If locked out, you can often use a link sent to your verified email or follow the password reset process on united.com to regain access.
Maintaining Secure Access to Your United Travel Privileges
- 🔒 Never Share Credentials: Do not share your Flying Together or MileagePlus login information with anyone. Sharing credentials violates United's I.T. security policy and could lead to the loss of pass travel privileges.
- 🔒 Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords for your MileagePlus account that combine letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing them across different services.
- 🔒 Enable Two-Step Verification: Leverage two-step verification for your MileagePlus account for an added layer of security. This requires a one-time passcode (OTP) in addition to your password.
- 🔒 Regularly Review Account Activity: Periodically check your MileagePlus account for any unauthorized activity. Report suspicious activity to United immediately.
- 🔒 Keep Software Updated: Ensure your United mobile app and device operating system are always up to date to benefit from the latest security patches.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For MileagePlus account questions or program details, contact the MileagePlus Service Center at 1-800-421-4655 (available daily from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. CT).
For Flying Together password resets (for employees), call the Digital Technology Service Desk at 1-800-255-5801. Note that this number is not for pass travel specific questions.
General travel questions can often be addressed by chatting with United's team through their official website or app.
Common Questions About United Pass Travel Changes
Q: What happened to the eRES pass rider website?
The dedicated employeeRES (eRES) pass rider access website was fully retired on July 31, 2025. Pass riders and dependents now primarily use the United mobile app for booking and managing their non-revenue travel.
Q: How do pass riders book flights after the eRES portal closure?
Pass riders now book and manage their travel through the official United mobile app. They need a linked MileagePlus account, which the sponsoring United employee or retiree must set up through the Flying Together portal.
Q: Do I need a MileagePlus account to use the United app for pass travel?
Yes, every eligible pass rider must have their own MileagePlus account, which needs to be linked by the sponsoring United employee or retiree to their pass travel profile. This linkage is essential for accessing travel benefits through the United mobile app.
Q: Can my sponsoring employee book flights for me if I don't use the app?
Yes, if a pass rider prefers not to use the United mobile app or create a MileagePlus account, the sponsoring employee or retiree will be solely responsible for handling all bookings, changes, and cancellations on their behalf.
Q: What is the dress code for United pass riders?
Pass riders are expected to be well-groomed, neat, clean, and dressed in good taste, respectful of other passengers. Denim is generally acceptable, but attire such as sleepwear, swim attire, excessively revealing clothing, or items with derogatory graphics are not permitted.
Wrap Up
The transition from the traditional eRES pass rider website to the United mobile app represents a significant update in how pass travel is managed. By ensuring your MileagePlus account is linked and utilizing the United mobile app, you can efficiently access and manage your travel benefits. Remember that adhering to United's security policies and dress code guidelines is paramount for a seamless pass travel experience. For any specific queries regarding your pass benefits, always consult with your sponsoring United employee or retiree, or refer to the resources available on Flying Together.