Flying can be stressful, but for most of us who want to visit Disney World, it’s necessary. So when we’re heading to Orlando International Airport, it all starts with figuring out how and what to pack and then arriving at the airport early enough to make it through security and wait for our plane.

Air travel

Of course, then there’s the additional stress that happens when flights get delayed (which happens often), and sometimes it doesn’t even make sense when flights are delayed because where you are, the weather is perfect, and nothing seems amiss. Well, United Airlines wants to make sure you’re more updated on how delays in OTHER parts of the U.S. can affect your flights.

According to CNBC, United Airlines is testing a new system that would send text messages to passengers not only alerting them of delays but also sharing live radar maps to show you why there are delays. So basically, you’d get a text with the map and can see where the weather could be affecting flights, which very well could be affecting your flight, too.

©Getty Images

This is United’s way of letting you know how ground stops at certain airports can delay planes from getting to YOUR airport (and we recently saw a ground stop at Orlando International Airport). Bad weather can also force other flights to depart later, as well as take different routes, which can also result in delays. Then, one delay leads to another one, which leads to another one, and the next thing you know, you’ve been waiting hours for your own flight.

Orlando International Airport

United is using generative artificial intelligence to send travelers links to live radar maps from FlightAware, as well as details about other things that can cause flight delays, like airport congestion and mechanical issues. So if you’re flying and suddenly start getting a bunch of text messages from United, you’ll know why. The new system is already being tested during this 4th of July weekend, which is predicted to be VERY busy. 

It’s going to be a busy travel weekend

So far this year, nearly 942,000 U.S. flights arrived to their destinations late, according to FlightAware. Many delays cannot be helped, but at least United is trying to give flyers more information about why they might be waiting on a delayed flight.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

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Do you think having this kind of information is useful when your flight is delayed? Let us know what you think in the comments!