From the ground to the sky, the travel experience with United Airlines is ramping up with major upgrades to the check-in lobby and its aircraft.  With state-of-the-art technology at their fingertips, passengers flying with United are seen getting a streamlined check-in experience at its Guam hub. 

The major airline rolled out the new kiosks as part of the upgraded lobby at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport.  The kiosks are 55% faster than its old technology, according to United’s managing director of airport operations in Asia-Pacific Sam Shinohara, who spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. 

"If you want to upgrade your economy seat to a United Polaris seat, you can do it at this kiosk. If you packed too much frozen empanada that you’re taking to your friends and family in the Bay Area and you need an extra bag, you can take care of that at this kiosk," he demonstrated. "So there’s nothing you can’t do."

"As travelers, one of my greatest fears is losing my luggage. One of my greatest fears is missing my flight," said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. And as she put it, the advanced technology aims to give travelers more confidence by lessening congested lines. "I have not used this one, but I have used some similar to this and really, it is very, very fast."

As part the investment in customer service, the airline is also replacing its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet with Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.  The first plane is expected to arrive in February 2026. It comes with not just elevated in-flight experience but medivac transport capabilities. 

Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio calls the major airline a lifeline, saying, "I saw that these planes are being outfitted so our patients can fly safely with families to get that medical care. As we continue to focus on improving healthcare on Guam, we also know that our patients need specialty care. You have provided that lifeline."

It's a lifeline for the economy, too, as the Guam hub continues to connect Asia-Pacific and serve as a gateway to the United States. Guam Visitors Bureau chairman George Chiu said, "Without United, there will be no tourism recovery."

And the governor added, "Thank you for United Airlines’ over 55 years presence in Guam and Micronesia. As a result of that, people are able to travel freely, visit their relatives, do business and improve  our economy because of transportation."