United Airlines has become the first U.S. airline to offer air travelers an Amazon Alexa skill.
The Chicago-based carrier announced Tuesday that passengers can now check their flight status, review flight amenities and check themselves in using an Alexa-enabled device.
Amazon Echo and Echo Dot users can simply add the United skill to their Alexa app to begin putting the hands-free technology to work.
Users can check on a flight status by number simply by saying "Alexa, ask United: what is the status of flight 959?" Plus, passengers are able to find out which amenities will be on their flight with the new United skill. Customers can ask about Wi-Fi, power outlets, entertainment, movies and drinks.
Travelers can connect their MileagePlus accounts with Alexa to allow themselves to check in for upcoming U.S. domestic flights. The check-in feature is not yet available for international flights.
Users will link their account by clicking the "Enable" button on the United skill and signing in to their MileagePlus account to grant access.
"Introducing the new skill to check in and receive flight information with Alexa is an innovation that gives our customers extra time to prep for a business meeting, play with their children or relax as they get ready for their upcoming flight," United's vice president of digital products and analytics, Praveen Sharma, said in a statement.
[READMORE]READ MORE: United Announces Changes to MileagePlus Program[/READMORE]
United's Alexa integration comes on the heels of similar rollouts from other travel industries, including the car rental and hotel sectors.
Avis Car Rental customers can currently book and manage car rental reservations through Amazon Alexa supported devices while several marquee hotels and resorts have begun offering Echo and Echo Dots in guestrooms.
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