United Airlines Flight Change Policy

Getting ready for a vacation can take up a lot of your time and energy. Is it easy to change or rearrange your plans if something unexpected comes up? You can definitely trust the United flight change policy.

Due to changes made during the coronavirus pandemic, the process of requesting a flight change has become much easier. The airline has eliminated or significantly reduced most fees for rescheduling flights.

This guide will provide information about flight changes, rescheduling policies, change fees, and other related topics.

Guidelines for Flight Change

If you purchased your ticket directly from United Airlines, their flight change policy is quite flexible. There are a few important things to think about:

• You can change your flight tickets within 24 hours of buying them without paying any extra fees.
• If your trip includes travel within the US and Canada, United will not charge a fee for changing your flight. The Basic Economy fare does not apply to this.
• If you have a Basic economy fare, you have the option to cancel it and exchange your flight for a travel credit. 
• Check Out United Airlines Cancellation Policy.
• The travel credit will expire after 1 year from the date it was issued. 
• You have the flexibility to modify your flight multiple times, but remember that each change requires paying the fare difference.
• If you’re unsure about your travel plans, you don’t need to immediately book a new flight. You have the option to select a flight credit that must be used within one year from the date your original ticket was issued.
• If the cost of your new flight is lower, you may receive a credit for the price difference in the form of a future flight voucher, as long as your ticket allows for it.
• If you’re traveling on an award ticket for an Economy or Premium Economy flight, you won’t have to pay any change fees. The flight needs to start in the United States.
• If you received travel credit for a flight booked through a travel agency, you must use the credit with that same travel agency.
• If you choose to take an earlier flight on the same day, you won’t have to pay a standby fee anymore.
• MileagePlus Premier members can change their flight to an earlier one at no cost.
• If you book a group flight through United Airlines’ Group Desk, you will still have to pay the change fees.

24 Hours Flight Change Policy

Passengers can make changes to their travel date, time, origin, or destination within 24 hours of purchasing their ticket. Here are some important points to consider:

• The flight needs to be operated by United Airlines.
• United Airlines will not charge a change fee. However, there may be a difference in fare. 
• With the exception of Basic Economy, all tickets are subject to this regulation.

Flight Change Fees

Here is an overview of the change flight fee for United Airlines, which applies to all ticket types and classes of service booked:

Methods to Change Flight with United Airlines

Passengers have the option to make changes to their United Airlines reservation either online or over the phone.

Online Method

Changing flights on both paid and award tickets is now almost identical. To access your UA account portal on united.com, simply log in and then click on the ‘Manage My trips‘ link in the menu.

• Enter the six-digit confirmation number and the last name of the traveler to get to your flight reservation.
• Choose the part of the flight you want to change.
• Choose to change your flight, and then:
  • Modify the time or date of your trip.
  • Please choose a different destination.
  • Please book a flight.
  • Please cancel one of the flight segments.
• To choose a different flight, click on the “Continue” button.
• Please proceed with your booking to confirm your updated travel plans.
• You will receive an email confirming the changes made to your flight.

Flight Schedule Change

The policy for schedule changes at United Airlines is clear, but it has some limitations. 

The airline releases the flight schedule 11 months ahead of time so that passengers have plenty of time to plan their travel. Once the airline releases the flight schedules, they make some changes to accommodate modifications. These changes might include some of the following:

• Flight arrival or departure times are being changed.
• The frequency of flights has changed.
• Routes are being either added or removed.
• The aircraft’s type is being changed.

Ticket Refund

When there is a schedule change, airlines will try their best to provide you with alternative options that cause the least disruption to your travel plans. If any of the following situations apply to you and the new flight options are not suitable, you can ask for a refund.

• The expected departure or arrival time has been changed significantly.
• If the airline cannot accommodate you in the same cabin as the one you booked, you will either get a full refund or the price difference in your ticket.

Reschedule Flight

If your flight’s schedule changes, you have the option to choose a different flight on either UA or Express airlines at no additional cost. Your flight needs to leave from the same location and within 24 hours of your original travel. To change your flight, simply locate it in the “My Trips” section and select a different one.

Same Day Flight Change

United Airlines has a very flexible same day change policy when it comes to airfare rules. Here are the most important details:

• The flight needs to be both operated and marketed by UA.
• The policy covers award tickets, but it does not cover basic economy fares or certain types of tickets like bulk, group, or consolidator tickets.
• You can request a same-day change starting 24 hours before you plan to leave. If you request a new flight within 24 hours, you can switch to a flight that departs either the day before or the day after your original flight.
• You can change the link, but the airports you’re flying from and to must remain the same.
• If you have checked bags, you can change flights on the same day. Just make sure to do it at least 60 minutes before your new flight’s departure time.

Fees for Same Day Flight Change

Non-elite travelers are required to pay a fee of 75 USD for making changes to their flight on the same day. Even if you have a lower-tier status like Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K, or Global Services, you can still make same-day modifications without paying extra. This is a valuable perk to have.

If your original fare class is not available, you will need to pay the fare difference.

FAQs

How does United Airlines change a flight within the same day?

As long as you got your ticket at least 7 days before your planned departure, the airline will let you change your flight within 24 hours of booking. This is true for all tickets, even the cheapest ones in Basic Economy. There would be no United change fees.

What are the fees for changing international flights with United Airlines?

The Airlines charges a fee of $200 per passenger for changing international flights that depart from the US. Passengers still need to pay the appropriate price difference. Under no circumstances will United apply a change fee waiver.

How can I change my flight on United Airlines?

According to United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy, passengers are allowed to change their flights. You can change the dates, time, starting point, and destination of your travel. A change fee will be charged in all situations.

Are there change fees for domestic and international Basic Economy tickets?

If you’re flying internationally from the US or between the US and Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Caribbean, there is a change fee of $200 per passenger. The cost for a Basic Economy fare within the US is $50 per passenger for each leg of the trip.