United Airlines Flight Change Policy

United Airlines’ flight change policy includes several key aspects:

• 1. Change Fees: United Airlines generally charges a change fee for altering a flight. However, as of recent updates, they have removed change fees for most domestic and international flights in certain fare classes. Basic Economy fares typically have stricter restrictions and may incur fees for changes.
  2. Fare Difference: If you change to a flight that has a higher fare than the original, you’ll need to pay the fare difference. If the new flight is less expensive, you might receive a travel credit for the difference.
  3. Basic Economy Fares: Changes are generally not allowed for Basic Economy tickets. If changes are permitted, they are subject to fees and fare differences.
  4. Same-Day Changes: United offers same-day flight changes for a fee, depending on availability and fare class. This option is available for certain fare types and is subject to specific conditions.
  5. 24-Hour Rule: United allows you to make changes or cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the flight is booked at least 7 days before departure.
  6. Travel Credits: If you cancel a flight or make a change and the new fare is lower, you will receive a travel credit. This credit is generally valid for up to one year from the original ticket purchase date.
  7. Online Changes: You can make changes to your flight via United Airlines’ website or mobile app.
  8. International Travel: The general change policy applies to international flights, but there may be additional rules or fees depending on the route and fare class.

  For the most accurate and detailed information, it’s a good idea to visit United Airlines’ official website or contact their customer service.

United Airlines Change Fee Waiver: How to Modify Your Flight Without a Fee

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Airlines has made permanent changes to its flight change policy. Change fees have been eliminated for most tickets, including Standard Economy (excluding Basic Economy), Economy Plus, United First, United Business, and United Premium Plus, for travel in the following areas:

• Within the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean
• On international flights originating in the U.S.

Important Tips:

• All United tickets, including Basic Economy, can be canceled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund.
• No change fees apply to domestic U.S. flights or international flights starting in the U.S., even for award tickets.
• This policy applies to all Economy (except Basic) and Premium cabin tickets, though any fare difference must be paid if the new ticket is more expensive.

Additional Tickets Exempt from Change Fees:

• Basic Economy tickets issued before April 30, 2021.
• Standard Economy and Premium cabin international tickets issued before January 31, 2022.

Basic Economy Cancellation for Credit:

• Basic Economy tickets can now be canceled for travel credit for a future flight. Fees for cancellation are:
  • $49.50 for one-way domestic flights, and $99 for round-trip domestic flights.
  • $99.50 for one-way international flights, and $199 for round-trip international flights.
• The travel credit will be the ticket price minus the cancellation fee, and it can be used for future travel. Most credits (including electronic travel certificates) expire one year after issuance, though those set to expire by December 31, 2022, have been extended to December 31, 2023.

Unlimited Changes:

• You can change your flight as many times as you wish, provided you pay any fare difference for each change. If you’re uncertain about your future travel date, you can opt for flight credit to use within one year from your original ticket’s issue date. If the new flight is less expensive, you may receive a future travel credit for the difference, depending on the fare rules.

Award Travel Changes:

• If you have an award ticket for Economy or Premium Economy, no change fees apply if your travel is within the U.S. or on international flights originating in the U.S. However, tickets booked through travel agencies must be changed through those agencies.

United Airlines 24-Hour Flight Change Policy

United Airlines’ 24-hour change policy allows you to change your flight within 24 hours of booking without paying a change fee, provided the booking was made at least 7 days prior to departure. This policy applies to all ticket types except Basic Economy.

United Airlines COVID-19 Policy

If your travel plans have been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for either a flight credit or a refund, depending on the situation. If your flight was canceled due to COVID-19, you need to fill out a Refund Form to request a refund. Refunds are typically processed within 7 business days for credit card payments and up to 20 business days for other forms of payment.

United Airlines Change Fees by Ticket Type

Basic Economy Tickets

United Airlines’ policy prohibits changes to Basic Economy tickets. However, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for free, and then purchase a new ticket. Alternatively, you can cancel the ticket for a travel credit, subject to a cancellation fee of $49.50 for one-way domestic flights and $99.50 for one-way international flights.

Non-Refundable Tickets

Non-refundable tickets can now be changed without a change fee. However, you will be required to pay any difference in fare if the new ticket is more expensive.

For same-day changes, United will charge:

• $75 for General and Silver-tier members.
• No fee for Gold, Platinum, or 1K members.

Refundable Tickets

No change fees apply to refundable tickets, but fare differences must be paid if applicable. If the new ticket is less expensive, the difference will either be refunded to your original payment method or converted into a future flight credit, depending on the fare rules of your ticket.

MileagePlus Award Tickets

Change fees for award tickets have been eliminated for:

• Flights changed at least 31 days before departure.
• Flights within the U.S. or international flights originating in the U.S. within 30 days of departure.

For international award travel not originating in the U.S. within 30 days of departure, change fees apply as follows:

• $125 for General members.
• $100 for Premier Silver members.
• $75 for Premier Gold members.
• $50 for Premier Platinum members.
• No fee for Premier 1K members.

Changing MileagePlus Award Tickets: You can modify MileagePlus award tickets online through the “Manage Reservations” section on United’s website.

COVID-19 Policy for All Tickets

All tickets issued by January 31, 2022, are eligible for a change fee waiver, including Basic Economy tickets. You can also cancel your ticket and receive a travel credit, which will be valid for one year from the ticket’s original issue date.

How to Change Your United Airlines Flight

You can modify your United Airlines flight online or by phone, as long as you purchased the ticket directly from United. To change your flight online:

1. Go to United.com.
2. Select “My Trips.”
3. Enter your confirmation number and last name to access your booking.
4. Select the itinerary you want to change and click “Change flight.”
5. Make changes to the date, time, or destination as needed.
6. Proceed with the booking to confirm your new flight. Note that while the change fee may be waived, any fare difference will apply.

Missed, Delayed, or Cancelled Flights

If your flight is delayed by an hour or more, or if you miss a connecting flight, United will automatically rebook you on the next available flight. You will be notified, and you can check in for the new flight via the app or website. Alternatively, you can:

• Choose a different flight through the United app or website.
• Use an airport kiosk to select a new flight.
• If no flight options are suitable, you can request a refund.

Travel Option Refunds

If you cancel a ticket, and the fare rules allow a refund, any unused portion of your Travel Options bundle (such as Economy Plus or Premier Access) will be automatically refunded.

Schedule Changes

If United Airlines adjusts your flight’s schedule (arrival, departure time, or frequency), you will be notified via email if you booked directly through United. If you booked through a third party, you will be informed by the travel agency or website. If the new schedule is inconvenient, you can request a refund or contact United for alternate arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my United Airlines flight within 24 hours of booking?
Yes, changes can be made within 24 hours of booking as long as the ticket was purchased at least 7 days before the scheduled departure. This applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy.

How many times can I change my United flight?
You can modify your flight as many times as needed, though you must pay any fare difference each time.

Can I change my flight to another destination?
Yes, but fare differences and change fees may apply, depending on your ticket type and destination.

If my new flight is cheaper, will I get a refund?
If allowed by your fare rules, you may receive a travel credit for the fare difference. Otherwise, the difference will be forfeited.

Are group bookings subject to change fees?
Yes, group bookings made through the United Group Desk are still subject to change fees.