Guide to United Airlines Change Flight Policy & Fee

Travel plans may be subject to unexpected change based on different factors like personal emergencies, schedule, or restrictions of travel. Under these circumstances, knowing the policy that United Airlines uses when changing flights and its fees becomes very important to the passengers. This guide will serve to give a detailed overview of the policies used by the airline to ensure that travelers have an easy time when trying to modify their flights. It may be a mere date change or a more complicated itinerary change, you will be prepared with all the information that you need to make informed decisions in this blog.

What is United Airlines Change Flight Policy?

United Airlines allows the majority of passengers to switch flights without the customary change fees on various fares, although fare differences are charged. Basic Economy is usually not changeable. Depending on the fare type and route, change rules, fees, and eligibility for United change flight vary considerably. There are special conditions of some same-day and award changes.

1. No change fee on most tickets: United has removed standard change fees on most tickets paid (standard Economy, Premium Plus, Business/First) on U.S.-U.S. flights, flights between the U.S. and Mexico/Caribbean and international flights whose origin is U.S.
2. Fare difference is applicable: You are allowed to pay the difference even when there are no change fees provided the new flight is more expensive. In case of the cheaper new fare, you might be given a travel credit or refund based on the ticket regulations.
3. Basic Economy limitations: Basic Economy tickets cannot be refunded or changed, with the exception of cancelation and rebooking, or Basic Economy tickets can be upgraded to a higher fare to qualify as changeable.
4. Flexibility with award tickets: Award flights (miles/points) can be modified free of charge, particularly when flying in the U.S., but partner and international policies may vary.
5. Risk-free 24 hours: You can amend or cancel any ticket with 24 hours of purchase and get a full refund as long as you have booked at least 7 days prior to departure (whichever manner of fare you have booked)
6. Change options: You can make changes online through United.com, United mobile app or through contacting United or your travel agent.

United Airlines Rules and Requirements for Flight Ticket Changes

United Airlines allows flight changes under specific rules and requirements based on your fare class. Change fees are subject to passengers depending on the type of fare, the terms of the ticket and the day of travel. It is important to revise the airline policy in terms of cancellations, exchanges and possible change of fare so as to have a hassle free process.

Basic Economy

• No flight changes: Standby is free for Basic Economy, whereas Confirmed Same-Day Change is usually blocked, and you have to cancel and purchase a new one or upgrade to a higher fare to do so.
• 24-hour cancellation: May be refunded in full within the 24 hours of booking.
• Reschedule or cancellations beyond this window can be subject to travel credit and not a refund.

If you find that your Basic Economy ticket is too restrictive for your needs, you might consider canceling within the 24-hour window. For more details on getting your money back, check our Cancellation Policy page.

Standard Economy (Non-Refundable & Refundable)

• Change fee is waived: It is included with most regular economy fares and permits changing the ticket on itineraries originating in the U.S. (no United change fee).
• Fare difference: You must pay such difference in price in case of the new flight being costly.
• Refundable option: When your ticket is refundable then you can get a full refund instead of travel credit.

Also Read: Does United Airlines Offer Senior Discounts?

Economy Flexible / Premium Plus

• Flexible changes: These fares are wide in their flexibility to change with no change fee and in most cases lesser changes in fares.
• Same-day changes preference: More priority and simplicity of same-day availability.

Business & First Class

• Most flexible: There are unlimited free changes with no fees imposed by United on flights of U.S. origin.
• Premium service: Generally has free same-day confirmed changes based on seat availability.

Award Tickets (MileagePlus)

• No change fee: like on paid fares when starting in the U.S.; miles can be recalculated to show new routing.
• Partner/international variances: There can be different regulations regarding partner airlines or non-U.S. departure flights - it is always necessary to verify the details on a particular ticket.

Does United Have a 24-hour Flight Change Policy?

Yes, United Airlines has 24 hour policy of changing flights. Provided you switch your flight 24 hours after booking and you do at least 7 days before your flight, you are not charged any United change fee, and only pay a fare difference (the new flight is more expensive). This is true of the vast majority of types of tickets except those in the Basic Economy category, which might not be refundable. The 24-hour window provides a risk-free chance of making alterations to plans shortly after purchasing.

What is United Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy?

United Airlines allows you to change a flight on the same day of your initial flight, and it depends on the availability of the seat, fare classes, and route policies. There is also the option of being on a standby list in case no seats are available in confirmation.

Same Day Change of Flights Policy:

1. Eligibility: You may ask an United same day change not more than 24 hours before your scheduled departure to the next flight on the same calendar day and with the same origin and destination.
2. Seat Availability: Amendments will be made based on the availability of seats that belong to same fare category or cabin otherwise you stand the chance of being assigned as standby.
3. Basic Economy: Basic Economy tickets are usually non-adjustable to confirmed same-day changes but may be placed on standby (with availability, and priority).
4. Standby Option: Standby is free and you wait to get on an earlier flight; a confirmed same-day change is subject to a fee or difference in fare except when waived by an equivalent non-refundable fare or status.
5. How to Request: You may request same-day changes in the United app, on the Internet, at airport kiosk or at a United counter. 

Fee for Same Day Flight Change

United same-day flight change fee has an average of about 75 dollars to most passengers in case they desire a confirmed same-day flight change to another flight in the same line of travel. This charge can be waived in case you are a MileagePlus Premier status member (Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K, Global Services) based on your elite status, they usually charge none when doing a same-day change. You also have to pay the difference in the fare in case your new flight is more expensive than your initial ticket. Notably, it is commonplace that standby lists, whereby you are waiting to get an empty seat on a preceding flight, are free to all passengers.

What is United Airlines Same-Day Standby Policy and Fees?

United Airlines has same-day standby policy that allows you to place yourself on a free standing list of either an earlier flight or a later flight in the same day in case the flight that you want is not available or you did not want to book a confirmed change but you were willing to be on a standby flight.

Same-Day Standby Policy & Fees:

• What it is: Standby means your name is placed on a waiting list on one of the same flights during the same calendar day with no seat reservation; you maintain your initial reservation unless you are cleared off the standby list.
• Fee: Standby is complimentary to all passengers (no standby fee).
• Eligibility: You can be put on standby earlier or later flights that leave the same day out of the same origin-destination; that applies to the majority of tickets, even Basic Economy.
• Priority: Standby priority is normally determined by elite status, fare class and check-in time.
• Joining: Join via the United app, United site, kiosk in the airport, or by the gate agent after check in. 

How to Change United Airlines Flight Booking Easily

United Airlines has various easy methods of adjusting your flight booking, which are based on your choice and circumstance. It is possible to change your itinerary online, in the mobile app or at the airport. All the approaches are simple, safe, and time-saving.

Method 1 - United Airlines Offers Online Flight Changes

1. Go to the official webpage of the United Airlines and select the section My trips or Manage bookings.
2. Input your reservation number and your surname in order to access your reservation.
3. Choose the flight to be changed and click change flight.
4. Check out the available alternative flights on your route and date of travel.
5. Compare fares and examine any difference in fare or condition.
6. Check in your new flight and make payment where necessary.
7. Get a revised e-ticket and e-confirmation email immediately.

This is a perfect way of traveling because it gives a full amount of control and flexibility without necessarily contacting the customer service.

Method 2 - Use the United Airlines Mobile App to Change Your Flight

1. Install and open the United airline application on your phone.
2. Log in to your MileagePlus account or log in to view trip details with trip details.
3. Select the booking that you want to change and tap Change flight.
4. See the same-day or future flights that can be added to your itinerary.
5. Choose any flight of your choice and compare fares or upgrade.
6. Verify the change and make any extra payment within the app.
7. Check your new boarding pass and itinerary in the app itself.

The mobile application is ideal in fast changes particularly when traveling or on the move. 

The United app makes it easy to change flights and even select your new seat on the go. To see which seats are worth the extra fee on your new flight, visit our Seat Selection guide.

Method 3 - Change Your Flight at the Airport

1. Get to the airport at an early time and go to the United Airlines check-in desk or self-service kiosk.
2. Send your booking reference and a valid government-issued ID.
3. Ask a United representative or screen kiosk to change flight.
4. Check out through the available flights on the same date or on a later date based on availability.
5. Make any necessary difference in fare or same-day change fee.
6. Get a print or electronic booking confirmation of your new flight.

This is a better alternative in case of the last-minute adjustments, missed contact, or when connected to the Internet.

How Much is the United Change Flight Fee?

United Airlines has also significantly done away with the cost of traditional change fees on most types of tickets of flights that originate in the U.S. You do not normally pay a predetermined United flight change fee because you only pay a difference in fares in case the new flight is more expensive. Fee exemptions such as Basic Economy and certain international flights still might.

United Change Flight Fee (in USD)

Note: Although there is no change fee, you have to pay any difference in fares in case of an increase in the cost of the new flight.

United Airlines Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Flight Changes

During change, reservation, or cancellation, United Airlines applies different treatment to refundable and non-refundable tickets. Refundable fares provide the cash back to your original payment method at fewer restrictions, and non-refundable fares usually provide travel credits and may include more restrictions, although change fees on most itineraries in the U.S. have been waived.

Note: The 24-hour flexible booking of United is available in both types when directly booked and the travel is more than 7 days away.

Travelers with families often prefer refundable tickets for the ultimate flexibility. If you're traveling with little ones, don't forget to review United's Infant Policy before finalizing your new itinerary.

United Airlines Basic Economy Flight Change Policy

The most limited fare offered by United Airlines is its Basic Economy. Once the risk-free cancellation period is over (after 24 hours), Basic Economy fares are usually not allowed to be rescheduled, rescheduled to new times or new routes, or to any special schedules, except in a few exceptions such as changes by the airline schedule or special waivers.

Basic Economy Flight Change Policy: 

• No voluntary changes: Basic Economy is not changeable once bought. You do not usually have the option to change your flight date, time or routing.
• 24-hour rule: You may cancel or amend within 24 hours of reservation (when booking made at least 2 days prior to departure) with a full refund, and rebook; thereafter, no amendments.
• Exceptions: In case of the cancellation of your flight by United or any major change in schedule, you can be rebooked or refunded without penalty.
• Exception to the elite: In exceptional circumstances or when there are special waivers, the agents are allowed to be flexible, but not all the time.

Conclusion 

United's Fare-Specific Change Rules offers flexible flight changes on most types of tickets, which enable customers to change their flights without regular charges, but changes in fares may occur. The lower fare classes are usually not flexible in changing and the higher fares have a broader range of benefits. The 24-hour risk-free time gives passengers the ease of making changes to plans once booked and changes may be made on the same day under certain conditions. The knowledge of these policies can assist travelers in negotiating their options well and prevent surprises related to charges.