You have permanently got rid of flight change fees as United Airlines has waived the fees for most Economy and premium tickets, but the fare difference may still apply if the new flight is more expensive.
Life does not always go according to plan, nor do our travel plans. Sometimes, the date stamped on our flight ticket also does not align with our tweaked travel plan, leaving you in a state of stupor. If you are flying United, you always have an edge, as you can make adjustments to your itinerary anytime and choose another flight that aligns perfectly with your changed schedule. Whether you need a last-minute reschedule of a United flight or you have decided to change your flight way before departure date, United Airlines has your back.
This guide is designed to help you adapt to changes in your travel plans when flying with United Airlines, as well as share a brief account of one of our travelers’ experiences.
Key Takeaways of United Airlines Flight Change Policy
In the United Airlines flight change policy, you will get a solution to every problem that arises due to your travel plan change, whether within 24 hours of the booking or on the same day of the flight. So, you must have a glance at the United flight change policy that streamlines the ways to change your flight’s date, time, or destination before changing flights with United Airlines.
- The foremost takeaway of United Airlines flight change policy is that it has waived the flight change fees on most fares, including Standard Economy, which is different from Basic Economy, for US domestic and nearby flights. That’s huge, because when it comes to changing flights, the stress also starts piling up around us due to the charges.
- You must keep it clear that United waived only the change fees, not the fare difference. If you choose a more expensive flight than your original flight, you will need to cover the fare difference.
- United Basic Economy is an exception, as you can neither change nor cancel your flight once the flexible 24-hour period is over.
- On the same day, United Airlines allows you to change your flight, but only when your route remains the same, and seats on another flight are available.
What If You Purchased A United Basic Economy Fare?
This is the number one source of confusion. United Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable. United doesn’t allow date or flight changes on Basic Economy. If your plans shift, you can’t just edit your itinerary. You’ll need to cancel the original ticket first and then book a new one. Please note that once the 24-hour grace period passes, your Basic Economy ticket usually returns only part of the fare as a travel credit.
Learn more: How Can I Change Name on United Airlines Ticket?
How Can You Change Your United Airlines Flight?
Changing a flight on United Airlines is much simpler than you think, especially when you do it online. However, you also have offline methods, including at the airport and via call, that are best for an in-person experience. Here are the steps for a hassle-free flight change.
Online (Website or App)
- Go to United’s app or website and head to the My Trips section.
- Find your reservation by entering your confirmation number and last name.
- Choose the flight you want to change and click the Change Flight button.
- You’ll see a list of available flights on that day (or nearby days, depending on United’s system) along with the exact fare difference. Select the one that works for you.
- If the fare difference is applied, you will proceed to the payment page. Once you complete the payment step, you will receive a new confirmation email with a new ticket number.
At the Airport
When you need last-minute or same-day changes, visiting the check-in counter or using a self-service kiosk at the airport turns out to be the most effective way to get on an alternative flight. Before requesting a flight change to United’s agent at the check-in counter, you must check all your documents and tickets. If a seat is available on a different flight, the agent can reserve it for you once you clear the incurred flight change fee or applicable fare difference. After you successfully change your United flight, you will receive a confirmation and welcome email from the airline.
Via Call
To make changes to your United flight reservation, you can also directly call the airline’s helpline number. After you dial United’s customer support helpline, you will first go through some interactive voice response options. Listen to them carefully and select the right option to talk to a real customer executive of United Airlines. Once a United representative is connected with you, tell them you want to change your flight. The agent will share all the available options with you. If you agree with any of the alternative flight options, the agent will further make changes to your reservation and share updated itinerary details with you through email.
How A Traveler Quickly Changed Their United Airlines Ticket: Real Experience
One of our travelers, known as Mark, had booked a United flight from Los Angeles to Chicago for a long weekend. A week before departure, his boss asked him to present at a conference on the very day he was supposed to leave. Mark just called us at +1 (800) 419-9920, and our agent searched other United flight options that were nothing super early, but a few alternatives that made sense.
He chose the one that matched his rescheduled plan. Then, the agent informed him of the fare difference (since the new flight was a little more expensive). He paid for it, and in less than 10 minutes, he had a new ticket. No hassle, no waiting on hold. And best of all, he didn’t pay a separate change fee, just covered the fare difference. The flexibility that comes with United Airlines flights felt really good, especially when he was stressed about the presentation.
How Does United Airlines Charge Flight Change Fees and Fare Difference?
Although there is no fixed amount for the cost to change flight United flight, it largely depends on what type of fare you purchased and the route of your flight. Since United Airlines has made it completely free to change flights on US domestic and short nearby routes with most fares except Basic Economy, you usually don’t incur any extra fee. As United Airlines waived only the change flight fee, the fare difference is still applicable if you choose a more expensive flight than your original flight, which is likely to happen.
Now you must be wondering if the new flight is cheaper than your original flight. Would the remaining amount be refunded by United Airlines? Definitely not, you do not get a refund when you switch to a cheaper flight on United, but you do get travel credits for the remaining purse.
A United change flight fee may be applicable if you make major changes or seek another flight with a Basic Economy or non-refundable fare. So, you must check the fare rules before purchasing it.
What If You Booked a United Flight With MileagePlus Miles?
You can leverage your United MileagePlus miles to pay the fare difference if you have booked your original flight with miles and the new flight is more expensive, as the United flight change rules remain the same as those of cash bookings. If your new flight is cheaper than your original flight, United Airlines will credit miles to your MileagePlus account for the fare difference.
Tips For Easy Flight Change on United Airlines
Our insider tips can save you from making common mistakes and avoid incurring extra charges while changing your United flight. Take a look at the tips:
- Always know your fare rules, as your initial decision of purchasing a cheap United Basic Economy fare can end up incurring extra fees or cancellation charges if you need a flight change later.
- If you just need to alter the time or date of your United flight, using the United app instead of the website is smoother and faster.
- Even though United flight change fees have gone, the fare difference can sometimes be big, depending on how far or when you want to change your United flight.
- For flights booked through a third-party or an agency, you can not approach United Airlines for flight changes. You must contact the original source where you booked the flight.
- Relying on a United Airlines change flight same day can leave you empty-handed due to limited seat availability, so try to make changes in advance.
Final Words
If you know the United Airlines change flight policy and fare difference, the process of changing a flight becomes so easy for you, whether you need a last-minute change or to make a change in advance. So whenever your plan shifts on the same day or you just decide to tweak travel plans in advance, don’t panic, United usually does not charge a fee and gives multiple options to do it.
FAQ’s
Can I change my United flight?
Yes, you can change your United flight to fly on another flight, unless you have purchased a Basic Economy fare that becomes non-changeable after the 24-hour flexible period.
Can United Airlines change my flight?
Yes, it is possible that United Airlines changes your flight for various reasons, like a technical issue, bad weather conditions, or any other emergency.
Are United flights changeable?
Yes, United flights are changeable either when you purchase a refundable fare or when you change your flight within 24 hours of the booking with any fare except Basic Economy.
Can I change my flight date on United Airlines?
Yes, you can also change the flight date of your United Airlines flight in the same way you change the flight.
Can you change a United flight booked with miles?
Yes, you can change a United flight booked with miles, but you may also need to pay the fare difference with miles if you choose a more expensive flight.
Can I change a flight I already booked with United?
Yes, you can usually change an already booked United flight, but if you selected Basic Economy during initial booking, you won’t be able to do it after the first 24 hours of the booking.
Can you change your flight on United for free?
Yes, you can change your United flight without an additional cost because United Airlines has waived the change flight fee for most fares except Basic Economy, which can also be changed within 24 hours of the booking.
Can I reschedule my flight with United?
Yes, you can reschedule your flight with United by simply modifying your reservation online via Manage My Booking or at the airport.
Does United do same day flight change?
Yes, United allows same day flight change, but availability of seats on another flight for the same route is compulsory.
How late can I change my flight with United?
You can change your United flight up to the check-in deadline or a late departure time.
Can I change my United flight without penalty?
Yes, you can easily change your United flight and avoid extra charges as well, if you request a change within 24 hours of the booking or have a non-Basic Economy fare, as the United flight change fee is waived for almost all fares.
Is there any way to change a basic economy flight in United?
Yes, you can change a United Basic Economy flight within 24 hours of the booking. If you are within this flexible window, you can receive a full refund by canceling it and booking a new flight without any additional charge, but you may see the fare difference between your original and new flights.
Are United flights refundable if booked with miles?
Yes, United flights booked with miles are usually refundable, and the refund amount transfers to the passenger’s MileagePlus account.
How much does it cost to change the United award ticket?
No cost applies to changing a United award ticket if you are making changes only to the date, but if you change a United award ticket’s fare class or route, a fee will be applicable, and it varies depending on the ticket rules.
