United Airlines Change Flight Policy And Fees 2024

Table of Content

United Airlines knows that plans can change anytime, and they strive to give flexibility and convenience to their travelers. With the commencement of United Airlines change flight policy, travelers have the option to change their travel plans under certain situations. Whether you need to make changes to your itinerary because of unforeseen situations or simply wish to make the changes to better suit your preferences. We will explore the policy in detail to know the eligibility criteria, fees, and procedure to assist you in navigating the process seamlessly and making informed and better decisions related to modifying flight reservations. 

United Airlines change rules

United Change Flight Policy: Everything Decoded

There is a flexible United change flight policy that can let you make changes to existing flights. You can easily change the details of your flight under certain terms and conditions:

  • There is total flexibility with United Airlines change flight options in response to travel plan changes which allows travelers to change or even cancel their flights with no additional United change fees for a limited time. There are specific terms of this policy that vary depending on the booking date and the type of fare.
  • Travelers who buy Basic Economy fares get limited flexibility when it comes to changing their flight under the United flight change policy. Generally, you cannot change Basic Economy tickets, if it is there then there are additional United change fees associated with it or even the fare differences between the changed and older booking.
  • Under United flight change policy, passengers with Standard Economy fares and premium cabins including Economy Plus, First Class or Business generally are more flexible when it comes to modifying the booking. Changes to these tickets may be allowed with no United change fees, but there can be fare differences.
  • When you change flight with United Airlines there are applicable United change fees or fare differences that you need to pay. This depends on factors such as fare type, time left till the departure date, and the specific terms and conditions related to the ticket purchased.
  • If you are making the changes within 24 hours then there is no change fee, however, there are certain restrictions to it depending on the fare type and other restrictions.
  • Travelers can access United Airlines change flight options through the website or app, or by calling United Airlines customer service. Changes can typically be made up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time or customer support desk.
  • United has implemented additional flexibility for travelers affected by COVID-19 or any other ailment related to the disruptions of travel. This consists of waiving change fees, refund requests, or offering alternative options for traveling. Travelers are encouraged to check the official website of United Airlines for the latest information on COVID-19 or any other ailment-related procedures and policies.

It is better to check the specific terms and conditions of the booked ticket and United Airlines website or call customer service for recent information regarding the policies of United Change Flight and the fees related to it. Policies can vary based on factors such as the fare type, date of booking, and the reason for the change.

United Change Fees: How to Spend Money Wisely with Changing

  • No United Change Fees: There are many United flights where there is an elimination of change fees for various flights within the U.S., along with award travel. This policy applies to all fare types except basic economy tickets.
  • United Same Day Change: United charges a lower fee of $75 for United same day change. However, this fee may be waived for travelers with sufficient status.
  • United Change Fees: Basic Economy fares are subject to a change fee under certain exceptions as these are quite rigid to change. Additionally, flights to/from certain worldwide destinations may also have United change fees.

United Airlines Change Flight: How to do it 

United Airlines offers the changing options at ease and with utter flexibility. Here's everything on how to change flight with United Airlines:

United Change Flight with Website

You can change flight with United Airlines by navigating the official website and accessing your reservation details with the help of the My Trips or Manage Booking option. After logging in, you can see your reservation details and itinerary from there. Now choose the option to change your flight. Follow the instructions to find the alternative options of flights or make changes to the personal details of the passengers. Please note that changes may be subject to fees or fare differences.

United Airlines Change Flight via Mobile App

You can access United Airlines' change flight option with the help of the United’s App. With the help of the app, you can manage the reservations easily in one go. You can use the app to change your flight, search for alternative options, and update your itinerary. Just log in to the MileagePlus account on the app to see and access the booked flight. 

United Change Flight through Contact 

If you are not able to proceed with a United change flight online you can call customer service to get help from United Airlines representatives. After contacting customer service you can request a change to the booked flight. The customer service representative will guide you through the process of changing flights after getting your reservation details through your booking ID and last name. Be ready to provide your booking information and any specific preferences or requirements involved in the process.

Airport Assistance to Change Flight with United Airlines

  • If you are at the airport you can visit the ticket counter of the airport or customer service desk for help with the flight change process. A representative will help you explore available options and make the necessary changes to your booking. You will receive the confirmation after locking the changes and making payment.

Keep in mind that you need to pay United change fees while changing your flight along with the fare differences. The availability of the change flight option depends on the fare type, time left on the departure date, and the terms and conditions related to the ticket. It is better to review United Airlines flight change policy and any applicable fees before moving ahead with the changes to your reservation.

United Same Day Change Policy and How to Do It

United Airlines provides the same day change option earlier or later of the departure time on the same day. 

Policy and Restrictions under United Same Day Change

  • Eligibility: United same day change can be done when the changing flight option that you wish is available and you are eligible for it. Travelers need to hold the eligible tickets and the itineraries to go for the same day changes. 
  • Timing: You should make a United same day change request before the departure time of the original flight. If the departure time passes you cannot make the changes. 
  • Fees: United change fees apply for same day change based on the factors such as type of fares, MileagePlus status, and the alternative flights’ availability. 
  • Seat Availability: United same day Change depends on the seat availability of the desired alternative flight. If there is no seat available on the flight you desired, the change request may not proceed.
  • Basic Economy: Travelers who hold Basic Economy tickets are usually not eligible for United same day change. Additional restrictions may apply to other fare types.
  • Airport Check-In: If you checked in for your original flight, you will have to check in again for other flights after the same day change confirmation. 

It is better to check the specified terms and conditions for United same day change options, as it includes fees, fare types and other restrictions, before requesting a change. The official website of United Airlines and customer service representatives can provide additional information and assistance regarding the Same-Day Change policy.

How to Request a United Same Day Change

  • Check Eligibility: The United Same Day Change option is available for travelers holding eligible tickets and itineraries. Basic Economy tickets are generally not eligible for making same-day changes.
  • Check Availability: Check the availability of alternative flights on the same day to your destination, before your scheduled departure time. You can do this through the United Airlines website, mobile app, airport ticket counter or by contacting United Airlines customer service.
  • Request the Change: You can request the same-day change online through the United Airlines website or mobile app, airport ticket counter or by contacting United Airlines customer service if it is available. You'll need to provide your original booking information and choose the desired alternative flight.
  • Pay Any Applicable United change Fees: Based on your fare type and MileagePlus status, there can be United change fees related to the same-day change. Check the United Airlines website or call customer service for information on applicable fees.
  • Receive Confirmation: You will receive the same day change confirmation and a new itinerary which is the alternative flight. 

FAQs About United Airlines Flight Change Rules

Q1. Can I make the United Airlines change flight choice online?

Yes, you can make changes to your booked flight after paying United change fees if it is applicable. However, there can also be a fare difference available that is the difference between the original and the alternative flight.

Q2. Can you pre-book seats on United Airlines?

The airline allows travelers to book their seats on their flights before the scheduled departure of their flight. They can choose the preferred seats during the booking process on the official website of United or through the mobile app. If you have booked the flight and didn’t choose the seats at that time, you can log in to your details of reservations on the website or app and make your choice for seats later. Alternatively, travelers can call United Airlines customer service to help with seat selection.

Q3. How to book a flight for a minor on United Airlines?

If you book a flight for an unaccompanied minor aged from 5 to 14 you need to call United Airlines to make the reservation. United Airlines has specific requirements and formailites for unaccompanied minors, including additional fees and forms that need to be completed. A United Airlines representative will guide you through the booking process and provide you with all the necessary information.

Q4. How to add an infant to a United Airlines reservation?

When booking a flight with United Airlines, you can usually add an infant (under the age of 2) to your reservation as a lap infant. During the booking process, you'll have the option to indicate that you'll be traveling with an infant. If you've already booked your flight and need to add an infant to your reservation, you can do so by contacting United Airlines directly. They will assist you in updating your booking to include the infant and provide any additional information you may need.

Q5. What is the cheapest day to book a flight on United?

The cheapest day to book a flight on United Airlines can vary depending on factors such as travel dates, destination, and demand. However, generally, it's often recommended to book flights on weekdays rather than weekends, as prices may be lower due to decreased demand. 

Generally, the bookings should be done on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to fetch a lower fare. Further, booking well in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals can sometimes result in lower fares. It's advisable to compare prices across different dates and be flexible with your travel plans to find the best deals.

Q6. Can you make United reservations over the phone?

Yes, you can make United Airlines reservations over the phone by contacting their customer service or reservations hotline. United Airlines has dedicated representatives available to assist with booking flights, making changes to existing reservations, and answering any questions you may have. Simply call the United Airlines reservations number and speak with a representative to make your booking.

Q7. What fees are associated with changing a United Airlines flight?

The fees for changing a United Airlines flight depend on factors such as the fare type, MileagePlus status, and the timing of the change. Basic Economy tickets typically have more restrictions and may incur higher change fees, while passengers with higher fare types or elite status may enjoy more flexibility with lower or waived fees. It's recommended to review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or contact United Airlines customer service for information on applicable fees.

Q8. Can I change my United Airlines flight on the same day of travel?

Yes, United Airlines offers a Same-Day Change option, allowing passengers to change to a different flight on the same day of travel, subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Passengers must typically request the change before the departure time of the original flight and may be required to pay applicable fees. Basic Economy tickets are generally not eligible for same-day changes. For more information on the Same-Day Change policy and procedures, passengers can visit the United Airlines website or contact customer service.

Q9. What is the same day standby option with United?

United Airlines offers a Same-Day Standby option for passengers who wish to stand by for an earlier flight on the same day of travel. Depending on availability, passengers may be able to make same-day flight changes without paying change fees. However, passengers will need to meet specific eligibility criteria and may be required to pay any fare differences if confirmed on the earlier flight.