United Airlines Flight Change Policy: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction to United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy
United Airlines offers a flexible flight change policy that aims to accommodate travelers when their plans shift unexpectedly. Whether you are dealing with a schedule conflict or just prefer a different time, understanding United’s flight change options can save you from unnecessary stress. This guide will provide an in-depth look into United Airlines’ flight change policy, including fees, ticket types, and tips for managing changes without breaking the bank.
| Content | |
|---|---|
| United Airlines Flight Change Policy: Comprehensive Guide for Travelers | |
| Introduction to United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy | |
| Why Understanding Flight Change Policies is Crucial | |
| United Airlines Ticket Classes and Change Eligibility | – Basic Economy |
| – Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Business, and First Class | |
| – Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets | |
| How to Change a Flight with United Airlines | |
| Methods for Changing a Flight | – Online via United’s Website or Mobile App |
| – Over the Phone or at the Airport | |
| United Airlines Change Fees Overview | – Domestic Flights |
| – International Flights | |
| – Same-Day Flight Changes | |
| Free Flight Changes with United Airlines | – Fare Classes with No Change Fees |
| – MileagePlus Member Benefits | |
| United Airlines’ 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy | |
| Same-Day Flight Change Policy | – Eligibility for Same-Day Changes |
| – Confirmed vs. Standby Same-Day Changes | |
| Changing Award Flights on United Airlines | – Modifying Award Travel |
| – Fees for Changing Award Flights | |
| United Airlines and Weather-Related Flight Changes | – Rebooking During Weather Disruptions |
| – Fee Waivers for Weather-Affected Flights | |
| COVID-19 and United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy | |
| Tips to Avoid Flight Change Fees with United Airlines | – Book Flexible Fare Classes |
| – Use Travel Insurance or Credit Cards with Trip Protection | |
| Refunds and Travel Credits for Changed Flights | – Refund Eligibility |
| – United Travel Credits | |
| Flight Changes for Partner Airlines with United | – Star Alliance Members |
| – Codeshare Flight Changes | |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | – Can I change my United flight for free? |
| – How much does United charge to change a flight? | |
| – What is United’s same-day flight change policy? | |
| – Can I change an award flight with United? | |
| – What happens if United changes my flight? | |
| – Are flight changes free for MileagePlus members? |
Why Understanding Flight Change Policies is Crucial
Knowing the flight change policies of your airline can help you avoid hefty fees and last-minute hassles. With ever-changing travel schedules, it’s essential to be informed about your options in case you need to adjust your itinerary. United Airlines’ policies are designed to offer travelers a balance between flexibility and structure, but the terms vary depending on the ticket type you purchase.
United Airlines Ticket Classes and Change Eligibility
The type of ticket you book with United Airlines largely determines your ability to change a flight. United offers various fare classes, each with its own rules for flexibility.
Basic Economy
United’s Basic Economy fares are the least flexible. These tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. If you need to adjust your travel plans, you may have to cancel your ticket, forfeit the cost, or pay substantial fees to book a new flight.
Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Business, and First Class
Main fare classes such as Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Business, and First Class offer more leniency when it comes to changing flights. United has eliminated change fees for most domestic flights and certain international flights for these fare classes, making it easier to modify your travel plans.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
Refundable tickets allow changes and cancellations with no fees, ensuring ultimate flexibility. Non-refundable tickets, however, are subject to fees unless the change is made within the 24-hour flexible booking window.
How to Change a Flight with United Airlines
Changing your United flight is simple, and the airline offers multiple ways to manage your booking.
Methods for Changing a Flight
- Online via United’s Website or Mobile App
- Log into your account on United.com or open the United mobile app.
- Go to “My Trips” and select the flight you wish to change.
- Follow the prompts to choose a new flight, review potential fees, and confirm the change.
- Over the Phone or at the Airport
- For complex itineraries or if you need assistance, you can contact United customer service or visit the United desk at the airport to request a flight change.
United Airlines Change Fees Overview
United’s change fees vary depending on the fare type, destination, and timing of the request.
Domestic Flights
For most domestic flights, United has eliminated change fees for Economy and higher fares. Basic Economy tickets, however, are non-changeable unless you pay a significant fee or meet specific conditions, such as military exceptions.
International Flights
For international flights, change fees can still apply, depending on your destination and fare class. Fees for changing international flights may range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the route and timing of the request.
Same-Day Flight Changes
United allows same-day flight changes for a fee, usually between $75 and $150, depending on your fare class and MileagePlus status.
Free Flight Changes with United Airlines
Certain fare classes allow you to change flights for free, provided the change is made within United’s policy framework.
Fare Classes with No Change Fees
United has eliminated change fees for all Main Cabin, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Business, and First Class fares for domestic flights and select international destinations. This allows travelers to modify their flights without penalty, giving more flexibility for last-minute changes.
MileagePlus Member Benefits
MileagePlus members with elite status (Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K) can enjoy waived change fees on most ticket types, providing added value for frequent flyers.
United Airlines’ 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy
United Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free period where you can change or cancel your flight without any fees, as long as the booking was made at least seven days before departure. This policy provides peace of mind for travelers who may need to make immediate changes after booking.
Same-Day Flight Change Policy
United’s same-day flight change policy offers flexibility for travelers needing to adjust their flights on the day of travel.
Eligibility for Same-Day Changes
Same-day flight changes are available on domestic routes for Economy and higher fare classes. Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for same-day changes.
Confirmed vs. Standby Same-Day Changes
- Confirmed Changes: For a fee, you can confirm a seat on an earlier or later flight on the same day of travel.
- Standby Changes: If confirmed seats are unavailable, you can opt to fly standby for free, but seating is not guaranteed. Elite MileagePlus members receive priority on standby lists.
Changing Award Flights on United Airlines
United’s MileagePlus members can also change award flights, but there are specific rules and fees that apply.
Modifying Award Travel
MileagePlus members can modify award travel based on availability. However, changes may require additional miles if the new flight costs more, or you may receive a refund if the new flight costs fewer miles.
Fees for Changing Award Flights
While United has eliminated change fees for most award tickets, a fee may apply if the change is made close to the departure date. MileagePlus Premier members can have these fees waived.
United Airlines and Weather-Related Flight Changes
United Airlines understands that severe weather can disrupt travel plans, and they offer flexibility when flights are affected by weather-related issues.
Rebooking During Weather Disruptions
If your flight is canceled or delayed due to weather, United will usually allow you to rebook for free, regardless of your ticket class. In these cases, even Basic Economy tickets may be eligible for rebooking without fees.
Fee Waivers for Weather-Affected Flights
United often issues fee waivers for flights impacted by severe weather. These waivers allow passengers to change flights without incurring fees or paying fare differences. Keep an eye on United’s website for updates during weather disruptions.
COVID-19 and United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy
United Airlines updated its flight change policy to provide more flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers affected by travel restrictions or health concerns can change or cancel their flights without the usual fees, and those holding eCredits can apply them toward future travel.
Tips to Avoid Flight Change Fees with United Airlines
Here are some useful tips to help you avoid flight change fees when flying with United Airlines:
Book Flexible Fare Classes
Choose fare classes that do not charge for flight changes. This is especially important for travelers who anticipate needing flexibility.
Use Travel Insurance or Credit Cards with Trip Protection
Consider purchasing travel insurance or booking flights with credit cards that offer trip protection, as they may cover flight change fees.
Refunds and Travel Credits for Changed Flights
If you decide to cancel or change your flight, you may be eligible for a refund or a travel credit for future bookings.
Refund Eligibility
Refundable tickets are eligible for full refunds, while non-refundable tickets may only be eligible for United travel credits, which can be used for future flights.
United Travel Credits
When you change a non-refundable ticket, United may issue a travel credit. These credits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be applied to future United bookings.
Flight Changes for Partner Airlines with United
United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, and it partners with several airlines around the world. Changing flights involving partner airlines can be more complex.
Star Alliance Members
If your flight is operated by a partner airline within the Star Alliance, the change policy of the operating airline will apply. This may vary depending on the airline and destination.
Codeshare Flight Changes
For codeshare flights, United’s policy will apply to the segment operated by United, while the partner airline’s rules will apply to their portion of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my United flight for free?
Yes, United allows free flight changes for Main Cabin and higher fare classes on most domestic and select international routes.
How much does United charge to change a flight?
The cost to change a flight with United varies by fare class, destination, and timing, ranging from no fees for certain fare classes to up to $500 for international changes.
What is United’s same-day flight change policy?
United offers same-day flight changes for a fee, typically between $75 and $150, depending on the fare class. MileagePlus elite members may receive same-day changes for free.
Can I change an award flight with United?
Yes, award flights can be changed, though fees may apply, particularly close to the departure date. MileagePlus Premier members often enjoy waived change fees.
What happens if United changes my flight?
If United changes your flight due to schedule adjustments or cancellations, you will be rebooked on a comparable flight at no additional cost.
Are flight changes free for MileagePlus members?
MileagePlus Premier members may enjoy waived change fees on most ticket types as part of their elite benefits.
