All You Need to Know About United Airlines Flight Change Policy
The United Airlines flight change policy provides passengers with the information they need to know in case they wish to make changes to their flight plans. A major concern among passengers related to the flight changes is the applicable fee. As per the latest norms of United’s flight change policy, fees can be waived by the passengers based on their travel routes, travel class, and many other factors.
The rule of “Free Flight Change” is applicable to passengers who travel routes within the US, Mexico, or any other international flight that has originated from the United States. Basic Economy tickets cannot apply for the flight change if they have requested for the same after the 24-hour booking window. During the 24 hours of the booking, any passenger, irrespective of their travel class, can request the flight change for free.
Here, we have listed all the terms and conditions and other related guidelines under United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy. The information discussed here will comprise of flight change fee, eligible travel class for flight change and other relevant information. So, read this article till the end if you are traveling on a United Airlines Flight.
The 24-Hour United Airlines Flight Change Policy
The 24-hours booking window can be utilized by the passengers in order to make any request related to their flight modification for free. Also, a full refund is available for the passenger in case of flight cancellation within 24 hours. However, other terms and conditions are also there, some of which are listed below:
Related Policy
- Basic Economy can request a cancellation and a full refund if they have requested the same within 24 hours of booking. However, no flight change option is available for basic economy passengers.
- Another condition to be fulfilled is that the request be made at least seven days before the flight’s scheduled departure.
- This 24-hour refund policy is applicable on tickets purchased only from official sources. These include United Airlines’ official website, mobile app, airport counter, and customer support. The policy also excludes the ones that are purchased using e-certificates.
The 24-hour window starts at the time the purchase of the passenger has been confirmed. Along with that, the refund from the cancellation request made within the 24-hour time frame will also be credited to the original form of the payment. Along with the 24-hour time window, the United Airlines Flight Change other terms and conditions are applicable that have been discussed below.
What is the Procedure for Changing a United Airlines Flight?
There are many methods by which one can easily change their United Airlines Flight. To do so, you only have to follow what we say and are all set.
What is the United Airlines Flight Change Policy
Basic economy tickets cannot be requested for a flight change even within the 24-hour time frame of the booking. A waiver on the flight change fee is available on selected travel classes, which include Economy, Economy Plus, and premium cabin tickets.
- A flight change waiver is available on the selected routes, particularly on the ones within the United States or originating from the US. these include:
- Flight within the US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or between the USA and Mexico.
- Flight between USA and Caribbean or other international flights originating from the USA.
- Apart from these selected routes, flight change requests for any ticket will include an applicable fee.
- While flight change might be waived, but passenger needs to pay the fare difference. In case the new flight fares are low, then passengers will be refunded the difference in the form of travel credits.
- Flight changes need to be requested at least 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure. After this deadline passes, a flight change fee will be applicable irrespective of travel class, routes, or any other criteria.
- You cannot change the arrival and departure station or Origin/destination.
- Switching to a different flight is permissible to another United or United Operations flight.
- Award tickets can also be requested for the flight change free of charge.
- The applicable flight change fee can go up to USD 200.
- While passengers with Basic Economy tickets cannot request a flight change, they can request cancellation, for which they will be awarded travel credits of the same amount that can be used for another booking with a validity of one year.
1. Change Your Flight Via Online Procedure
According to the United Airlines Flight Policy, all passengers are required to follow the below-listed steps:-
- To begin, you have to start by navigating to the main website of United Airlines and login into your account. Next, you can click on the My Trips option.
- After clicking on the My Trips option, you can go to the Manage option and click on the Edit option to edit any reservation you want.
- Once you are done with that, choose the change flight option and select the new flight time and date from the given options.
- Now, you can choose the “Continue” option and save your changes by clicking the Submit option.
However, once you have submitted your request online, you will be updated about your process in the next 24 hours.
2. Using Mobile Application to Change Flight
Here, you have to follow the steps mentioned down below:-
- You can download your official mobile application from the Play Store or App Store.
- Next, you can click on the option My Trip to begin this procedure.
- Once you finish that, you can find the option to change your flight and select it.
- However, passengers can change their tickets by clicking on the edit option.
- Now, pay your fees by the original payment method you used by booking your tickets according to the United Airlines Flights Change Policy.
- Lastly, the airline will notify you via SMS or Email.
3. Call Airport Representatives to Change United Flight
Suppose you are someone who does not trust what’s on the internet and would only sit once you have heard by yourself. Then, we have the perfect method for you. Here, you can try out this method. Contacting United Airlines will be the perfect option for you, and you can ask them to change you by calling customer service.
Once your call is connected, you can directly speak with the customer service representative about your issue, and they will guide you step by step to change your flight the easy way. For this, you will need to provide your personal information.
The customer care agent will then ask about other details, such as your ticket number, reference code, etc. Once you have given all the necessary details, you can relax while they do all the work for you.
4. Help Yourself At the Airport Via KIOSK (Self-Service)
There are many airports where you will get the option to move things by your rules. You can directly head to the nearest metro and change your Flight date using the KIOSK service, per United Airlines Flight Change Policy. If you are stuck somewhere, then there will be an agent at the airport to help you out. Or you can head to the ticket counter.
United Airlines Flight Change Fees
As per the United Airlines Flight Change policy, the passengers are required to pay a certain amount to change their flight. United Airlines tends to have a strict policy regarding flight modifications and fees. The fee may differ depending on route, fare class, and many more factors.
Class | Fee |
For any fare class | Passengers must pay $300 |
For Refundable Fares | The Travelers are required to pay at least $200 for domestic flights & $300 for international flights. |
Non-Refundable Tickets | Domestic Flight will cost around;$125 & $150 for international flights. |
United Airlines Basic Economy Flight Change Policy
As we have said earlier, United Airlines tend to have a strict policy regarding flight change policy and fees. But, there’s a slight twist to the story, you cannot change your flight even if you want to.
So, if you want to change your flight due to any personal or professional issue, you must pay a certain amount. Also, the passengers can only make one change per booking, so they must pay an applicable fee. As per Google statics, many airlines in the market charge more than $100 to let its passenger change their flight. Sometimes, changing an international flight can cost you more than $100. If you want to make any changes, you can call United Airlines or visit the nearest airport.
If you really want to change your flight, you have to cancel your ticket, and then you can do it. You may get your refund if you have not purchased your ticket. But, if you purchased your ticket and canceled your reservation due to personal or professional issues, no refund will be available.
However, you can also purchase a new ticket and ensure that it meets all the requirements laid out by United Airlines. By doing so, you can avoid paying the additional fees.
Have you ever heard about the United Airlines Standby Policy?
United Airlines Standby Policy
The United Airlines’ standby policy is quite straightforward. However, if you miss your flight by any chance, you can instead fly on the next accessible flight. Make sure to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your boarding time, and you may have to wait until your seat becomes available.
How Does the Standby Policy Procedure Work?
So, you will be their priority if you have requested a seat. It must have felt good to feel like the priority. However, you can wait in the queue, and you might get a chance to be the first person to board the plane. To fly standby, there must be seats available on the plane; if there are seats, you can fly them. You must follow some guidelines while using the Standby Policy Procedure.
- To check in effortlessly, you can use the Mobile application found on the app and Play stores. Therefore, passengers can check in online 24 hours before departure.
- If you want to get your boarding pass before flying, then there are two options that you can use to get it. You hook it up your way by going to the official website, or you can download the mobile application of United Airlines.
Do you know that there is an eligibility criteria that you need to follow if you want to go on standby? Do not sweat it; we will tell you about the criteria in a minute.
- To travel standby, you must be a United Mileage scheme member. By becoming a member, you will get more benefits.
- The next big thing to easily travel on standby is submitting all the necessary documents at the check-in counter.
- However, the number one rule to travel standby, you must get to the airport on time before your departure time.
- You must know that you are traveling in someone else’s seat who cancels his ticket for any reason. And, if there’s no space, you will not be able to travel.
- The airport can take some time depending on various aspects such as travel or weather. So, do not get your hopes high.
Is it Possible to Change Your United Airlines As Someday as My Departure?
According to the United Airlines Flights Change Policy, passengers can travel without any additional fee. The thing is, this policy is available for those who have a reservation under United Airlines. But there are some things that you need to look out for to get the best deal. Here are some of the things you need to pay attention to:-
- To travel on the same day as your scheduled departure, you can only take flights that are departing from/to USA or Canada and other regions such as Mexico.
- Make sure to keep your pockets tight. Cause there might be a situation where you have to pay any fee asked by the airline.
- When you are traveling like this, there are some rules that you must follow. You must refrain from seeking comfort in other airlines’ arms.
- Always have the same class as your previous ticket.
United Flight Change Fee for Different Travel Class
While a waiver is offered on the selected travel class on selected travel routes, the flight change can be a concern for passengers with basic economy, non-refundable tickets, and a refundable one.
United Flight Change policy for Basic Economy
While the basic economy cannot opt for flight change, their only way out is through flight cancellation, which must be within 24 hours of booking to avoid further charges.
United Airlines Policy of Flight Non-Refundable Tickets
For the non-refundable fares, the flight change fee can be waived. However, the fare difference is still applicable. In case you have a refundable ticket and the new ticket is of a lower price, then the amount will be refunded in the form of travel credits.
United Airlines Policy in Case of Scheduled Changes
While passengers commonly request flight changes on account of sudden changes in plans, the airlines might have to change or reschedule your flight to new times. The reason for that can be weather disruptions, sudden, unpredictable events, or any other cause.
In case of schedule changes, the Airlines will inform the passengers regarding the same, along with the information regarding their new timings or the new flight in which they need to board.
While passengers can opt to wait for the schedule changes, they do have the option to rebook their flight. In that case, the following conditions are applicable:
- The schedule should be more than 30 minutes longer than the original flight times.
- New flights booked should be within the 24-hour time period of the original flight departure time.
Passengers are also eligible to claim a refund in case of changes in scheduled departure or arrival. They are also eligible for a refund if the airlines cannot switch them to the same cabin on the alternate flight.
What is the Overall Cost of the United Flight Date?
Nowadays, every airline has a policy where they charge additional fees for changing a flight. Depending on the class, the flight fee may range from $75 to $500. But you can pay less if you have premium features. Sounds good, no?
There can be multiple reasons for changing your flight date to another. A person may have a personal or professional emergency. And that is why they may want to change their travel date to another flight back to their desired location.
Conclusion
United Airlines allows passengers to make changes in their flight itineraries. Apart from the arrival and the departure, passenger can make changes to any details written on their flight ticket. Confirmation of flight change or upgrade to alternate to upper travel class will depend on seat availability. While flight change is free, the basic economy cannot request for the same. Flight change fee is also applicable for any travel journey not originating within the United States. In case of scheduled changes, the passenger has the option of rebooking if the time difference is more than 30 minutes or even canceling their flight for a full refund.
See Also:-
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. The Passengers can change their flight even if they booked their ticket from a third-party agency. But, this benefit comes with a slight disadvantage, which is that you may have to pay a fare difference fee. Make sure to check every site and do your research before booking your flight.
Ans. Well, according to the United Airlines flight change policy, the airline does not charge any fees from its passengers. But, if you are looking forward to make changes in your flight as the same day, then you have to pay additional fees.
Ans. The best to change the flight is by getting in touch with the airline directly. You can either visit their website Thus, for more information about the process of change flight, check out the above-mentioned steps.
Ans. Generally, United Airlines does not charge any flight change fee. However, for any flight journey that does not have its origin or destination within the USA, the airlines might charge a flight change fee, which can be up to USD 200.
Ans. Passengers can dial the number +1-844-402-8105, where they can speak with a live person who will provide the required details regarding United Airlines or resolve any issue related to their flight journey.
Ans. The basic economy cannot request any flight change as per United Airlines' latest policy. However, they can cancel their flight tickets and even do the same within 24 hours to avoid any additional charges.
Ans. A seat selection option is available for the passengers after the booking has been confirmed. However, eligibility for seat selection will depend on seat availability, travel class, and many other factors. For more details on seat change or selection, you need to connect with a live person at Spirit Airlines through phone live chat.
Ans. As per the latest United Airlines policy, flight compensation is not available. However, in case of delay or the next flight scheduled is 30 minutes later, then the passenger can rebook their flight or cancel their flight and claim a refund.
