There are different rules and regulations for flying with various airlines. In this blog, you will come to know all the details about United Airlines flight change policy. As per new rules, there is no need to pay the flight change fee for travelers flying with standard Economy (except Basic Economy), Economy Plus, United First, United Business, and United Premium Plus tickets; if you’re traveling:
- Within the United States
- Between the United States and Mexico or the Caribbean
- On international flights originating in the U.S.
Things you need to know about flight change:
- You can cancel your United Airlines tickets and receive a full refund if changed within 24 hours of purchase.
- To all Economy (except Basic) and Premium Cabin tickets no change fee will apply if you are flying within the U.S., or for any international flight originating in the U.S. In case the new ticket is costlier you need to pay the fare difference.
- For changing Basic Economy tickets you will receive travel credit for future use:
- For domestic flights, it is USD 49.50 (one-way) and USD 99 (round-trip).
- For international flights, it is USD 99.50 (one-way) and USD 199 (round-trip).
Note that you will receive a travel credit equal to the travel price minus the cancellation fee.
- This travel credit expires within 1 year after the date of issue.
- United Airlines flights can be changed as many times as you want but you have your fare difference.
- If you do not want to fly then you can ask for a flight credit that can be used within 1 year of your original ticket’s issue date.
- For booking a cheaper flight you will receive a flight credit for the difference if the fare rules permit.
- Travelers holding an award ticket on an Economy/Premium Economy fare do not have to pay any change fees if flying within the US or from US.
- If you have booked your flight from a travel agent you must use the credit through your travel agency.
- As per the United Airlines Flight change policy the same-day standby fee has been eliminated for booking an earlier flight on the same day.
- MileagePlus Premier Members can book a seat on an earlier flight without any charges.
- Group fares purchased via United’s Group Desk have to pay the change fee.
United Airlines 24-Hour Flight Change Policy
If you make changes to your reservations within 24 hours of booking then you will not be charged for a change fee. Note that this is only applicable if you have purchased your ticket 7 days or more before departure. This policy applies to all fare classes except Basic Economy.
United Airlines Change Fee for different tickets
- Award Tickets: USD 0
- Refundable Tickets: USD 0
- Non-refundable Tickets: USD 0
- Basic Economy Tickets: USD 49.50 for a one-way domestic flight & USD 99.50 for a one-way international
United Airlines Flight Change Policy for Basic Economy Tickets
Passengers of Basic Economy tickets with United Airlines are not allowed to change flights even within the 24-hour window. It would be better if you cancel your flight within 24 hours (free of charge) and then purchase a new flight ticket.
However, passengers of Basic Economy can cancel the ticket and opt for a flight credit, but are subject to a cancellation fee of:
- USD 49.50 for a one-way domestic flight
- USD 99.50 for a one-way international flight
Flight Change Policy for Non-Refundable Tickets
Passengers of United Airlines are not allowed to change a non-refundable ticket free of charge. You can change the flight by paying the fare difference.
For a same-day change, you will be charged:
- USD 75 (general or Silver-tier member).
- USD 0 (Gold, Platinum, or 1K member).
Flight Change Policy for Refundable Tickets
United Airlines passengers with refundable tickets can make changes to their flights without any penalty. However, if you’re shifting to a costlier flight then you need to pay the fare difference. For shifting to a cheaper option, the fare difference will either be refunded to your original payment method or converted into a flight credit that can be used in the future.
Passengers with MileagePlus Award Tickets
The change fee for award travel tickets is eliminated if:
- Redepositing at least 31 days before departure.
- Travel originating in the U.S. within 30 days of departure.
On the other hand, the flight change fee for flights not originating in the U.S. within 30 days of departure is:
- USD 125 for General members.
- USD 100 for Premier Silver members.
- USD 75 for Premier Gold members.
- USD 50 for Premier Platinum members.
- USD 0 for Premier 1K members.
Some FAQ:
How can I change a flight on United Airlines?
You can change your United Airlines flight by calling to United Airlines toll-free number or making changes online. In case you have booked your flights through a travel agent then ask them to change your flight.
Am I able to change the flight on the same day for free?
Only Premier members are eligible to confirm changes on other flights free of cost.
What if I want to change my arrival or departure airport?
Changes are subject to charges so you have to pay the fare difference or change fee.
Can a flight be changed to a day before or after the booked one?
Yes, you can change the flight if it falls within the rules of the same-day confirmation policy.
Does the same-day routing change is allowed by United Airlines?
Yes, you can do so but only if the fare allows for the new routing, and also there will not be any changes to the origin or destination airports.
