Step-by-Step Guide: United Airlines Flight Change Policy & Fee

Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Rick Spiegel

You must have faced a situation where you booked the flight, but you altered the flight itinerary after a few days or weeks due to some inescapable situations. In such a situation, the United Airlines flight change policy must have helped you out by letting you make the adjustments as per your situation.

With the help of this policy, you can easily adjust the flight itinerary at your convenience. However, if you are traveling with United Airlines for the very first time, then you must read this guide.

In this guide, you’ll get detailed knowledge about the United Airlines Flight Change Policy. Not only this, but you’ll also get to know some other important information as well, including:

Types of flight change allowed by United Airlines
Modes to modify the flight itinerary
Charges you need to pay for making the adjustments
Also, some FAQs as well.

Table of Contents

Important Guidelines of United Airlines Flight Change Policy

United Airlines permits passengers to change or reschedule their travel tickets due to unexpected circumstances. Here are some of the important guidelines that you must know about the flight change policy of the airline:

According to United Airlines policy, you can change your flight reservation due to any unexpected circumstances by paying the flight change fees.
However, if your flight is between the USA and Canada, then you can change your flight itinerary without paying any fees. However, this option is not applicable to the basic fare.
United Airlines permits you to change the flight as many time as you want but you need to pay the fare difference each time.
Also, if your new flight ticket is less expensive than the previous one, then United Airlines will provide you with flight credits. You can use these flight credits for your future travel with United Airlines.
If you have booked an Award ticket for an Economy Class or Premium Economy flight, then you can change your reservation without paying the flight change penalty. However, it is essential that your flight is originating within USA.
In addition, the airline does not charge any stand by fees if you go for an early flight on the same day.
Furthermore, the flight change fees are applicable to group reservations booked with the United Airlines group desk.

What does United Airlines 24-Hour Flight Change Policy State?

United Airline 24 hours flight change policy state that you can change the origin, destination, time, and travel day in your reservation. However, here are some of the points that you must consider before making any adjustments to your flight itinerary:

As per the 24-hour flight change policy, you can change your flight only if it is operated by the United Airlines.
Also, this policy permits you to change your reservation within 24 hours of booking without paying the flight change fees. However, you might have to pay the fare difference for the new flight ticket.
Moreover, the Basic Economy flight passengers are not eligible for the flight change within 24 hours as these fare types are non-refundable and non-changeable.

Key Highlights of United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Policy

If you wish to adjust your flight with United Airlines on the same day, then you must be aware of the key highlights of the same-day flight change rule:

If you are a member of Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, or Premier Gold, then you can change your flight on the same day without paying any fees.
However, if you are a Premier Silver or a MileagePlus member, then you need to pay the fee to modify your flight ticket on the same day.
As per the rule, you can make the adjustments up to 24 hours from your scheduled departure. However, you need to pay the fare difference to the airline (If any).
Under the same-day flight change policy, you an make same-day adjustments for the previous departure point and destination. However, if you want to make the route modifications, then the airline will charge a fee.

Types of Flight Change Offered by United Airlines

United Airlines allows passengers to modify their flight itinerary at their convenience. The airline offers the facility to make different types of flight modifications to their travel ticket. Here are all the changes that you can make to your ticket:

Change in the Date of Flight Booking

United Airlines offers the fdacility to change the reservation date of your flight. You can easily request the airline to modify the travel date , if there is last minute change in your travel plan.

Under the flight change policy of United Airlines, you can adjust the flight date up to 11 months before the previously reserved date.

Change the Flight Seat

If you are traveling with United Airlines, then you can use the flight change policy to change your seat as per your preference. As per the flight change policy, you can easily change or upgrade your flight seat. However, this facility is not offered for the Basic Economy ticket. But you can purchase a travel ticket for a different class by paying some extra amount.

Change your Flight to a New Location

If you have selected a wrong destination, then no issues. You can use the flight change facility to change your flight to a new location. With the help of United Airlines flight change policy, you can easily change the destination and origin without paying any fees. Also, it enables you to make a new trip to another destination one hour prior the scheduled departure of your flight.

How to Change United Airlines Flights?

United Airlines offers several ways to modify the travel ticket. These methods include online as well as offline options. So, you have different options to choose from. The ways to change a flight on United Airlines include:

Through official website
Via phone call
By visiting the nearest airport
Through the official mobile app

Visit the Official Website of United Airlines to Modify Flight Ticket

The process of changing the flight on United Airlines through the official website is easy. Here are the quick steps to change or modify your travel ticket:

First, go to the official website of United Airlines.
After that, log into your “My Trip” account using your last name and e-ticket number.
Next, select the flight section that you want to adjust.
Now, click on the “Change Flight” option. Here, you’ll get different options, such as:

Change the date or time of your booking
Adjust the flight destination
Add a new flight to your reservation

Next, click on the “Continue” option to choose a new flight that aligns with your new plans.
After that, review your booking and confirm the changes by paying the required fees.
Once you make the payment, the airline will send you a confirmation email regarding the flight change.

Use the United Airlines Mobile App to Adjust the Flight Booking

Another quick and easy method to adjust flight booking is using the mobile app of United Airlines. So, if you want to change your flight itinerary using this method, then follow the given steps mentioned below:

First, install the United Airlines mobile app on your device.
Next, log into your MileagePlus account.
Also, go to the “My Trip” section and enter your confirmation as well as your last name.
Now, click on the “Change Flight” option to select the flight that you want to modify.
Next, follow the on-screen prompts to choose a new flight itinerary.
Once you have selected a new flight, review all the information and pay the flight change charges along with the fare difference using your debit or credit card.
Once the payment is done, you’ll receive a confirmation email on your device regarding the flight modification.

Contact the United Airlines Executive to Change the Flight Itinerary

United Airlines offers the facility to change the flight itinerary by contacting the airline executive. Here are the simple steps to modify the booking via a phone call:

First, connect with the executive of United Airlines via a phone call.
Once your call is connected with the airline’s official, ask them to adjust the flight ticket.
The representative will ask you to provide your details, including contact details, name, and flight information.
With the help of your flight details, the airline representative will access your reservation and will provide you all the flight options available at that time.
So, choose the most suitable flight and confirm the change by making the flight change fees.
After making a successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email on your valid email ID.

Visit the Nearest Airport to Change your Flight Booking with United Airlines

Another mode that you can use to change your United Airlines flight ticket is visiting the nearest airport. Here are the quick steps to adjust your reservation by visiting your departing airport:

First, visit your departure airport and go to the United Airlines registration desk.
Next, share your booking confirmation code and your last name to the airline executive.
Now, ask the airline executive to change your flight ticket as per your requirement.
The representative will show you all the available flight options as per your requirements. So, select a new flight from the available flights.
Now, review the flight details and make the payment for the flight change along with the fare difference using your debit or credit card.
Once the payment is complete, the airline will send a confirmation email along with your new flight ticket details.

How Much Does it Cost to Change a United Airlines Flight Ticket?

If you want to alter your flight itinerary with United Airlines, then you must pay the airline flight change fees. However, the flight change fee will depend on your fare type. Here is a snapshot of how much fee the airline charges for the flight ticket modifications:

You can cancel your flight reservation for free by making all the adjustments within 24 hours of purchasing the travel ticket.
However, this facility is not for the Basic Economy ticket holder.
Moreover, once the grace period is over, the airline flight charges a penalty for making all the modifications in your travel itinerary.
On United Airlines, the flight change charges range between $75-$500 depending on the fare type and route selected by the traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions( FAQs)

What does the United Airlines flight change policy state?

According to the flight change policy of United Airlines, flyers can easily change their flight in different ways. However, for making the adjustments they must pay the flight change fees to the airline.

How much is the fee for modifying a flight on United Airlines?

On United Airlines, the flight change fees depends on various factors such as fare type, and route selected by a passenger. Generally, the flight change charges varies from $75 to $500.

How late can I adjust a United flight?

As per the flight change rule on United Airlines, you must adjust your flight itinerary within 24 hours of purchasing the travel ticket. However, all the Basic Economy ticket holders cannot change or cancel their flight on United Airlines.

Can I alter my United Airlines flight date?

Yes, you can change your flight date on United Airlines. So, if you are stuck in an emergency, then no issues. You can inform the airline even 11 months before the departure of your flight regarding the date change request.

Can a Basic Economy ticket holder change United travel ticket?

No, a Basic Economy ticket holder cannot change their ticket with United Airlines. The Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-transferable.

Can I change my seat on a United Airlines flight?

Yes, you can change your seat on a United Airlines flight. With the change flight facility, you can easily upgrade your travel seat. However, to change a seat on United Airlines, you must pay a specific amount to the airline.

Can I change my United flight without penalty?

Yes, you can change your United flight without penalty. To make the adjustments for free, you must make the alterations within 24 hours of purchasing the travel ticket.

What does United Airlines change a flight within the same day mean?

According to the United Airlines same-day flight change policy, passengers can swap their flight on the day of their travel for an earlier or later flight. However, the flight must have a seat, and the destination and origin airport must remain the same.

What are the fees for changing international flights with United Airlines?

The flight change fees on United Airlines depend on the route selected by the traveler. For domestic routes, the airline charges around $75. On the other hand, for all the international flight routes, United Airlines charges around $500 as the flight change fees.

How can I change my flight on United Airlines?

United Airlines offers several ways through which you can change your United Airlines flight. With this facility you can easily change the flight date, timing, destination and origin as well. Moreover, flights can be changed in various ways, such as via a website, mobile app, phone call, etc.

Does United Airlines charge a fee for changing a flight ticket?

Yes, United Airlines charges a fee for changing a flight ticket. However, you can avoid paying the flight change charges by making all the adjustments within 24 hours of purchasing the travel ticket.

How many times can I change my United Airlines flight?

United Airlines permits you to change your flight as many time as you want. However, each time you are required to pay the fare difference along with the flight change fee to the airline.

What are the eligibility criteria of United Airlines for flight change?

United Airlines permits all passengers except the Basic Economy ticket holders to change their flight itinerary. So, if you are not a Basic Economy ticket holder, then you can easily adjust your flight reservation.

What are the ways to adjust a flight on United Airlines?

There are several ways to adjust a fight on United Airlines. As per the policy, you can easily make the adjustments with the help of an official website, mobile app, via phone call, and at the airport as well. So, it’s your choice which option you want to select for changing your flight itinerary.

Does United Airlines permit flyers to change their flight within 24 hours of purchasing the flight ticket?

Yes, United Airlines permits the flyers to change their flight within 24 hours of purchasing the flight ticket. Also, if the traveler makes the adjustments within this time period, then the airline does not charge any flight change penalty fee. However, passengers must pay the fare difference.

How do I change my United ticket by calling the airline executive?

The process of changing a United Airlines ticket via phone call is easy. All you need to do is call the representative and ask them to change your flight. Now, select another flight and pay the flight change fees to complete the procedure.