Changing a flight can be a stressful experience, especially when unexpected plans arise. Understanding the costs, policies, and procedures for modifying a United Airlines flight is essential for any traveler who wants to avoid surprises. This guide provides a thorough look at fees, fare types, practical tips, and step-by-step instructions to help you manage flight changes efficiently.
United Airlines has structured its flight change policies based on fare type, route, and timing. Being aware of these details can save you both time and money.
United Airlines offers multiple fare categories, each with different rules regarding changes:
Generally non-changeable.
If a change is allowed, a change fee plus any fare difference applies.
Most Basic Economy tickets cannot be upgraded or refunded.
Changes allowed for a fee plus fare difference.
Fee amounts vary based on domestic vs. international travel.
Typically more flexible.
Fees may be waived depending on the route or promotional offers.
Usually no change fee.
Only fare difference, if applicable, may be charged.
Tip: Always check your ticket confirmation or receipt to understand the specific fare rules before attempting a change.
Change fees are influenced by several factors including ticket type, route, and timing. Here's a breakdown of the main considerations:
Basic Economy: Typically non-changeable.
Standard Economy: $75-$200 depending on destination and timing.
Premium Cabin: Often no fee; only fare difference may apply.
Fees may range from $100 to $400.
Some regions, like Asia or Europe, may have stricter policies.
Flexible or refundable tickets usually allow changes without a fee.
Regardless of fee, any increase in the ticket price due to date or time change must be paid.
If the new ticket is cheaper, United Airlines generally applies the difference as a credit toward future travel.
Pro Tip: Consider changing flights well in advance to minimize fare differences.
Making a flight change is straightforward if you follow the correct steps:
Log In to Your United Account
Visit United Airlines' official website or app.
Navigate to “Manage Reservations”.
Locate Your Flight
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Select the flight you wish to change.
Check Fare Rules
Review the fare conditions to see if a change fee applies.
Note if the fare difference is significant.
Select New Flight
Choose a new date, time, or route.
The system automatically calculates change fees and fare differences.
Confirm and Pay
Pay any applicable fees using a credit card or United Travel Bank balance.
You will receive an updated confirmation email.
Check for Flexible Options
During promotions or certain fare classes, fees may be waived.
Review United’s “Flexible Travel” options for opportunities.
Fare TypeDomestic Change FeeInternational Change FeeNotes
Basic EconomyNot allowedNot allowedSome exceptions may apply
Standard Economy$75–$200$100–$400Fee depends on route and ticket purchase date
Premium Economy/Business$0–$100$0–$200Flexible and partially refundable tickets
Fully Refundable/Flexible$0$0Only fare difference may apply
Even with fees, travelers can adopt strategies to reduce costs or avoid them altogether:
Whenever possible, choose flexible or refundable fares.
A higher upfront cost may save significant money if changes are likely.
United Airlines offers Travel Bank credit for unused tickets.
Apply these credits toward a new booking instead of paying fees.
Use fare tracking tools to anticipate price fluctuations.
If the new date is cheaper, you may save on fare differences.
Direct calls can sometimes result in fee waivers, especially for extenuating circumstances.
Ask about proactive rebooking if your flight is canceled or delayed.
Travel insurance may cover change fees in certain situations.
Always review policy terms to ensure coverage for flight modifications.
Example 1: Jane booked a Standard Economy flight from New York to Chicago. She needed to move her flight two weeks earlier. She paid a $100 change fee plus a $50 fare difference, totaling $150.
Example 2: Mark had a Basic Economy ticket for a domestic flight. His flight was canceled by United, and the airline allowed a change without any fee, demonstrating the benefit of checking cancellation vs. voluntary changes.
Example 3: Sarah booked Premium Economy for an international flight to Europe. She moved her trip by one month and only paid the fare difference, saving several hundred dollars compared to a Standard Economy fare.
Changes closer to departure generally incur higher fees.
Early modifications reduce both fees and fare differences.
Higher fare classes offer flexibility and lower fees.
Basic Economy is often the least forgiving.
High-demand routes like New York to Los Angeles or international flights often have larger fare differences.
Low-demand routes may have minimal costs.
United occasionally offers waivers during emergencies, pandemics, or natural disasters.
Monitor United Airlines announcements to capitalize on fee waivers.
If changing a flight seems expensive, consider these alternatives:
Flying standby on a later flight may be cheaper or free if seats are available.
Ideal for last-minute schedule changes.
Using United MileagePlus miles can offset or cover fare differences.
Offers flexibility without paying additional cash fees.
Sometimes canceling and rebooking is cheaper than paying a change fee.
Ensure fare rules allow this before proceeding.
Changing a United Airlines flight doesn’t have to be stressful or overly expensive. By understanding fare types, fees, and practical strategies, travelers can save both time and money. Flexible booking, careful planning, and knowledge of available options are the keys to navigating flight changes efficiently.
1. Can I change a United Airlines flight for free?
Only certain fare types, such as flexible or refundable tickets, allow free changes. Fees may be waived during promotional offers or emergencies.
2. Are Basic Economy tickets changeable?
Typically, Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable, with exceptions only during cancellations by the airline.
3. How much is the change fee for a domestic flight?
Domestic Standard Economy change fees generally range from $75 to $200, plus any fare difference.
4. How about international flight change fees?
International flight fees are usually between $100 and $400, depending on the region and ticket type.
5. Can I use credits from a canceled flight?
Yes, United Travel Bank credits can be applied toward future bookings, reducing costs.
6. Is there a better time to change a flight?
Early changes often cost less in both fees and fare differences. Avoid last-minute modifications.
7. Do refundable tickets still require fare differences?
Refundable tickets generally do not incur change fees, but fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.
8. Can I change flights via the mobile app?
Yes, the United Airlines app allows full flight management, including checking fees, selecting new flights, and completing payments.
9. Will United waive fees for emergencies?
Under certain circumstances, including severe weather, natural disasters, or major disruptions, fee waivers may apply.
10. Can I change multiple passengers on the same booking?
Yes, changes can be applied to all passengers, though each fare may have a separate fee and fare difference.
11. Does travel insurance cover change fees?
Some policies cover change fees if circumstances like illness or family emergencies qualify. Always review your policy.
12. Are there alternatives to paying fees?
Yes, options include using travel bank credits, flying standby, redeeming miles, or rebooking with a cheaper fare.
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