United Airlines Change Flight Policy: A quick guide

Plan execution is quite time-consuming, but changing it only takes a few minutes. Whenever a passenger needs to change their flight due to something unexpected

Plan execution is quite time-consuming, but changing it only takes a few minutes. Whenever a passenger needs to change their flight due to something unexpected, they have to go through a lengthy process. United Airlines offers a smooth & flexible Flight Change Policy to its customers; it takes care of them. United Airlines Change Flight Policy is easier than any other airlines.

What is United Airlines Change Flight Policy?

United Airlines Change Flight Policy allows passengers to modify or reschedule their flight when something unexpected occurs. United Change fees may apply depending on your fare type and features. The difference in fares must be paid if the new flight is more expensive than the original.

Definitive Guide to United Airlines Change Flight Policy

There are some important considerations you should make before changing united flights:

  • During the first 24 hours after purchasing a flight ticket, passengers may change it without paying a fee.
  • When your itinerary includes flights within the USA and Canada, you won't have to pay any flight change fees. However, basic fares do not fall under this condition.
  • Travel credits are valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • As long as the fare difference is paid each time, passengers can change flights as often as they want. 
  • When your plans are hazy, you shouldn't book a new flight. Instead, you should consider a travel credit.
  • According to United’s Change Flight Policy, if the new flight is less expensive, you will receive future credit.
  • There is no United Airlines Change Fee for passengers who travel on an Award Ticket for an Economy Class or Premium Economy flight originating in the United States.
  • Standby fees are not charged if you choose an earlier flight on the same day.
  • Members of MileagePlus can reserve a seat for free on earlier flights.
  • In the case of travel credits given on flights booked through travel agencies, you must use them through them.
  • Flight change charges may apply to group flights booked through the airline's group desk.
  • United Airlines allows you to change your ticket name if you have written it incorrectly. 

United Airlines 24-hour Flight Change Policy

Under the United Airlines 24-hour Change Flight Policy, a passenger can change the travel day, origin, and destination in their reservation. The following points must be considered before modifying the reservation:

  • United Airlines must operate the flight ticket you wish to change.
  • You won't have to pay a United change fee if you request a flight modification within 24 hours of buying your ticket. However, fare differences may apply.
  • Basic economy tickets are not subject to these conditions.

United Airlines Flight Change Policy for Different Fares

The United Airlines network spans the globe, making it one of the largest carriers in the world. As a result, the air transport industry offers a variety of ravishing services to both frequent and new passengers. United Airlines offers three fares: the Basic Economy Fare, the Non-Refundable Fare, and the Refundable Fare.

United Airlines Change Flight Policy varies for all fares and MileagePlus Award tickets. The following guidelines will help you understand how flight modification policies work for different United fares:

United Flight Change Policy for Basic Economy Tickets

The basic economy ticket holder cannot change their flight within 24 hours of booking. It is best to cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking (free) and then purchase a new ticket.

If you prefer e-credits, you can opt to pay 49.50 USD per one-way domestic flight under the United Airlines Change Fee Policy. It would be USD 99.50 for international flights.

United Airlines Change Flight for Non-Refundable Tickets

According to the latest United Airlines Change Flight Policy, non-refundable ticket holders do not have to pay anything to change their tickets. However, United's change flight policy requires the payment of the difference in fares for existing flights.

  • There is a change fee for same-day flight changes with United.
  • For general and silver-tier members, the fee is USD 75.
  • Gold, Platinum, and 1K members are free of charge.

United Airlines Change Policy for Refundable Tickets

If you reschedule a flight with a refundable ticket, you will not be charged a change fee by United. In the case of shifting to a more expensive ticket, you must pay the difference in fare. Further, if your new flight is more affordable than your previous flight, the airline may refund the difference to your original payment method or convert it to e-credits.

 Refunds and e-credits are mostly dependent on the eligibility of the ticket.

MileagePlus Award Ticket Change Policy & Fee

Awards tickets may be charged depending on when you revoke your elite status. United Change fees are now exempt for travel starting in the US and departing within 30 days. 

The United Airlines change fee for international award tickets (not originating in the US) is listed below:

  • $125 for general members.
  • $100 for Premier Silver members.
  • $75 for Premier Gold members.
  • $50 for Premier Platinum members.
  • $0 for Premier 1K members.

What Is the Process of Changing a United Flight?

The United Airlines Change Flight Policy gives passengers a variety of options for modifying flights. There are two modes of operation: online and offline. Customers generally change their air tickets when their plans change. Here's how you can make a last-minute change:

Method 1: United Airlines Change Flight via Website

The best way to modify a flight reservation is to do so online. By using this method, you can make changes to your flight ticket at any time and anywhere. To open United Airlines' official website, you just need an internet connection. Here are a few steps you need to follow:

  • Visit the United Airlines website first.
  • Second, enter the customer's name and six-digit reservation number. Bookings are obtained by clicking on "Confirm.".
  • Third, choose the flight to change. Click on "Change your Flight..".
  • Fourth, click "Continue".
  • Make sure you complete the flight change process one hour before departure.
  • Finally, if the pay difference is large, you can pay with a debit or credit card.

Method 2: United Airlines Flight Change via Mobile App

Through the mobile app, users can always modify their United flight itinerary quickly. Follow the steps below to change your flight with United Airlines via an app:

  • Get the United Airlines app for your mobile device and open it.
  • Sign in to your MileagePlus account.
  • Visit "My Trips" or "Manage Reservations."
  • Select the flight you wish to change.
  • Choose "Change Flight.".
  • Select a new flight using the prompts.
  • Examine any applicable fees or fare differences.
  • Confirm your itinerary changes.
  • Confirm the flight change via email or in the app.

Method 3: United Airlines Flight Change via Contact Number

Through a valid customer service number, customers can directly contact the airline. For a flight change request, follow these steps:

  • First, call United Airlines at 800-864-8331 to change your flight.
  • The second step is to ask the airline representative to change your flight when you speak with them.
  • As a third step, choose a new flight from the agent's display. You can choose one of the alternatives. Likewise, you must compare United's change fees and fare differences.
  • Paying with debit or credit cards is possible.
  • After the payment has been made, the United Airlines change flight process will be complete. A confirmation email will be sent to you later.

Method 4: United Airlines Flight Change at the Airport

In case the above methods fail, here is a final option you can try. For this, you need to visit your departing airport. For domestic flights, you must complete the United same-day flight change process one hour before departure. Three hours before departure, the process must be completed for foreign travel. 

By visiting an airport, you can make a United Airlines ticket change by following these steps:

  • Arrive at the airport and go to United Airlines' registration desk.
  • Next, provide the airline representative with the six-digit code or 13-digit e-ticket. 
  • Third, request a change of reservation and pay attention to the Flight Change Policy.
  • Fourth, you will be asked to choose another flight from the alternatives available.
  • In the case of a significant fare difference, you may wish to use a credit card or debit card to pay. Cash can also be paid at the airport terminal.
  • After the payment is successful, the process will be completed. 

Can You Change Your Flight With United Economy?

Yes, you can change your United Airlines economy class reservation. However, depending on the fare regulations and the particulars of the modification, costs can be incurred. In general, United allows travelers to manage their reservations using its mobile app, website, or customer support line.

To find out whether United flights are changeable and how much a change will cost, consult the fare rules or contact United.

How to Change Your United Economy Flight?

Here are the steps to change a United Airlines Economy class flight:

  • Access your United Airlines MileagePlus account via the airline's website.
  • From the menu, select "My Trips" or "Manage Reservations.".
  • Choose the flight you want to change.
  • Select "Change Flight" from the menu.
  • Select a new flight by following the prompts.
  • If any fees or fare differences apply, review them.
  • Confirm your itinerary changes.
  • A confirmation of the flight change will be emailed to you.
  • For assistance with the flight change, you can contact United Airlines customer service.

Amelia Rowan

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