United Airlines Flight Change Policy
United Airlines is aware that travel plans can change suddenly. The United flight change policy allows adjustments depending on ticket type, destination, and other criteria to help travelers negotiate these circumstances. Knowing the United Airlines flight change rules. will save you time and money whether your flight has to be moved to another day, upgraded to a different class, or changed path.
The secret is to know your ticket type as it will define the permissible alterations as well as whether any costs apply. Let’s go over the United Airlines Flight Change Policy to guarantee you can decide on your vacation schedule with knowledge.

United Airlines Flight Change Eligibility and Provisions
Fair Type | Change Fee |
Saver Fares | Not eligible for change |
Same-Day Changes | $25-$50 |
Waived Fees | Same-day change fee is waived for customers with refundable tickets. It’s also waived for MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K Mileage Plan members and those traveling in the same reservation |
Award Tickets (Mileage Plan) | No Change Fee |
First Class Fares | No Change Fee |
Main Cabin Fares | No Change Fee |
United Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy
United Airlines has a same-day flight adjustment policy should you have to modify your itinerary on the same day of travel. As long as there are seats, this lets travelers change to an earlier or later trip.
The revised flight must be on the same path and alteration must be within 24 hours of the originally planned departure. While other passengers would have to pay a charge or any ticket difference, MileagePlus Premier members generally enjoy this advantage for free.
Those with erratic schedules who need last-minute adaptability will find this option helpful which comes under United Airlines Flight Change Policy.
Standard Flight Change Rules
Flight modifications are permitted according to United flight change policy with the requirement that passengers pay any applicable fare fluctuations.
- Most domestic flights together with international flights departing from the United States now do not have change fees for travelers.
- Booking changes needing to be made before the departure time.
- If the new flight is more expensive than the original, passengers must cover the fare difference.
- United Airlines does not provide price difference refunds when new flight reservations cost lower than previous bookings.
United Airlines 24-Hour Flight Change Policy
For customers, there is United flight change policy 24 hours whereby they may change or cancel their travel free from fines. This relates to all tickets, including Basic Economy, provided the booking was made at least seven days before travel.
If you find you must modify your flight soon after booking, our policy lets you do so free from additional expenses. This United flight change policy allows many passengers to preserve the ability to change their arrangements inside a day while securing cheaper rates. Verify your itinerary inside this period carefully to prevent subsequent needless expenses.
United Airlines Flight Changes for Basic Economy Tickets
The most limited fare United Airlines flight changes offers is basic economy tickets. Changes are no more permitted once the 24-hour risk-free window closes. Should you have to change your travel schedule, you might have to cancel your ticket and rebook another at the current rate.
It can be expensive, hence before you buy a Basic Economy ticket, be sure of your intentions. United Airlines may occasionally make exceptions, like for scheduling delays or major operational adjustments, but voluntary alterations are usually not allowed, which all comes under United airlines exchange policy.
Flight Change Policies for Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
This United airline policy on changing flights gives more freedom in making modifications from higher fare classes. Tickets for economy, premium economy, business, and first-class allow changes free from significant fines. Although many airlines have eliminated United Airline change fees, travelers still pay any ticket difference.
Usually enjoying preference when rebooking, first-class and business-class passengers might have access to first-rate customer assistance upon modifications. Booking a higher fare class might be a smart investment for extra convenience if you expect flexibility in your calendar.
Award Ticket Flight Change Policy
United airline policy on changing flightslets MileagePlus mile bookers of award flights make modifications, although the policy differs based on the kind of fare bought. Luckily, change costs have been waived for flights starting in the United States, hence you are free to adjust your schedule without penalty. You will have to pay the difference, though, should your new flight call for additional miles.
If you are looking to find ‘Can you change a United Flights Booked With Miles’, then you should know that making adjustments far in advance will help to prevent last-minute problems as, particularly on busy routes, availability for award flights may be restricted.
United Airlines Schedule Change Policy
United Flight Change Fee Structure
Ticket Type | Change Fee Structure |
United Same Day Flight changes | Available for a fee of up to $75 |
International Flights | United Airline Change fees can range from $0 to $400 depending on the specific fare rules and conditions |
Flexible Economy Tickets | Generally allows changes without fees; however, fare differences apply. |
Award Tickets | No change fees for domestic flights originating in the U.S. Changes to international award tickets may incur fees. |
Non-Refundable Tickets | If changes occur outside the 24-hour window, fees may apply (typically around $200) |
How to Change a Flight on United Airlines
Changing your flight with United Airlines is simple. Your booking may be changed most simply using the United Airlines website or mobile app. Just log in, choose “My Trips,” then choose the flight you wish to switch.
From there, you may see the choices and decide on a fresh flight. Should you need to talk with someone, United Airlines customer care may be reached over the phone or at a service desk at the airport.
The fastest approach to guarantee a new flight for same-day adjustments is either visiting an airport kiosk or talking with an agent.
If you’re a MileagePlus Premier member or have a higher-tier ticket, you could even be eligible for free changes or other benefits.
United Airlines International Flight Change Policy
The policies for flight changes of international United Airlines routes differ from United Airlines flight change rules applied to domestic plane tickets. U.S.-originating flights now have elimination of change fees but customers need to check foreign destination regulations and ticket classifications for potential costs or limitations.
MileagePlus members using miles for overseas award tickets might have to pay a charge should modifications be made near departure.
Refund Policy for Flight Changes
Most customers wonder about receiving refunds from United Airlines after switching to flights which cost less than their original reservation. Users who book with United Airlines cannot get money back from fare differences after they move to flights with lower rates.
A refund could become available to you when the airline either cancels your flight or makes major modifications to its schedule regardless of your United Airlines Ticket change being non-refundable. United Airlines provides two options to its passengers when flights are canceled or rescheduled: accepting travel credits for future journeys or obtaining a refund of their money.
The rates for First-Class, Business-Class and Economy with refunds will result in a money-back if you cancel before flight departure. Consult fare conditions before adjusting anything because different ticket classifications have separate refund rules.
United Airlines Standby Policy for Flight Changes
United Airlines provides standby travel options to their customers who want to change flight United Airlines times within the same day subject to specific criteria. United Airlines lets passengers sign up for waiting lists for alternative flights though they will not necessarily receive an open seat.
All passengers with Economy through First-Class tickets can use standby service without extra cost. Basic Economy passengers normally do not have this right to standby. The airline system will seat you at the next vacant spot before your planned journey.
Members of the MileagePlus Premier program obtain a superior standby position that provides them improved access to available seats when needed. Enrolling in MileagePlus becomes beneficial when your flight changes unexpectedly numerous times.
Get expert help with United Airlines flight changes. Call +1-844-451-1885 for updated policy information and support.
MileagePlus Member Benefits for Flight Changes
Through its MileagePlus loyalty program United Airlines extends additional flight alteration capabilities to members at different membership levels. Almost all MileagePlus members can perform free same-day flight changes but the additional benefits increase based on their membership level.
The best reward perks belong to members at Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K tier levels. Members at Premier 1K status have free flight alteration benefits as part of their membership privileges for selected award ticket types.
Those who fly regularly with United should consider advancing their membership status to obtain better discounts combined with easier flight adjustment processes.
MileagePlus membership provides all members including non-Premier members the advantage of using miles to adjust flights so it becomes an essential feature for flexible itineraries.
United Airlines Flight Change Policy for Medical or Emergency Situations
United Airlines enables their travelers to modify their bookings by offering particular services when medical emergencies or family crises emerge.
Call United Airlines customer service immediately whenever you find yourself in a life-threatening health situation or experience loss from a deceased family member or emergency of any kind. Customers experiencing medical situations or family emergencies might obtain flexible booking options through United Airlines based on their particular situation.
United Airlines needs official documentation including medical paperwork from doctors and death certificates to provide special travel services. Having required documentation ready when contacting United Airlines customer service will quicken the process and help you receive help from their team.
Changing a Flight Due to Weather Disruptions
The airline operates weather-related policies which support stranded passengers following unpredictable flight delays. Under such extreme weather conditions United Airlines will allow travelers to rebook their flights for free on the next available departure times.
United provides delayed flight and cancellation information through its website and mobile application along with flight status notifications which passengers should check. The application enables changing United Airlines Flight possibilities to another available departure through its app or by reaching customer support.
United Airways gives free flight adjustments to passengers through travel waivers after extreme weather events like hurricanes together with snowstorms when airports face closures. Review current weather announcements posted by United before arriving at the airport.
United Airlines Travel Credits for Flight Changes
If your initial cost was non-refundable, you can get a travel credit rather than a refund when you alter a United Airlines flight. Usually having an expired United Airlines change flight date, these travel credits can be applied for future bookings.
United issues two types of credits:
- Electronic Travel Certificates (ETCs) – These can be used for any flight and usually expire within two years.
-
Future Flight Credits (FFCs) – These must be used for flights under the
same traveler’s name and expire within one year.
Best Practices for Avoiding Flight Change Fees
- If you believe your plans could alter, think about buying easier-adjustable Economy, Premium Economy, or Business-Class tickets.
- If you have to change your flight, do it 24 hours after you bought it to stay out from under fines.
- Should United significantly alter your schedule, you could be eligible for a free rebooking or refund.
- Compare rates before changing your ticket as, should it be less expensive, you might not be eligible for a refund.