Travel plans change sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, a schedule change, or personal factors. United Airlines offers a simple and easy service to modify your travel plans if they need to be changed. The United Airlines Flight Change Policy allows you to make changes to your travel plans, depending on the fare type, route, and ticket type. If you want to change your flight and are facing complex issues, you can call 1-800-864-8331 and speak directly with United Airlines customer service representatives. 

In this complete guide, you can learn about the United Airlines flight change process. It will include what charges may occur, and how to change a United flight online or by calling customer service.

Overview of United Airlines Flight Change Policy

If you need to change your flight, United Airlines provides a lot of opportunities and flexibility. 

• No Change Fees: Most domestic and international flights will allow for the ability to change your flight without an additional fee from United Airlines as long as you booked a standard Economy or Premium cabin ticket; However, if you booked the Basic Economy ticket, you aren’t able to change your flight unless it is noted in the special waiver or promotion that you were given.

• Fare Difference: If the new flight you are booking costs more than your original flight, then you will be responsible for paying the difference in fare. 

• Same-Day Changes: United Airlines does provide the ability to change to another United Flight on the same day; however, there is a fee involved with doing so, and it is only available based on availability. The Same-Day Change option is limited to select Fare Classes as well as Elite-level MileagePlus Members.

• Travel Credits: If you cancel your flight, you may be issued a Travel Credit for the value of your original fare for use in future travel, typically valid for 12 months from the date the credit was issued.

Types of Tickets under United Flight Change

In general, United’s policy depends on the type of ticket you purchase.

1. Basic Economy Ticket Type

Basic Economy is United’s lowest fare and has the strictest rules associated with it.

• Generally, you cannot voluntarily change any of your itineraries on most routes.
• Basic Economy tickets are typically non-refundable and non-changeable.

Your option for changes comes from the following:

• United issues you a travel waiver, such as weather or operational disruptions.
• You upgraded your ticket to higher fares.

2. All other Economy Ticket Types (Standard Economy, Premium Plus, Business, First)

• The passenger does not incur a United change fee for changing flights.
• The passenger pays any fare difference if the new flight is higher than the old flight.
• The passenger can receive travel credit for the amount of any difference if the new flight is less than the old flight.

How to Change Your United Airlines Flight

There are multiple options available for changing your United Airlines reservation:

1. Changing Your Flight Online (Via Website)

• To change your flight using United Airlines’ website:
• Go to the United Airlines homepage (www.united.com)
• Click on the “My Trips” 
• Input your confirmation number and last name.
• Select the “Change Flight” option.
• Choose a new flight and check the price difference.
• Confirm your changes

2. Changing Your Flight By Phone (Customer Service)

If you would prefer to have a representative walk you through the process of making changes to your flight, please contact United Airlines customer service at 1-800-864-8331. A United Airlines service representative will be able to:

• Explain the fare rules associated with your reservation.
• Assist you in finding alternate flights.
• Apply travel credits
• Help with complicated itineraries.

If your travel is through an airport, you can either use a self-service kiosk or go directly to the service desk.

Your new flight should:

• Have the same departure and arrival airports.
• Your flight is either 24 hours earlier than the original or 24 hours later than the original.
• Be on a United or United Express® flight.

If your replacement flight is more than one day away, changing it will be fee-free. 

You may also be able to travel as a standby passenger on that flight without incurring any fees.

United Change Flight Policy for MileagePlus Award Tickets

• United Airlines allows changes to award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles.
• Most Award Tickets will not incur a fee for changing.
• If the newly assigned flight requires more miles, the difference will be charged to the customer.
• If you cancel or downgrade your Award Ticket, MileagePlus will refund any unused miles back to your account.

Same-Day Standby

• When you can’t obtain a confirmed same-day flight change, you have the option of being added to standby for an earlier or later flight. 

• However, you will only be confirmed as a standby passenger if there are empty seats available after all ticketed passengers have been accommodated. 

• The cost for standby may also be less than the cost for a confirmed flight change, but the certainty of flying on that day is less than when you receive a confirmed flight change. 

• You must review your specific reservation in the United app or on United.com to find out what, if any, same-day options are offered for your flight.

United Airlines Change Flight Fee

• United Airlines has eliminated the majority of its domestic and international change fees for standard (Economy or higher) ticket types.

• However, while there are no change fees associated with United Airlines ticket changes, if the price for the new travel is higher than the original fare, you will still have to pay that fare difference.

• If you’re flying on a Basic Economy ticket, in most cases you won’t be able to change the ticket after the purchase (with some exceptions), but you can change the flight during the 24 hours after purchasing your ticket.

Concluding Thought

United Airlines has an easy-to-use flight change policy that gives customers flexibility and options that make it easier for them to plan their travel. United Airlines has eliminated all of its traditional change fees and provides passengers with more freedom by allowing them to change their flights without incurring additional expenses. Customers will have the opportunity to remain in charge of their travel schedules, regardless of whether they are traveling within the United States or outside of the country.

For additional information regarding the United Airlines Flight Change Policy, including ways to obtain assistance with making flight modifications, please call 1-800-864-8331.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fee for changing flights with United Airlines?

There is a fee to change a flight with United Airlines; however, there is no fee to change a flight if you are changing to another date or route, but any difference in fares may require an additional payment.

Can I change my flight if I booked it with miles?

Yes, you may change your flight even if you booked it using miles.