Guide for United Airlines Change Fees, Rules & More

A major airline for the booking of domestic and international flights is United Airlines. Are you looking to know more about the flexible changes, rules, policy and fees of this airline? Change is the most popular flexible requirement of the flyers. They are always looking for flexible tickets on this airline because of the sudden plan changes. Hence, the United Airlines change fees are essential to know. Here are the significant facts that you need to know about the change fee of this airline.

The General Rule: No Change Fees for Most Tickets

For most of the United tickets, there are no change fees by the airline, including Economy, Economy Plus and Premium Cabins, such as business, first and premium classes. There are no change fees for flights that are within the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flights between the United States, Mexico or the Caribbean and international flights originating in the United States.

The airline has eliminated the change fee for passengers who will still be responsible for any fare difference. This means, if you book the new flight and it is more expensive than the old booking, the passenger must pay the United Airlines change fees in additional amount. On the other hand, if the new flight is cheaper, then the airline may issue the difference in the form of a future flight credit.

Basic Economy: The Exception to the Rule

Basic Economy is the most affordable and the cheapest ticket and fare class of United Airlines. Travelling on a Basic Economy ticket has more flexible policies. Basic Economy fares are generally non-changeable and non-refundable after the 24-hour flexible booking period has passed. Passengers who cancel the United Basic Economy ticket before departure may receive a partial travel credit.

Same-Day Flight Changes

If you need the flight changes requirement on the same day, then the airline offers same-day flight changes. The ability to make a same-day change and any associated costs can depend on your MileagePlus Premier status:

Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members may be able to confirm a same-day flight change for free.

Other customers may be subject to a fare difference to confirm a same-day change.

The availability of a same-day change is not guaranteed and depends on seat availability on the desired flight.

The 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy

Yes, this airline also offers a 24-hour flexible booking policy. This allows flyers to make changes to their reservation or cancel it entirely for a full refund without any fees, provided the ticket was purchased at least one week before the original scheduled departure.

United Airlines Change Fee Policy:

Basic Economy:

This is the most affordable cabin class to fly, but changes not allowed with the Basic Economy Tickets except within 24 hours.

Standard Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class (originating in the U.S.):

There are no change fees for this type of ticket fare, and you will pay the fare difference only if the new ticket price is higher. If the fare is lower, you will get the travel credit for the difference.

Award Tickets (MileagePlus):

Well, there is no change fee if you are buying the Award tickets, but for the same-day flight changes, you may have to pay a cost between $75 and $150, depending on your fare class and MileagePlus status.

24-hour Booking Window:

All fares, including Basic Economy, can be cancelled or changed for free within 24 hours of booking if the flight is booked at least 7 days in advance.