Overview
Air Wisconsin, a regional airline based in Appleton, Wisconsin, operates as a United Express carrier. Its flight change policy is governed by United Airlines’ rules, as Air Wisconsin operates exclusively under the United Express brand. Changes can be made online through United’s website or app, via the United Customer Contact Center, or at airport ticket counters, subject to fare rules and availability. Note that Air Wisconsin’s agreement with American Airlines as an American Eagle carrier ended in April, and it now focuses on United Express operations and charter services.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Changes or cancellations are free within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased directly through United’s website, app, or Customer Contact Center, provided the booking is made at least seven days before departure. This applies to individual bookings but not group fares or award tickets.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, including Economy Basic, Economy, Premium Economy, and Business, allow changes. Economy Basic fares have stricter conditions, while fully flexible fares offer greater flexibility with no change fees.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, a refundable travel credit may be issued for the difference, depending on the fare type.
- Change Fees: Fees vary by fare type and route. Economy Basic fares may incur a fee per passenger for changes, while Economy, Premium Economy, and Business fares may allow fee-free changes, especially for flexible fares. Additional service fees may apply for changes made through the Customer Contact Center or airport counters.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes are permitted up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability in the same booking class. Fees apply for Economy Basic fares, while other fare types may allow fee-free changes. The new flight must have the same origin and destination.
- Name Changes: Full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage) are allowed with documentation, typically free within 24 hours of booking.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and United’s policy may not fully apply.
- Time Restrictions: Changes must be made before the flight’s check-in deadline (30 minutes for domestic flights without baggage, 45 minutes with baggage, and 60 minutes for international flights). No-show passengers may forfeit the ticket’s value.
- Charter Flights: For charter services operated by Air Wisconsin, change policies are determined by the chartering organization (e.g., Shorts Travel Management) and may differ from United Express policies.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the United Airlines website or app and navigate to the “My Trips” section.
- Enter your six-character booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new date or time, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact United’s Customer Contact Center via phone for assistance.
- Visit a United ticket counter or Air Wisconsin counter at the airport for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Air Wisconsin or United cancels or significantly delays a flight (e.g., over three hours), passengers can rebook on another flight without fees or request a refund. Affected passengers are re-accommodated on other United Express carriers or United-operated flights, as seen with the transition from American Eagle to United Express. EU/UK passengers may be eligible for compensation under EC 261/2004 for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or refunds may be granted for medical emergencies or bereavement with documentation (e.g., medical or death certificate), subject to approval through United’s Customer Contact Center.
- MileagePlus Award Tickets: Changes to award tickets may incur a fee, except for MileagePlus Premier members, and are subject to availability.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may not transfer to the new flight and may need to be repurchased.
- International Flights: Changes to international flights may involve additional taxes or restrictions based on destination-specific regulations.
- Transition from American Eagle: As Air Wisconsin’s agreement with American Airlines ended in April, passengers with prior bookings were re-accommodated on other American Eagle carriers or United Express flights, with changes handled per American’s or United’s policies.
- Check-In Requirements: Online check-in via United’s website closes 30 minutes before domestic flights without baggage, 45 minutes with baggage, and 60 minutes before international flights. Airport check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.
