United Airlines offers a flexible flight change policy, with rules and fees varying by fare type, route, and timing. Below is an overview of the flight change policy based on available information.
Passengers who booked through the United Airlines website or mobile app can modify bookings via the "Manage Reservations" section by logging into their account with their confirmation code and last name. Changes include flight date, time, or seat selection, and can be made up to a few hours before departure, subject to availability and fare rules. Award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles can also be changed online or via customer service.
For tickets purchased through travel agents or third-party platforms, passengers must contact the issuing agent to request changes, as direct modifications through United Airlines are not permitted. Additional handling fees may apply when processed through agents.
United Airlines offers various fare types, including Basic Economy, Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, Business, and First, each with distinct change policies:
Changes made within a day of booking are free if the flight is at least a week away, per U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Beyond this period, no change fees apply for most fare types, except Basic Economy, for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or international flights originating in the United States, Mexico, or the Caribbean. For other international flights, fees may apply based on fare rules and route. Same-day changes may incur a fee for non-elite members if the original fare class is unavailable, with MileagePlus Premier members eligible for free same-day changes. Additional service charges apply for changes made via the Contact Centre, ticket offices, or airport counters.
If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is less expensive, passengers may receive future flight credit for the difference, depending on fare rules. No cash refunds are provided for non-refundable tickets.
Changes can be made up to a few hours before departure, with same-day changes available within a day before or after the original flight, provided the origin and destination remain the same. Tickets must be reissued and travel completed within one year from the original purchase date. For same-day changes with checked baggage, modifications must be completed at least an hour before the new flight’s departure to allow baggage transfer.
Destination changes are permitted for non-Basic Economy fares, subject to availability and fare differences, but may incur a fee for restricted tickets like group or bulk fares. Changes must maintain the same origin and destination airports and are not allowed for Basic Economy or partially used award tickets.
Full name changes or ticket transfers to another person are not permitted. Minor spelling corrections are allowed with a fee, provided the request is made before check-in via the Contact Centre or ticket office, and the name must match the passenger’s government-issued ID.
If United Airlines cancels or significantly delays a flight, passengers can rebook on another flight at no cost, subject to availability, or request a full refund to the original payment method, even for non-refundable tickets. Travel waivers may allow fee-free changes or cancellations during disruptions, with details communicated via email or SMS if contact information is provided. EU regulations may entitle passengers to compensation for cancellations with short notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances.
Passengers can modify bookings through the following methods: