It happens to everyone. You book a United flight, and then something unexpected comes up. You need to change your flight or even cancel it entirely. When this situation arises, it’s important to know the rules and policies that govern flight changes so that you can take the necessary steps.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to change or cancel your United Airlines flight.
United Flight Change Policy
Currently, United Airlines does not impose any fees for changing flights within the United States, except for basic economy tickets. This means that if you have booked an economy, Economy Plus, first class, business class, or United Premium Plus fare, you can change your flight without incurring any additional charges. This policy applies to tickets for travel within the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as travel between the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. It’s worth noting that there are also no change fees for international travel originating in the United States.
United Change Policies for Basic Economy Fares
Basic economy fares are usually more restrictive when it comes to changes. However, United Airlines has made some exceptions to their change policies for basic economy tickets. For basic economy tickets for international travel issued before July 31, 2021, changes can be made without incurring any fees. However, it’s important to keep in mind that basic economy tickets are generally non-changeable and nonrefundable, so these exceptions are limited to specific cases.
United Flights typically do not allow changes to be made to economy tickets. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to make a change, United does offer same-day standby options for passengers. This means that on the day of your originally scheduled flight, you can stand by for an earlier or later flight on the same day, subject to availability.
How to Change Your United Flight
Changing your United flight is a straightforward process that can be done entirely online. United Airlines provides a user-friendly platform where you can easily modify your flight details. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your United flight:
- Log in to your account on United.com or through the United app. It’s important to have your booking information and login credentials handy.
- Once you have logged in, locate the “My trips” section. This is where you will find all the flights you have booked.
- Select the specific flight that you wish to change. Look for the “Change flight” option, which should be visible on the screen.
- After clicking on “Change flight,” you will be directed to a page where you can edit your itinerary. Here, you can select a new flight that suits your needs. Take note that the new flight must have the same origin and destination as the original flight. Additionally, the new flight should be departing within 24 hours before or after your original flight.
- Once you have edited your flight details and selected a new flight, click “Continue.” The system will then show you a list of eligible flights that you can choose from. Carefully review the available options and select the one that best fits your requirements.
- After you have made your selection, the system will prompt you to review and confirm your changes. Double-check all the details to ensure accuracy.
- Finally, complete the process by following the on-screen instructions to finalize your flight change. You may be asked to provide payment information if there are fare differences between your original and new flights. Once everything is confirmed, you will receive a new itinerary reflecting the updated flight details.
Please note that the online process for changing your United flight is generally the most convenient and efficient option. However, if you encounter any difficulties or have specific requests, you can always reach out to United Airlines’ customer care representatives for assistance. They can be contacted at 800-864-8331. Their dedicated team is trained to handle flight change requests and will guide you through the necessary steps.
Changing Tickets Booked with Miles
If your United flight was booked using United MileagePlus miles, you can also make changes to your reservation. The process for changing award tickets is similar to changing regular tickets. You have the option to make changes online or by calling United’s customer care line.
If your flight originates in the U.S., whether it’s a domestic or international flight, you will not be charged any flight change fees. However, it’s important to keep in mind that award ticket availability is subject to capacity controls and may vary depending on the specific flight and date you are looking to change to. It’s always a good idea to check the availability of award seats before proceeding with the change.
Conclusion
When the need arises to change or cancel your United flight, there are options available to switch to other flights or make adjustments to your travel plans. United Airlines has implemented policies that allow passengers to make changes without incurring additional fees in many cases. This flexibility provides peace of mind and ensures that passengers can adapt their travel itineraries to unexpected circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a flight I already booked?
Yes, you can change or cancel a flight you have already booked. However, it’s important to note that some cases may require you to pay a cancellation or change fee, depending on the airline’s policy. United Airlines, in most cases, does not impose change fees for flights within the United States, except for basic economy tickets.
How can I change my flight to United?
To change your flight on United, you can use the United app or log in to your account on United.com. Once you have accessed your account, navigate to the “My Trips” section to get started. From there, select the specific flight you wish to change and follow the prompts to make the necessary modifications. You can choose a new available flight that fits your requirements.
Can I change flights for free?
Yes, some airlines allow you to change your flights without any charges within 24 hours of booking the flight. This is known as the 24-hour flexible booking policy. However, it’s essential to check the specific airline’s policy to ensure that you qualify for free changes within the designated time frame.