Blogs

United has eliminated most change fees for tickets originating in the U.S. or select international locations, but Basic Economy fares are still excluded and must be canceled and rebooked at 1-866-673-8391. For eligible fares, you can change your flight without paying a service fee, though you will need to cover any fare difference if the new itinerary is more expensive. Same-day changes may also require paying a fare difference, depending on your MileagePlus status and seat availability, ensuring the updated booking meets United’s current fare rules.

Changing a flight can feel stressful, especially when passengers worry about potential fees or last-minute complications. United Airlines has updated its flight change policy to offer more flexibility, but the details depend on the type of fare, route, timing, and availability. Many travelers still feel confused about whether they will pay a fee or whether their ticket allows changes at all. That is why understanding United’s latest guidelines is important before modifying your trip.

United’s flight change policy is now much more customer-friendly compared to earlier years. Passengers with most standard fare types can change flights without a change fee, which is great for travelers whose schedules shift often. But this flexibility does not apply to Basic Economy, which remains the most restrictive fare. Because of these restrictions, many travelers choose to contact a Travel Expert at 1-866-673-8391 for free guidance, especially if their travel date is close or their booking is complex.

When United removed change fees for most tickets, it made rebooking easier, but passengers still need to understand the difference between service fees and fare difference. A service fee is the fee United charges for modifying the ticket. A fare difference is the difference between the price you originally paid and the cost of the new ticket. Even if United does not charge a change fee, you still pay the fare difference whenever your new flight is more expensive.

United also handles same-day flight changes differently. Travelers who need to switch flights within 24 hours of departure must follow United’s same-day change rules, which may involve paying fare differences or restrictions depending on their fare class. MileagePlus members often get additional flexibility, especially Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members.

Understanding these details helps you avoid unnecessary costs and choose the most economical way to update your itinerary. Let’s explore the complete United Airlines flight change fee guide.

United Airlines Flight Change Policy Explained

United’s flight change policy varies based on destination, ticket origin, fare type, and rebooking timing. For most tickets originating in the U.S., United no longer charges a change fee. This applies to domestic flights, international routes from the U.S., and most standard fare categories. The elimination of change fees was originally introduced to help passengers travel more confidently and avoid penalties during unexpected schedule shifts.

However, even when no service fee is charged, the fare difference remains one of the most important factors. If your original ticket was purchased at a lower price and the new flight is priced higher, you must pay the difference. If the new fare is equal or lower, you often pay nothing extra. Travelers frequently check different time slots or connecting options to minimize fare differences before finalizing changes.

United lets passengers change flights online through the “My Trips” section on its website. You must enter your confirmation number and last name, then select “Change Flight.” The system automatically displays available options and indicates whether a fare difference applies. This makes the process straightforward for most standard tickets.

Passengers dealing with complex itineraries, multi-city travel, international connections, or Basic Economy restrictions often require assistance. In these situations, calling a travel professional at 1-866-673-8391 helps ensure you follow United’s fee rules correctly and avoid penalties or booking errors.

United Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy

Same-day flight changes are treated differently from regular changes. If you need to modify your flight within 24 hours of departure, United allows you to switch to an earlier or later flight, depending on availability. The rules depend on your fare, cabin class, elite status, and route type.

Most passengers must pay any applicable fare difference when switching flights close to the departure time. Premier members may receive fee waivers or reduced costs. Same-day changes often appeal to travelers wanting to leave earlier, catch a later connection, or adjust plans unexpectedly. However, these depend heavily on seat availability, and not all flights qualify.

United also distinguishes between Same-Day Change and Standby.Standby means you do not get a confirmed seat immediately, while Same-Day Change gives you a confirmed seat. Standby may be free, but Same-Day Change often includes fare differences.

To make sure you understand which option applies, contacting support at 1-866-673-8391 can ensure accurate rebooking without issues.

How much is the fee to change a flight on United Airlines?

United Airlines no longer charges a change fee for most Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class tickets originating in the U.S. This includes domestic flights, flights to Mexico, flights to the Caribbean, and many international routes. The elimination of change fees applies whether you paid cash or miles. However, passengers still need to pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more than the original one.

This means the cost of changing your flight is often determined by how much your new itinerary costs compared to your original fare. Some travelers are able to change flights at no cost if the new ticket price is equal or lower. Others may pay significant fare differences during busy travel periods or close-in bookings.

For international flights originating outside the U.S., change fees may apply depending on local fare rules. Some discounted international tickets also retain restrictions. Award tickets booked through United MileagePlus may carry fees depending on membership status and changes requested.

If you are unsure how much your change will cost, contacting a Travel Expert at 1-866-673-8391 ensures you understand all charges before finalizing your new booking.

Can I change a flight I already booked?

Yes, you can change a flight you have already booked with United Airlines, depending on your fare type. Standard Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class tickets allow changes with no service fee for U.S.-originating flights. You can make changes online, by phone, or at the airport.

You can modify departure time, travel date, cabin class, and sometimes even the route, as long as seats are available and fare difference is paid when applicable. If your new fare is cheaper, United may provide a travel credit for the remaining value. This credit can be used for future travel within a specified timeframe.

However, some restrictions apply to Basic Economy tickets, which are not changeable under normal rules. Additionally, once you have taken the first flight of a multi-city itinerary, you may not be able to adjust the remaining segments unless they fall under certain eligibility conditions.

Travelers often prefer calling 1-866-673-8391 when changing multi-leg itineraries or international bookings to avoid mistakes and confirm rules.

Can I change my basic economy flight with United?

Basic Economy is United’s least flexible fare category. Under standard rules, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed, but they can be canceled for future flight credit. However, once you cancel the Basic Economy ticket, you must rebook a new ticket from scratch. This is why United advises calling 1-866-673-8391 if you need to cancel and rebook quickly.

Basic Economy fares do not qualify for no-change-fee benefits. They are more restrictive than regular Economy and are intended for travelers who do not require flexibility. Passengers in Basic Economy also cannot upgrade, choose seats freely, or make same-day confirmed changes unless specific promotions or travel waivers apply.

If you have mistakenly booked Basic Economy and now need flexibility, calling support to understand your options is important. In some cases, United may allow cancellation for a fee or travel credit depending on the ticket rules, but this depends heavily on itinerary and availability.

Will United let you switch to an earlier flight?

Yes, United allows passengers to switch to an earlier flight under its Same-Day Change or Standby options. You can switch to another flight on the same calendar day as your original booking. Whether you pay depends on your fare type, elite status, and seat availability.

Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class passengers may be eligible for confirmed same-day changes by paying the fare difference. MileagePlus Premier members may receive additional flexibility and may not always pay extra depending on their tier.

If you want to move to an earlier flight without complications, calling 1-866-673-8391 before arriving at the airport helps secure available seats quickly.

Switching to an earlier flight is popular for business travelers or people with sudden schedule adjustments. While this is usually simpler than a regular change, it still depends on how many seats are open on your preferred flight.

United Airlines Fare Difference Explained

Fare difference is the most common cost when changing flights. Even if United does not charge a service fee, the fare difference may apply. This happens when your new flight is more expensive than the old one due to peak travel times, limited seats, or last-minute bookings.

If the new fare is cheaper, you may receive a travel credit. Many passengers do not realize that fare difference can sometimes cost more than a typical change fee used to cost. That’s why checking multiple time slots or nearby dates can help reduce the fare difference before finalizing your change.

United Airlines Change Policy for Award Tickets

MileagePlus award tickets follow slightly different rules. Many award tickets do not carry a change fee, but changes may require extra miles or payment if the new award fare costs more. Elite members often receive waived fees and better availability for upgrades.

Some partner airline award tickets follow the partner’s rules, not United’s. That means if your ticket includes airlines like Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Air Canada, you may face additional restrictions.

Conclusion

United Airlines has made its flight change policy easier for most travelers by removing many change fees. However, fare differences still apply, and Basic Economy remains the most restrictive option since it cannot be changed like other fares. Understanding your fare category and knowing when fare differences apply helps you avoid unnecessary costs. If you need help reviewing fare rules, calculating possible costs, or rebooking flights, you can contact a Travel Expert at 1-866-673-8391 for personalized assistance.