Does United Charge a Change Fee?

If a passenger changes their flight within 24 hours of making the reservation, United Airlines does not charge a change fee. You must pay the fare difference, though. Furthermore, the passengers are charged a change fee after 24 hours.

The Flight Change Policy of United Airlines

The United Airlines policy regarding flight changes is simple and easy to understand.  The following is a description of the airline's key points: 

• All tickets are free to be rescheduled within 24 hours of purchase.
• If you have travel within the United States and Canada on your itinerary, there won't be any United flight change fees. The basic economy fare is not affected by this.
• It is possible to cancel a basic economy ticket and receive a travel credit instead. 
• As per the United Airlines Change Flight policy, one year from the date of issuance, the travel credit expires.
• Any number of flight changes are permitted as long as the fare difference is paid each time.
• If you are unsure about your travel plans, you do not have to immediately book the new flight. A flight credit is an option that you have to use within a year of the original ticket's issuance date.
• If your fare restrictions permit, you will be credited for the difference in future flights if your new flight is less expensive.
• If you have an award ticket for an economy or premium economy flight, there are no change fees. The flight has to originate in the United States.
• You must use the travel credit through your travel agency if it was issued for a flight you booked through them.
• There isn't a standby fee anymore if you take an earlier flight that day.
• Members of MileagePlus Premier are eligible to reserve a seat on an earlier flight at no cost.
• Group flights purchased through the airline's Group desk will still be subject to the airline change fee.

Flight Change on United Airlines Within 24 Hours

Travelers have 24 hours from the date of departure to modify their travel itinerary, destination, time, or origin due to the 24-hour change policy.  The following are crucial things to think about:

• United Airlines is required to operate the flight.
• There would be no fee for changing the flight. However, there will be a fare difference.
• This rule applies to all tickets, with the exception of Basic Economy. 

How Much Does United Airlines Charge to Change a Flight?

The amount you?ll be charged to change your flight largely depends on the type of ticket you purchased. While United Airlines has made changes to reduce the number of fees, some charges still apply:

Basic Economy Tickets: These are the most restrictive and typically cannot be changed. If you need to modify your Basic Economy ticket, you may have to cancel it and rebook at full fare.

MileagePlus Members: Higher-tier MileagePlus members enjoy more flexibility, and, in many scenarios, are exempt from change fees or enjoy a reduced fee.

Same-Day Changes: The cost for same-day changes is typically around $75 to $100, depending on availability and fare class.

How to Change Your United Airlines Flight

Travelers have the option to modify their reservations both online and offline. 

The process to make the changes are mentioned below:

Online Flight Change

The steps to change flight online are:

• First, visit the airline's official website.
• Next, click the My Trips link in the menu after logging into your UA account.
• Enter the passenger's last name and the six-digit confirmation number to access your reservation.
• Choose which flight segment you want to modify.
• Change the time, date, origin, and destination after choosing the flight change option.
• Choose ?Continue? to choose the new flight.
• To verify your revised schedule, proceed with your reservation.
• You will receive an email confirming the flight change.

Change Over Phone Call

If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call United?s customer service at the number available on their website for assistance with flight changes. This may be a good option if you?re not sure whether your ticket is eligible for changes or need further clarification.

Airport Ticketing Counter

If you're at the airport and need to make a change to your flight, you can visit the United Airlines ticketing counter, although this may involve additional wait times and fees. Moreover, it is also recommended to check the airport?s help desk hour prior to proceeding to the counter.

Tips and Things to Consider When Changing Flight

Changing a flight with United Airlines can be a simple process, but there are several important factors to consider that can help you save time, money, and avoid unexpected loss. Here are some tips and things to consider before you make changes to your flight:

• If you think your plans might change, it?s a good idea to book a flexible fare. United Airlines offers several fare options with varying levels of flexibility, and purchasing a more flexible ticket can save you from hefty fees if your travel dates change.
• Even if you don?t have to pay a change fee, you may still need to pay the difference in fare if the new flight you?re choosing is more expensive than the original. This is especially important if you?re changing to a flight during peak travel periods, such as holidays or weekends when fares tend to be higher.
• If you need to change your flight at the last minute, same-day changes might be an option for you. United Airlines allows same-day flight changes for a fee, however this option  is not available for all flights or fare types.
• If you?re a MileagePlus member, particularly with Premier status, you may receive extra benefits when changing your flight. The airline offers more flexibility for its loyal customers, including waivers for change fees on certain fare types.