Everything that you need to know to about United Airlines reschedule flight policy
When travel plans change, United Airlines offers flexible options to reschedule your flight quickly and conveniently. Whether due to unforeseen circumstances, scheduling conflicts, or a simple change of mind, understanding how to modify your booking ensures a seamless travel experience. In this detailed guide, we explain everything you need to know about United Airlines flight rescheduling, including fees, policies, online tools, and expert tips for hassle-free changes.
United Airlines provides passengers with one of the most flexible change policies in the industry. You can reschedule your flight online, via the mobile app, by phone, or at the airport. The airline has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international flights, making it easier to adjust your plans without incurring extra costs.
Key Points of the Reschedule Policy
No change fees apply to most Economy, Business, and First Class fares (except Basic Economy).
You can reschedule flights within the same cabin class without paying a penalty.
Fare differences may apply if your new flight costs more than the original ticket.
Basic Economy tickets are typically non-changeable, but exceptions may apply during special circumstances.
United allows same-day flight changes for eligible passengers at a minimal fee or free for MileagePlus Premier members.
Rescheduling your flight with United Airlines online is fast, convenient, and can be done in just a few steps.
Step-by-Step Process
Visit the Official Website: Go to united.com.
Access Your Booking: Click on “My Trips” and enter your confirmation number along with the passenger’s last name.
Select Your Flight: Choose the specific flight you wish to change.
Click ‘Change Flight’: Follow the on-screen prompts to select a new date or destination.
Review Fare Difference: Check if any additional fare or taxes apply.
Confirm and Pay (if required): Complete the transaction and receive your updated itinerary via email.
The United mobile app offers the same rescheduling features as the website, allowing travelers to make real-time changes even while on the go. Simply log into your MileagePlus account, access your trip, and select the “Change Flight” option.
If you prefer personal assistance, United Airlines’ customer service team can help you reschedule your booking over the phone.
United Airlines Toll-Free Number (U.S. and Canada): +1-800-864-8331
For International Travelers: Visit the Contact Us section on the United website to find region-specific numbers.
Available 24/7: Customer support is available around the clock to assist with flight modifications, refunds, and more.
When calling, have your confirmation number, ticket details, and preferred new travel dates ready to speed up the process.
Passengers who need last-minute assistance can also reschedule their United Airlines flight directly at the airport. Visit the United ticket counter or service desk, where representatives can rebook your flight, offer alternative routes, or help you upgrade your travel class if desired. This option is particularly useful when dealing with flight delays, cancellations, or same-day travel needs.
United Airlines offers flexible same-day flight change options, perfect for travelers whose schedules change unexpectedly.
Eligibility Criteria
Available for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Must be traveling on the same route and between the same airports.
The new flight must have available seats in the same fare class.
Same-Day Change Fees
MileagePlus Premier members: Free of charge.
General passengers: Typically $75, depending on fare type and route.
This option allows travelers to switch to earlier or later flights on the same day of departure, adding convenience and flexibility.
For international flights, rescheduling works similarly but may involve fare differences or country-specific regulations. Travelers should:
Check visa validity for the new travel dates.
Confirm availability for the new international route.
Contact United customer support for complex itineraries involving partner airlines.
Some international routes may require adjustments in taxes or fees due to border regulations, so reviewing these details before confirming changes is crucial.
If you purchased your United Airlines ticket through a travel agency or an online travel platform, contact the original booking source to make changes. United’s website may not allow modifications to third-party reservations. However, in emergencies or cancellations, United’s team may still assist directly if the ticket is reissued under their system.
While change fees have been eliminated for most tickets, a fare difference may still apply if the new flight costs more than the original. Conversely, if the new flight is cheaper, you may receive a travel credit for future use.
United Economy (excluding Basic Economy)
Premium Economy
Business Class
First Class
If your original fare was $250 and the new fare is $300, you’ll pay the $50 difference.
If your new fare is $200, United will issue a $50 travel credit for later use.
If you’ve received a flight credit or electronic travel certificate, you can apply it directly during your next booking on United.com. Enter the certificate number and PIN on the payment page to redeem it. These credits are valid for travel within a specific timeframe, usually 12 months from the date of issue.
For group reservations, rescheduling works slightly differently. The primary contact person or group coordinator must contact United’s Group Travel Desk. Depending on the fare type and group size, United may offer customized reschedule options, including partial changes or credit for unused segments.
Book Early: More seats mean better chances to find lower fare differences.
Monitor Fare Changes: Use United’s website or app to track fares before confirming changes.
Leverage MileagePlus Benefits: Premier members enjoy fee waivers and flexible booking options.
Consider Travel Insurance: Protects you against unforeseen costs when changing travel plans.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to flight alerts and notifications for real-time updates on schedule adjustments.
In cases where United Airlines initiates a flight change due to operational reasons, weather disruptions, or schedule adjustments:
You’ll receive an email or SMS notification with your updated itinerary.
You can accept the change or choose an alternative flight at no extra cost.
In some cases, you may be eligible for refunds or travel vouchers if no suitable alternative is available.
If your rescheduled flight no longer fits your plans, you may request a refund for eligible tickets. Refunds apply to refundable fares and tickets impacted by airline-initiated changes. Use the Refunds section on United’s website to submit your claim and track its progress online.
At United Airlines, flexibility and convenience come first. Whether you’re changing a domestic trip or an international itinerary, the rescheduling process is designed to be simple, transparent, and user-friendly. With no change fees, same-day switch options, and 24/7 customer support, travelers can adjust their plans without stress. Next time your travel schedule shifts, trust United Airlines to make your journey smoother and more adaptable.
Yes. United Airlines has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international flights, except for Basic Economy fares. You’ll only need to pay the fare difference if your new flight costs more than your original ticket.
To reschedule online, visit united.com and navigate to the “My Trips” section. Enter your confirmation number and last name, then select “Change Flight.” You can modify your date, time, or destination and confirm your updated itinerary instantly.
If your ticket was booked via an online travel agency or travel agent, you’ll need to contact them directly to reschedule. United Airlines can only make changes to tickets booked on their website, app, or official counters.
Generally, Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable, but there may be exceptions in specific cases such as government restrictions, severe weather, or airline-initiated cancellations. Contact United’s support team for assistance in such cases.
Same-day changes allow you to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day as your scheduled departure. This option is free for MileagePlus Premier members, while other passengers may pay a small fee (typically $75). You can request it online, via the app, or at the airport kiosk.
You can call United Airlines’ customer service at +1-800-864-8331 (U.S. and Canada). International travelers can find region-specific numbers under the “Contact Us” section of the website. The service is available 24/7 for flight changes and support.
Yes. United allows international flight rescheduling, but fare differences and country-specific taxes may apply. If your itinerary involves partner airlines, it’s best to call United’s international desk for personalized help.
If United modifies your flight schedule due to operational or weather issues, you’ll receive an email or text update. You can either accept the change or select a new flight at no additional cost. Refunds or travel credits may apply if no alternative suits your schedule.
Yes. If the fare of your new flight is lower than your original ticket, United will issue a travel credit or electronic travel certificate that you can use toward future bookings, typically valid for 12 months from the issue date.
When booking your next flight on united.com, enter your certificate number and PIN on the payment page. The value will automatically apply toward your new ticket purchase.
Absolutely. The United app allows passengers to change flight dates, times, and destinations directly from their smartphone. Simply log into your MileagePlus account, view your itinerary, and select “Change Flight.”
Yes. If you’re already at the airport or dealing with last-minute changes, visit the United Airlines ticket counter or service desk. Representatives can help you rebook flights, adjust itineraries, or arrange same-day travel changes.
There’s no specific limit to how many times you can change your United flight. However, each reschedule may involve fare differences depending on availability and route.
Yes. United Airlines allows award ticket changes without change fees. You’ll only pay any fare difference or additional taxes that may apply to the new itinerary.
Name changes are generally not allowed after the ticket has been issued. However, United may correct minor spelling errors if you contact customer service immediately.
Yes. For group bookings, the primary contact person must reach out to United’s Group Travel Desk. The airline provides flexible options for adjusting group itineraries or individual tickets within the booking.
If United cancels your flight, they typically rebook you automatically on the next available flight. You’ll receive an email or app notification to confirm or modify the new schedule at no cost.
You can make flight changes up to 24 hours before departure online or through the app. For same-day changes, the option opens within 24 hours of your scheduled flight time.
Yes, if you choose to upgrade (e.g., from Economy to Business Class), you’ll need to pay the difference in fare between the two classes.
If you miss your flight after rescheduling, United’s no-show policy applies. You may lose the ticket value unless you notify the airline before departure to explore rebooking or credit options.