United Airlines has stopped charging passengers for changing flights within the United States or international flights originating from the U.S. You’ll only have to pay the fare difference if your new flight ticket is costlier. However, the fee waiver does not apply to Basic Economy tickets, which cannot be changed or cancelled. United Airlines flight change policy allows you to change your flight (date, time, and/or destination) or apply for a refund in the form of an eCredit in certain situations.
Below is a snapshot of United Airlines change flight policy:
You can change your flight’s date, time, and/or location within 24 hours of booking without paying a flight change fee, regardless of fare (i.e., including non-refundable fares).
The United change flight fees have been permanently waived for all domesticand international flights originating from North America to any destination. This includes:
Basic Economy tickets booked up to April 30, 2021*.
(*Some tickets may be changeable for a fee, such as those originating from Africa, Europe, and other international regions. For details, refer to your ticket).
Only United-issued tickets, so if you booked a United ticket with another airline, you’ll have to check that United Airlines flight change policy.
All international flights operated by United’s codeshare and joint venture partners, as long as the ticket was issued by United.
The change fees have also been eliminated for all flights between the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean (both ways), incl. Basic Economy tickets booked up to April 30, 2021.
Refundable tickets can be changed anytime up to 24 hours before departure without incurring a change fee, but you will have to pay the applicable fare difference.
Award tickets will not incur any change fees (if changed before departure):
Within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On international flights travel originating in North America.
Same-day changes (within 24 hours of departure) are permitted within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the USVI for a fee, starting at USD 75. However, same-day flight changes are complimentary for Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members. International flight tickets and Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for same-day changes. For details, refer to the section titled United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Policy below.
The expiry date of all tickets expiring in/purchased in 2021 now stands extended till December 31, 2022.
If you change an existing flight booking online, the changes will apply to all passengers in your booking.
If you want to change a ticket issued by a third party, you may be charged an additional fee (by the third party).
If you have any doubts or need assistance, call United Airlines change flight phone number.
If your flight does not fall under a change fee waiver, the cost to change a flight can vary from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route. Remember, Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-cancellable unless they fall under a travel waiver, or you cancel within the 24-hour window and rebook to suit your new preferences.
United Airlines has waived the change fee for Basic Economy tickets (inclusive). Although Basic Economy tickets are generally non-changeable, you can make changes to any Basic Economy flight ticket without paying a flight change fee during this period.
Your options. If you know when you’ll be travelling, you can rebook your ticket immediately. Alternatively, you can cancel it and receive a credit for the full value of your ticket, rebook it by December 31, 2021, and start your travel no later than December 31, 2022. If your new flight is cheaper than the original flight, you will receive a credit for the fare difference, which you can redeem for future travel. If your new flight is costlier, you will have to pay the fare difference.
Also known as the 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver, this waiver is temporary and applies to all United tickets—regardless of your flight’s origin or destination, as shown below:
United Airlines Flight Change Policy—North America and the Caribbean
You can change all tickets (except Basic Economy) without paying any flight change fee.
This applies to:
Tickets originating in North America to anywhere in the world.
Tickets originating in the Caribbean to North America and Mexico (both ways).
Basic Economy tickets that fall under United’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
United Airlines Flight Change Policy—Outside of North America
United has temporarily waived the flight change for all trips originating outside of North America that were purchased on or after May 1, 2021. This means you can change any flight originating outside of North America without paying a flight change fee. The change fee waiver applies to all fare classes except Basic Economy; however, some Basic Economy tickets can be changed for a fee based on the instructions provided on your ticket.
United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Policy
United allows you to make same-day ticket changes within 24 hours of the originally scheduled departure time of your flight. Same-day flight changes are subject to seat availability and can only be made:
Within the same travel class and route on a Main Cabin seat.
To flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Online during check-in or through the Fly United mobile app (subject to availability).
Exceptions. Same-day flight changes cannot be made to:
Basic Economy fares
International routes
Origin/destination cities or same-city airports (JFK to LGA)
Options. Same-day ticket changes can work in the following 2 ways:
You can use United’s same-day standby upgrade option to upgrade your seat for a fee, subject to space availability. This option is only available:
Within North America, but does not include JFK-SFO and JFK-LAX.
To/from St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), Nassau (Bahamas), Montego Bay (Jamaica), Los Cabos (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Bermuda, and Aruba.
Between Atlanta and St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Costa Rica.
Between Cancun (Mexico) and Minneapolis, Memphis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Detroit.
If you want to change a non-refundable ticket on United Airlines and your flight is not covered under a travel waiver, the flight change fee can range from USD 0 – 500, depending on your route. Plus, you will have to pay the applicable fare difference.
You cannot make changes to Basic Economy tickets that do not fall under the Basic Economy waiver (i.e., tickets booked before April 30, 2021, or between May 1 – December 31, 2021, as long as they’re re-issued on/before December 31, 2021, and used no later than December 31, 2022).
You can change your United Airlines flight by phone, online, or at a United sales counter. If you’re changing your flight on United by phone, call United Airlines change flight phone number (toll-free in the U.S./Canada) or the United office/call center in your city/country.
Changing your flight on United Airlines online is quick and easy. You can use the website to:
Change the date, day, or time of your flight.
Change the origin or destination of your flight.
To change your United flight online:
Go to United.com
Click on My Trips
Select/enter your:
Confirmation number, or
Credit/Debit card number, or
Ticket Number
First and last name
Click on the Find My Trip button
Select the flight you want to change
Click on Modify Flight
Choose Start Flight Change
United Airlines award tickets can be changed online as explained below. The refund of your mileage can take a couple of hours to show up in your account.
Go to United.com
Click on My Trips or Log in
Select the flight you want to change
Click on Modify Flight
Click on Start Flight Change
Select your new flight(s)
Complete your check out
Pay the fare difference (if any)
Receive your confirmation
Note. Basic Economy Award Tickets cannot be changed or refunded outside of the 24-hour window unless they fall under United’s Basic Economy waiver. If you need any assistance, call United Airlines.
Flight Change Tips (applies to all tickets)
If you don’t change or cancel your ticket before departure, it will have no remaining value later.
If your new flight ticket is cheaper, the difference will be refunded in the form of a credit for future use.
If your new flight ticket is costlier than your original flight, you’ll have to pay the price difference.
You cannot change a Basic Economy ticket unless it falls within United’s Basic Economy Waiver. However, some tickets originating from Africa, Europe, and other international regions can be changed for a fee. For details, refer to the fare conditions of your ticket.
If your flight does not fall under a travel waiver, you may be charged between USD 200 – 500 to make changes to your flight, in addition to any fare differences that apply. However, you can make use of the change fee waivers as shown in the table below.
Follow the tips below to save on flight change fees at United:
Leverage DOT’s 24-hour risk-free policy. Use the 24-hour rule of the U.S. Department of Transportation to cancel any flight for free within 24 hours of purchase and rebook per your preference.
Buy a flexible ticket. It’s more expensive but you won’t have to pay a change fee if your travel plan changes.
Get a United Medallion Elite status. You’ll enjoy special fee waivers if you’re holding Gold, Diamond, or Platinum status.
Take advantage of schedule changes. If your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, cancelled, or rescheduled, you’re allowed to change your flight (or cancel your flight).
Call United on to help you out if you don’t know what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions on United Flight Change Policy
What is United flight change fee like?
After the risk-free 24-hour window has passed, United change flight fee can range from USD 75–200 within the United States, whereas United Airlines change fee for international flights can range from USD 200–500, depending on your fare class and destination.
Has United flight change fee been eliminated?
United change flight fee (starting from USD 75–200/ticket) has been eliminated for all domestic and international flights originating from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes flights operated by Sky Team and codeshare partners but does not apply to Basic Economy fares that do not fall under United’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
What is United Airlines change fee waiver?
Per United Airlines change fee waiver, all tickets purchased on or before April 30—including Basic Economy tickets—can be changed up to December 31, without incurring any change fee. This means if you purchased a ticket on April 30, you can either:
Rebook your flight immediately without having to pay a flight change fee.
Cancel your ticket, convert it into an e Credit by December 31, and use the e Credit to commence your trip by December 31.
What if my new flight is cheaper than my original flight?
If your new flight (i.e., United Airlines changed flight) is cheaper than your original flight, the excess amount will be credited to your account as an eCredit which you can redeem later for travelling in the future.
How do I check the status of my eCredit?
You can check the balance and expiration date of your eCredit by visiting United.com/redeem and entering the required details, such as your eCredit number.
Does United Airlines charge a change fee for changing the origin or destination?
Other than the applicable fare difference, you will not have to pay a flight change fee for changing your flight’s origin or destination if:
1- You cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it (without penalty), and rebook.
2- You purchased your ticket on/before April 30 (incl. Basic Economy).
3- You purchased your ticket after April 30, with a travel date in 2021 (incl. Basic Economy).
4- Your trip originates in North America to anywhere in the world; however, Basic Economy tickets are 5- not included unless they’re covered under United’s Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
6- Your trip originates in and is between the Caribbean and North America/Mexico (both ways), but 7 7- this does not include Basic Economy tickets unless they’re covered under United’s Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
8- Your trip originates outside of North America and you purchased it on or after May 1, except for Basic Economy tickets with some exceptions. This is a temporary fee waiver and can be withdrawn anytime, so do check with United before changing.
What is United Airlines change flight phone number?
United flight change phone number (toll-free in U.S./Canada) is 800-221-1212. This number is open 24/7.
What is United Airlines international flight change fee?
United Airlines’ international flight change fee can range from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.
What is United Airlines international flight change fee?
United Airlines’ international flight change fee can range from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.
Can I change the flight day on United Airlines?
Yes, you can change the flight day on United, i.e., change your travel date, over the phone or online. Whether you’ll be charged a flight change fee or not will depend on the fare conditions of your ticket, and whether your ticket falls under a travel waiver. Remember, Basic Economy tickets cannot be modified, unless they’re covered under a change fee waiver.
What is United Airlines flight change price?
The flight change price on United ranges from USD 200 – 500, depending on your flight’s route.
How do I call United Airlines to change a flight?
You can check the balance and expiration date of your eCredit by visiting United.com/redeem and You can call customer service to change your flight. This number is open 24/7 and toll-free if you’re calling from the U.S. or Canada.
Is changing your flight on United Airlines free?
Changing your flight on United Airlines is free if:
1- You bought your ticket on or before April 30, 2021.
2- You bought your ticket on/after May 1, 2021, and your travel date is in 2021.
3- Your flight originates in North America, but this does not include Basic Economy tickets unless
they fall under United’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
4- Your flight originates outside North America and you purchased your ticket on/after May 1, 2023, except for Basic Economy tickets with some exceptions. This is a temporary fee waiver.
5- Your flight trip originates in and is between the Caribbean and North America/Mexico (both ways), but this does not include Basic Economy tickets unless they’re covered under United’s 2021 Basic Economy Changeability Waiver.
How can I change the date of a flight on United Airlines?
You can change the date of your flight on United Airlines by phone or online via My Trips. You may or may not be charged a change fee, depending on your route and travel class.
How do I change flight reservations on United Airlines?
You can change your flight reservations on United Airlines by phone or online via My Trips.
If I change an international flight on United Airlines, how much will I be charged?
If you change an international flight on United Airlines and your flight is not covered under any travel waiver, you can be charged anywhere from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.
How can I change a return flight date on United Airlines?
You can change your return flight date on United Airlines over the phone by calling or a United office in your city/country, or online.
If you’re changing your flight date online, go to United.com, select My Trips and enter your ticket number (or credit/debit card number/confirmation number) and name, click on the search button, select your flight, choose the Modify Flight option, select Start Flight Change, change the flight date, and confirm the changes to rebook your flight. Remember, you’ll have to pay the fare difference (if any) and the applicable change fee (if any).
What is United Airlines fee to change a flight?
United Airlines’ fee to change a flight (if the flight does not fall under a change fee waiver) ranges from USD 200 – 500, depending on your route.