Quick Answer Box
- You can change United Airlines tickets without a charge. However, certain fare restrictions may still apply.
- Basic Economy tickets are nonrefundable and non changeable.
- The airline issues a cash refund or credit depending on the ticket type.
- Flights canceled or changed by the airline are subject to a full refund or compensation.
Changing or canceling a United Airlines flight depends on the ticket and fare type. So travelers must review the conditions carefully before requesting a change or cancellation.
United offers customers online tools to change flights and request refunds. The U.S. Department of Transportation also requires airlines to issue refunds when a flight is canceled or significantly changed, and the passenger declines the offered alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my United Airlines flight?
Yes. You can change your United flight tickets except Basic Economy. You only need to pay the fare difference, if any.
Does United Airlines charge a change fee?
No, United does not charge change fees for standard Economy, Premium Cabin, and most award tickets for flights within the U.S, or international flights originating in the U.S.
How do I change my United Airlines flight?
You can change your United Airlines flight very easily online. All that you need to do is go to United’s website or app, select the change option, choose an eligible replacement flight, review any fare difference, and confirm the change.
Can I change the date of my United flight?
Yes, you can change most United Airlines flights without paying a change fee. You only need to pay any extra price difference if your new flight costs more. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed after the first 24 hours of booking.
Can I change the destination on my United ticket?
Yes, you can. However, it would depend on your ticket type and itinerary. A different routing, however, will change the fare.
Can I change only one flight segment?
Yes, you can change only one flight segment on a multi-city or round-trip ticket. However, you generally can't change a single connecting flight within a single leg. You have to pay the fare difference for the revised itinerary.
Can I change my flight after check-in?
You might be able to do so. United allows passengers to change flights through the same-day change, either confirmed or standby. However, you will have to first cancel your check-in status.
Can I change a United international flight?
Yes, you can change several of United’s international tickets. However, the fare conditions and the new itinerary determine the applicable cost and restrictions.
Can I change a United Basic Economy ticket?
You cannot make any direct changes to your United Airlines Basic Economy ticket after 24 hours of making the purchase.
Can I cancel the United Basic Economy Ticket?
Yes, you can cancel your United Basic Economy ticket within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, as long as the flight was booked at least seven days before departure. After that window, you'll be entitled to a partial travel credit instead. Read our blog on United Airlines Basic Economy: Change & Cancellation Rules Explained to get in-depth information about the topic.
Can I get a refund after canceling a non-refundable ticket?
Yes, you will be eligible for a partial refund for unused airport taxes and fees even if you cancel a non-refundable ticket.
Can I cancel a United flight because of an emergency?
You can request a cancellation. However, an emergency will not necessarily turn a non-refundable ticket refundable. You must contact United before canceling in an emergency.
Can I cancel only one segment of a United itinerary?
Yes, you can. However, you must do it by modifying or repricing your trip. You cannot do so by merely clicking a single “cancel one segment” button.
What happens when United cancels my flight because of weather?
In such a case, you are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight or receive a full cash refund.
What happens in case United significantly delays my flight?
Under the U.S. Department of Transportation, if a domestic flight is delayed by three hours or an international flight is delayed by six hours or more, United will rebook travelers on its next available flight or a partner airline flight at no extra cost. If a passenger declines the alternative arrangement, the airline must arrange a refund.
How do I request a United Airlines refund?
You need to fill out the United Airlines Refund Form. Provide your contact details and ticket number. You will need to specify the reason for your refund request (e.g., flight cancellation, schedule change, or 24-hour flexible booking). You will then need to upload any required supporting documents, such as a doctor's note or death certificate for courtesy requests. You can then submit the form and track your request status online.
Can I request a refund for a flight I didn't take?
Yes, United entitles a person to a refund even when the traveler did not board the flight. How much you get back depends on the circumstances under which you did not board the flight.
What happens in case I miss my United flight?
United treats a missed flight as a no-show and can cancel your ticket. You risk losing your ticket value if you don't contact the airline immediately for rebooking or standby options.
Will United refund a missed flight?
Do not expect the airline to automatically refund a missed flight if you have missed it due to your own reasons, like late arrival or a traffic jam.
What happens when I miss a connection on the same United ticket?
If you have missed a connection on a single United ticket because of a delayed inbound flight, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge.
Does United allow same-day flight changes?
Yes, United Airlines allows same-day flight changes to switch to an earlier or later flight within 24 hours of your original scheduled departure.
Can I stand by for another United flight?
Yes, you can for the same-day flight provided it has a similar origin and destination. However, this arrangement is not available for those holding a Basic Economy ticket.
Can I change a United award ticket?
Yes, you can change a United award ticket for free with no change fees. However, you will have to pay any difference in the required miles and taxes.
Will United redeposit my miles after I cancel an award ticket?
Yes, United will redeposit your miles back into your account when you cancel an award ticket before departure. You won't have to pay any redeposit fee.
What happens in case I booked United through a travel agency?
When you have booked a United ticket through a travel agency, the airline will not be responsible for changes or refunds. You will have to contact the concerned agency for all such requests. The US Department of Transportation’s 24-hour requirement does not apply when you book a ticket through online travel agencies.
Can I change a United group booking?
United has a different set of terms and conditions for group reservations. Contact United's applicable group-travel team for any changes to your booking.
Can I transfer my United ticket to another person?
No, you cannot! All airline tickets are strictly non-transferable under industry regulations and United Airlines policy. Name changes are only allowed to correct a typo or a legal change (like a marriage), not in any way to change passengers. You can read our earlier published blog, United Airlines Name Change or Correction Policy: Ultimate Traveler's Guide, for complete information about United Airlines Name Change or Correction Policy.
Can I cancel United Economy Plus after purchase?
Yes, you can! However, whether you are entitled to a refund will depend on when and why you cancel your ticket.
What documents should I keep after a United cancellation or change?
You must keep your original ticket receipt, the cancellation confirmation email, any screenshots of the flight disruption, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
Cheapflightsfares is an independent agency and is not affiliated with United Airlines. The given policies are subject to change. It is always advisable to verify current policies published by United Airlines on their official website.
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