how to change flight united

3 min read 16-01-2025

Changing your United flight can seem daunting, but with the right information, it's a straightforward process. This guide covers various methods, fees, and considerations to help you navigate the change with ease. Whether you need to alter your departure time, destination, or even your entire itinerary, we've got you covered.

Understanding United's Change Policies

Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify United's flight change policies. These policies vary depending on several factors, including your ticket type (basic economy, economy, etc.), the fare rules associated with your ticket, and how far in advance you're making the change.

Key factors influencing change fees and policies:

Ticket type: Basic Economy tickets often have the strictest change policies and may incur significant fees or even be non-refundable.
Fare rules: Each fare has specific terms and conditions regarding changes. Check your ticket confirmation email or the United website for details.
Time of change: Changes made closer to your departure date generally result in higher fees.
Route availability: Changing to a different flight depends on seat availability on alternative flights.

Methods for Changing Your United Flight

You have several options for modifying your United flight reservation:

1. United's Website

This is often the most convenient and efficient method.

Log in: Access your United account using your reservation number or email address.
Locate your booking: Find your flight details.
Change your flight: Follow the prompts to modify your flight. The website will guide you through the process, showing available options and associated fees.

2. United Mobile App

The United mobile app offers a user-friendly interface for managing your bookings.

Download & Log In: Download the app and log in using your credentials.
Access your booking: Locate your flight reservation.
Modify your flight: The app's intuitive design simplifies the change process, allowing you to explore options and make changes directly.

3. United Customer Service

If you encounter difficulties using the website or app, or prefer a more personalized approach, contacting United customer service is an option.

Phone: Call United's customer service number. Be prepared to provide your reservation details.
Live Chat: Check the United website for live chat support options.

Fees Associated with Changing Your United Flight

Keep in mind that changing your flight usually involves fees, which can vary considerably.

Change fees: These fees depend on your ticket type and fare class. Basic Economy tickets often have higher change fees or may not allow changes at all.
Fare differences: If your new flight is more expensive than your original flight, you will need to pay the difference in fare.

Tips for Minimizing Flight Change Fees

Book a flexible ticket: Consider purchasing a more flexible ticket type to minimize potential change fees.
Change early: The sooner you make a change, the more likely you are to find suitable alternative flights and potentially lower fees.
Check fare rules: Before booking, carefully review the fare rules to understand the change policies associated with your ticket.
Be aware of waivers: United sometimes offers waivers for change fees due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather disruptions. Check for any applicable waivers before attempting to change your flight.

What to do if you encounter issues changing your flight

If you have trouble changing your flight, try these steps:

Check the United website for FAQs: Their help section may provide solutions to common problems.
Contact United customer service: Their representatives can help you troubleshoot issues and find alternative solutions.
Review your ticket confirmation: Double-check your ticket's specific rules for changing your flight.

Changing your United flight is manageable with the right approach. By understanding the policies, utilizing the available resources, and planning ahead, you can make the necessary adjustments to your travel itinerary smoothly. Remember to always check for applicable fees and fare differences before confirming your changes.