How to Avoid United Airlines Flight Change Fees: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Often our travel plans change at the last minute, and it’s common to worry about flight change fees charged by airlines. United Airlines recently made some changes to its policies, but many travelers are still confused about when they can change flights for free and when they might have to pay a fee. In this detailed guide, we’ll tell you how you can avoid United Airlines flight change fees, what are the best tips for booking, and which tickets will be most convenient for you.
1. What is United Airlines’ new change fee policy?
After 2021, United Airlines announced that change fees would be eliminated for flights within the US and for short-haul international flights. This means that if you’re booked in an economy or premium cabin, you can change your flight date without any additional fees. However, there are some exceptions:
Basic Economy Tickets: These are the most limited tickets. Changes are rarely allowed, and you may have to cancel the ticket to make a change.
Award Tickets: Tickets booked using MileagePlus points also have a change fee. It depends on what type of award ticket you have.
Long-Haul International Flights: Change fees may still apply on some international routes.
2. Best bet: Avoid basic economy tickets!
Basic economy tickets are cheap, but they have very strict rules. If you have even the slightest suspicion that your travel date may change, avoid booking a basic economy ticket. Standard Economy and above offer more flexibility, including free changes.
Example:
If you book a Basic Economy ticket from Delhi to New York and need to change the date, your entire ticket may be forfeited. On the other hand, if you have a Standard Economy ticket, you will only have to pay the difference in fare, there will be no change fee.
3. Take advantage of changes within 24 hours of reservation
United Airlines offers the service to cancel or change your booking within 24 hours of reserving the ticket without incurring any charge. This policy is valid if you have booked the ticket at least seven days before the flight’s departure time.
This means that if you have booked a ticket and you need to make an immediate change, you can change your booking for free without delay by visiting United’s website or app.
4. Be Aware of the MileagePlus Award Ticket Rules
United’s MileagePlus program is popular among frequent travelers. However, the rules regarding award tickets can be slightly different. You may encounter a change fee or need to pay additional miles if you change the dates on certain award tickets.
Tips:
Read the terms and conditions of an award ticket carefully before booking it.
The rules may also change if you upgrade the ticket.
If you have Elite Status, your change fee may be waived.
5. Understand the Fare Difference
When you change your flight for free, United only charges you the fare difference, meaning you will have to pay extra if the new flight is more expensive. If the new flight is cheaper, you usually don’t get a refund. This is important for you to know if your travel dates are flexible.
Example:
Suppose you bought a ticket from Delhi to Chicago for $500. When you change it, the fare of the new flight is $550. In such a case, you will only have to pay an additional $50.
6. Benefits of Elite Status
Elite members of the United MileagePlus program get many special benefits, the most prominent of which is the waiver of change fees. If you have Gold, Platinum, or 1K status, you will get more flexibility and discounts in changing flights.
How to become an Elite member?
Fly regularly on United or its partner airlines.
Earn miles and status points using United credit cards.
7. Same-Day Flight Change and Travel Waivers
Sometimes you may have to change your flight on the same day. United offers a “same-day flight change” facility for this, which charges a nominal fee (usually $75). This fee depends on your ticket type and is not available on Basic Economy tickets.
In addition, United issues “Travel Waivers” in times of bad weather or technical problems. If a waiver applies to your flight, you can make the change for free or at a discounted rate.
8. Use online tools and customer service
You can easily make changes to your flight using United’s website and mobile app. On these platforms, you can view your booking at any time and change or cancel it.
If you have any confusion or have a special case, contacting United’s customer service is the best option. They can sometimes arrange special waivers or exceptions for you.
9. Consider travel insurance
If you travel frequently or your plans are unpredictable, purchasing travel insurance may be a wise decision. Some insurance plans cover fees incurred if you change or cancel your flight, allowing you to get a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are there no change fees on Basic Economy tickets?
Answer: Changes or cancellations are not allowed on Basic Economy tickets. If you do, your entire ticket is forfeited.
Q2: You can transfer your booked flight to another person’s name.
Answer: No, United Airlines tickets are generally non-transferable.
Q3: If my flight is canceled by the airline, I will not be liable for any change fees.
Answer: No, if the flight is canceled by the airline, you will be given the option of rebooking on another flight without any fee.
Q4: Have change fees been waived on all international flights?
Answer: This waiver applies mainly to flights within the US and short-haul international flights. There may still be some restrictions and fees on long-haul international flights.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid United Airlines flight change fees is to choose your ticket type carefully, make flexible choices when booking, and stay informed of the airline’s latest policies. Avoiding basic economy tickets, using the 24-hour grace period, and getting MileagePlus Elite status will go a long way in saving you from unnecessary fees.
You can easily make changes to your flight online or through customer service. Also, keep an eye out for travel waivers during any travel disruptions. By following these tips, you can make your trip more convenient and affordable.
