Yes, you can reschedule your United Airlines flight through their website, app, or customer service, often with flexible options depending on fare type and timing.
Understanding United Airlines’ Rescheduling Policies
United Airlines offers travelers the ability to reschedule flights, but the flexibility depends heavily on the type of ticket purchased and the timing of the change. Unlike some budget carriers that impose rigid rules or hefty fees, United’s policies have evolved to accommodate more traveler needs, especially after recent industry-wide shifts toward customer-centric service.
For most economy fares purchased after a certain date, United allows free changes without a change fee. However, differences exist between basic economy tickets and standard economy or higher fare classes. Basic economy tickets are generally non-changeable and non-refundable except under specific circumstances. Passengers with standard economy or premium cabins usually enjoy more leniency when rescheduling.
The key takeaway is that your ability to reschedule depends on when you bought your ticket, what class it is, and how close you are to your original departure date. Being aware of these nuances can save frustration and unexpected costs.
How Fare Types Affect Your Rescheduling Options
United Airlines categorizes fares broadly into:
- Basic Economy: The most restrictive; no changes allowed except in extraordinary cases.
- Economy (Standard): Allows changes with no fee but may require fare difference payment.
- Premium Economy, Business, First Class: Usually fully flexible with minimal or no fees for changes.
If you hold a refundable ticket, rescheduling is straightforward—you can change flights without penalty and often receive a full refund if you cancel instead. Non-refundable tickets typically require paying any difference in fare when changing flight dates.
Understanding these distinctions before booking helps avoid surprises later on.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reschedule Your Flight With United Airlines
Rescheduling a United flight is designed to be user-friendly. You have multiple channels for making changes: online via the website or mobile app, through customer service phone lines, or at airport counters.
Online Rescheduling Through United’s Website
This is the fastest and most convenient method:
- Visit United.com.
- Log in to your MileagePlus account or enter your confirmation number under “My Trips.”
- Select the flight you want to change.
- Click “Change Flight” and browse available alternatives.
- Select new flights that fit your schedule.
- If applicable, pay any fare difference or fees.
- Confirm the new itinerary and receive updated e-tickets via email.
The interface clearly shows if there are any additional costs involved before finalizing changes.
Using the Mobile App for Quick Changes
The United mobile app offers similar functionality as the website but optimized for smartphones:
- Open the app and sign in.
- Go to “My Trips” and select your booking.
- Tap “Change Flight” and review options.
- Confirm changes after reviewing any price adjustments.
The app also sends push notifications about your updated itinerary, making it easy to stay informed on-the-go.
Customer Service Assistance
If you prefer talking to a representative or face complex itinerary issues (like multi-city trips), calling United’s customer service can be helpful. The agents can walk you through options and sometimes offer solutions not visible online.
Keep in mind wait times can vary based on call volume. Having your confirmation number handy speeds up the process.
The Cost Factor: Fees and Fare Differences Explained
One common question is whether rescheduling incurs extra costs. The answer depends largely on ticket type and timing:
| Ticket Type | Change Fee | Fare Difference Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | No changes allowed (except emergencies) | N/A |
| Standard Economy (Non-Refundable) | No fee for changes made before departure* | You pay any increase in fare price |
| Refundable Tickets (All Classes) | No fee | No fare difference if rebooking within validity period |
| *Subject to policy updates during promotions or disruptions |
Basically, United eliminated change fees for most tickets purchased after late 2020 as part of pandemic-era flexibility improvements. Still, if your new flight costs more than your original booking, expect to cover that difference.
Avoiding Last-Minute Surprises: Timing Matters
Changing flights well in advance usually means better availability and lower fare differences. Trying to reschedule within hours of departure often results in limited options at higher prices.
Also note that some deeply discounted fares have stricter rules regardless of timing. Always read terms during purchase carefully.
Special Situations Impacting Your Ability To Reschedule With United Airlines
Certain scenarios can affect how easily you can change flights:
MileagePlus Members’ Perks on Flight Changes
Elite members of United’s loyalty program sometimes enjoy additional benefits such as waived fees or priority assistance when making changes. These perks depend on tier level—Premier Silver members get fewer benefits than Premier Platinum or Global Services members.
Using miles for award tickets also involves different change policies—often requiring redeposit fees unless waived by status level.
Cancellations Due To Weather Or Operational Issues
If United cancels or significantly delays your flight due to weather or mechanical problems, they typically allow free rebooking on another flight without penalty. This flexibility often extends beyond normal policy limits as a goodwill gesture.
Passengers affected by such disruptions should monitor emails/texts from United promptly for rebooking instructions.
The Impact of COVID-19 On Rescheduling Rules
During peak pandemic periods, airlines including United adopted more generous policies allowing unlimited free changes even on Basic Economy tickets in many cases. While some restrictions have returned as travel normalizes, many flexible features remain as permanent upgrades compared to pre-pandemic rules.
Always check current policy updates directly from United before assuming old rules apply.
Pitfalls To Avoid When Rescheduling Your United Airlines Flight
Even with clear policies, travelers sometimes run into avoidable issues:
- Mistiming Your Change: Waiting too long may result in no availability or steep price hikes.
- Inefficient Channel Use: Using third-party sites instead of direct channels may complicate changes or void protections.
- Lack of Documentation: Not saving confirmation emails after changing flights can cause confusion at check-in.
- Mismatched Itineraries: Changing one leg but forgetting connecting flights may lead to missed connections.
- Ignoring Fare Rules: Not reading fine print could mean unexpected fees on supposedly “free” changes.
Avoid these traps by acting early, using official resources like united.com/app, and double-checking all communications from the airline post-change.
Key Takeaways: Can I Reschedule My Flight With United Airlines?
➤ Rescheduling is generally allowed with possible fees.
➤ Fees vary based on fare type and timing of change.
➤ Changes can be made online via United’s website or app.
➤ Refunds may apply if new flight costs less.
➤ Check travel policies during special circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule my United Airlines flight online?
Yes, you can reschedule your United Airlines flight online through their website or mobile app. Simply log in to your MileagePlus account or enter your confirmation number under “My Trips” to select and change your flight.
Can I reschedule my United Airlines flight without paying a fee?
Whether you pay a fee depends on your fare type. Standard economy and premium cabins often allow free changes, but basic economy tickets usually do not permit rescheduling without fees except in special cases.
Can I reschedule my United Airlines flight if I have a basic economy ticket?
Basic economy tickets are generally non-changeable and non-refundable except under extraordinary circumstances. If you need flexibility, consider purchasing a standard economy or higher fare class instead.
How close to departure can I reschedule my United Airlines flight?
The ability to reschedule depends on how close you are to the original departure date. Changes made closer to departure may be subject to restrictions or additional fees, depending on your ticket type.
Can I reschedule my refundable United Airlines ticket?
If your ticket is refundable, you can usually reschedule without penalties and may receive a full refund if you cancel. Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility for changing travel plans.