United Airlines lets you change most flights, but the rules depend on your ticket type and how far ahead you book the change

You can change a United flight online, by phone, or at the airport, but United charges change fees on most basic economy tickets and some standard tickets. The process takes a few minutes online if you have a reservation number and know which flight you want. If you booked a refundable ticket or a higher fare class, you may not pay a change fee at all. The key is knowing what you paid for and what United's current policy allows.

United's change fee structure depends on your ticket type and the route. Basic economy tickets typically carry a change fee that ranges from $75 to $200 for domestic flights, depending on whether you change before or after your flight departs. Standard tickets usually have a lower fee or no fee at all. First class, business class, and premium economy tickets generally allow changes without a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • United charges a change fee on basic economy and most standard tickets, but the amount varies by route and how far in advance you change.
  • You can change your flight online through your reservation, by calling 1-800-864-8331, or at the airport ticket counter.
  • If your new flight costs less than your original ticket, United keeps the difference; if it costs more, you pay the gap plus any change fee.
  • Refundable tickets and some premium fare classes allow changes without a fee, though you still pay any price difference.
  • If United cancels or significantly delays your flight, you can change to another flight at no charge.

How to change your flight online

The fastest way to change a United flight is through the United website or the United mobile app. Go to the "Manage Reservations" section, enter your confirmation number and last name, and select the flight you want to change. United will show you available flights on the same route and nearby dates, along with the price difference and any change fee. Review the total cost, confirm the change, and you are done. The change takes effect when ready, and United sends a new confirmation email with your updated itinerary.

If you cannot find a flight that works for you online, or if you need to change to a different route entirely, you will need to call or visit the airport. Online changes are limited to flights on the same route within a certain window—usually 24 hours before to 24 hours after your original departure time. This limitation exists because United's system prioritizes same-route changes; anything more complex requires a representative to search across all available options.

Changing your flight by phone or at the airport

Call United at 1-800-864-8331 to change your flight. Have your confirmation number ready. A representative will search for available flights, explain the change fee and price difference, and process the change over the phone. Phone lines are typically busier during early morning and evening hours, so calling mid-afternoon on a weekday may mean a shorter wait. The representative can also change you to a different route or date if the online system will not show what you need.

You can also change your flight at the United ticket counter at the airport, though this is slower if you are already there for your original flight. If you are at the airport and want to catch an earlier or later flight the same day, the ticket agent can usually rebook you on the spot. If your original flight has already departed, you cannot change it at the counter—you must call or use the website.

What change fees United charges and when

Basic economy tickets typically carry a change fee that ranges from $75 to $200 for domestic flights, depending on whether you change before or after your flight departs. Standard tickets usually have a lower fee or no fee at all. First class, business class, and premium economy tickets generally allow changes without a fee. The exact amount also depends on whether you are changing to a flight in the same cabin or upgrading to a higher one.

If you change your flight and the new one costs less, United does not refund the difference—the airline keeps it. If the new flight costs more, you pay the price gap on top of any change fee. For example, if your original ticket was $300, you change to a flight that costs $400, and there is a $75 change fee, you would owe $175 total ($100 price difference plus $75 fee). This structure means you should compare the total cost before confirming any change.

When United does not charge a change fee

United waives the change fee if the airline cancels your flight or delays it by more than three hours. In these cases, you can change to any other United flight to your destination at no charge, though you still pay any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. You also do not pay a change fee if you purchased a refundable ticket or a premium fare class like first class or business class.

If you booked a basic economy ticket and want to avoid change fees in the future, you can upgrade to a standard or premium ticket at the time of booking. The price difference varies by route and how far ahead you book. Some passengers find that paying a bit more upfront for a standard ticket saves money if they think they might need to change.

What happens to your original ticket price

When you change a flight, United does not refund your original ticket price. Instead, the airline treats it as a credit toward your new flight. If your new flight costs less, United keeps the difference and does not return it to your original payment method. If your new flight costs more, you pay the gap. This credit never expires, so if you do not use it on a new flight, you can hold it indefinitely and explore it to a future booking.

The only exception is if you purchased a refundable ticket. Refundable tickets can be changed or cancelled for a full refund to your original payment method, though you must process the refund through United directly—the airline does not automatically return the money when you change the flight. Keep your confirmation number and original receipt if you think you may need to prove the refund later.

Changing a flight booked through a travel agent or third-party site

If you booked your United flight through a travel agent, Expedia, Kayak, or another third-party booking site, you still change the flight through United using your confirmation number. However, any refund or credit goes back to the original booking site, not directly to you. Contact the site or travel agent first to understand their change policy, because some sites charge their own fees on top of United's.

Always keep your United confirmation number handy, even if you booked elsewhere. That number is what United uses to pull up your reservation, regardless of where you purchased the ticket. If you have trouble locating your confirmation number, check your email confirmation from the booking site or contact the site's customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my flight the day of departure?

Yes, you can change your flight on the day it departs, but you must do it before the flight takes off. Online changes are usually available up to 24 hours before departure. If you are at the airport, go to the ticket counter. If you are not at the airport and your flight leaves soon, call 1-800-864-8331 when ready.

What if I want to change to a flight on a different day or route?

You can change to a different route or date, but United treats it as a new booking. You pay any fare difference plus the change fee. Call United or visit the ticket counter, because online changes are limited to the same route. The representative can search across all available flights and dates to find what works for you.

Do I lose my seat if I change my flight?

No. When you change your flight, United assigns you a new seat on the new flight. Your original seat is released and becomes available for other passengers. Your new seat assignment depends on your fare class and frequent flyer status.

Can I change a flight I booked as a gift for someone else?

Yes, but the person whose name is on the ticket must be the one who changes it, or they must give you written permission. United requires the passenger's name to match the reservation. If you booked it as a gift, give the confirmation number to the recipient and let them change it themselves, or contact United with written authorization from the passenger.

What if I change my flight and then want to change it again?

You can change a flight multiple times. Each change incurs a separate fee (unless your ticket type waives fees) and any applicable fare difference. There is no limit to how many times you can change, but each change costs money unless your ticket is refundable or premium.