Passengers make foolproof plans. Sometimes, they face unexpected challenges. On other occasions, they change their minds. United Airlines’ date change policy offers a dedicated path to change flight dates to accommodate new plans. You’ll notice that the United Airlines flight change policy has undergone significant changes in recent times. We have prepared a comprehensive United Airlines date change policy 2025 guide to provide information on its fees, the benefits offered by ticket types, and step-by-step instructions for a seamless rebooking experience.
- 24-hour free cancellation: Must have booked at least 7 days before departure.
- No change fees: All ticket types are eligible. Works for domestic and international flights (including flights originating in the U.S.).
- Fare differences: Compare the new and existing flight fares to see the difference.
- Multiple channel change options: Online (website/app), by phone, or at the airport.
Call the United Airlines date change number at +1-844-501-6663 now.
Read Also: Air France Date Change Policy
United Airlines Change Booking: What You Should Know in 2025
United Airlines’ flexible date change rules in 2025 offer several benefits. Passengers should read them with attention, as the airline has scrapped some of the widely used concepts.
Passengers are not required to pay the flight reschedule fee, even if they request changes outside the 24-hour window.
United Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Rule
- All ticket holders can cancel or modify their tickets.
- Request fee-free changes or cancellations within the window.
- Full refunds (original payment method).
Note: The original flight departure should be seven (7) days away. The airline considers the time zone when booking tickets.
Modify Flight Change United Airlines: Zero Change Fee System
The best part about United Airlines’ manage booking date change policy is that you do not have to pay the change fee. We have discussed the entire ticket-specific fee system below. The chart applies to both domestic and international flights.
| Fare Class | Date Change Fees | Fare Differences |
| Basic Economy | Not allowed | Not eligible |
| Economy | $0 | Yes |
| Economy Plus | $0 | Yes |
| Business/First | $0 | Yes |
| Premium Plus | $0 | Yes. |
Important Tip: Passengers may be allowed to make changes to their Basic Economy tickets under United Airlines’ reschedule international flight rules. An airline-initiated cancellation is another exception when a basic economy ticket can be changed. Please get in touch with the customer for updated information.
My rebooking fare is higher. How does the rebooking policy work?
The United Airlines rebooking policy states that passengers must pay the fare difference if the new fare is more expensive than the original fare. Please get in touch with customer service to determine the overall cost components, including fees and taxes.
My new fare is lower. Does United Airlines refund the difference?
United Airlines issues a travel credit if your new ticket costs less than the original price. You can use it for future flight bookings with the airline. Please note that the credit validity remains for twelve (12) months from the original ticket purchase date.
United Airlines Key Restrictions
Passengers should read the United Airlines ticket date change rules to process changes efficiently. You should be aware of the changes you can request and those that are not permitted according to the guidelines.
Must-Know Points:
- Always check the eligibility status of your ticket.
- Request changes before flight departure.
- Check the ticket validity period.
- A name change remains a separate process with different requirements.
Restrictions:
- Award tickets with certain restrictions. Contact customer service to know the ticket-specific options.
- Promotional fares have specific conditions. Read the terms and conditions or contact the experts for quick query resolution.
- Basic economy tickets are the most restrictive. Please get in touch with customer service promptly.
What if I have a medical emergency?
The United Airlines date change policy evaluates requests related to medical emergencies. Passengers should submit medical certificates. The airline may offer a full refund or extended rebooking support.
United Airlines Same-Day Changes
Passengers can request same-day changes. The United Airlines same-day flight change allows them to book a flight later or earlier on the same calendar day.
United Airlines Same-Day Standby
Passengers request a same-day standby to board a flight earlier or later on the same day. It remains critically effective in last-minute travel plan changes.
How it works:
- Request for a standby option.
- Wait and check if the seat becomes available.
- Check if a seat opens up and pay the fare differences (if any).
- Board the original flight as planned, otherwise.
Note: The MileagePlus Premier members enjoy it at no additional cost. They need to pay the fare differences if there is no seat available in the same fare class.
What additional information should I be aware of regarding same-day requests?
Passengers should stick to the same route (origin/destination). The airline underlines that the new flight should depart within the 24-hour window from the original flight’s departure. Passengers are liable for the fare difference, and seat availability cannot be guaranteed.
Note: According to United Airlines’ flight change rules, the same-day standby option is free for passengers.
United Airlines Date Change: How to Make the Changes
United Airlines passengers can request a flight change online (website, app), via phone, or at the airport. Flyers prefer the United Airlines date change online option for its convenience and real-time updates. We have created a step-by-step guide for you.
United Airlines Date Change Online (Website/App)
- Visit the official website and sign in to the account.
- Select ‘Manage Reservations’ or ‘My Trips.’
- Enter your last name and confirmation number.
- Click on the Change Flight option.
- Pick new dates/flights from the list.
- Check the fees and fare differences.
- Confirm the details and make the payment.
- Receive the confirmation in your email.
Travel Hack: Always request online flight changes for access to a wide selection of flights.
Phone Assistance
- Call customer service and share your booking details.
- Discuss your flight change request.
- Inform them about your preferred dates.
- Inquire about the fees and fare differences.
- Confirm the payment and receive the confirmation email.
When shall I consider airport assistance?
Passengers should approach the airport counter primarily for the same-day flight change requests. The United Airlines manage booking change date policy educates passengers on seeking airport assistance for complex changes or exceptional circumstances that require immediate attention. You should be aware that there may be a long queue.
United Airlines Date Change Important Deadlines
Passengers should contact the United Airlines team to request a domestic flight change at least 24 hours before the flight’s departure. The deadline for international flights is seven (7) days before scheduled departure. You have maximum flexibility when requesting changes in time.
What is the United Airlines refund timeline?
Under the United Airlines rebooking policy, the airline follows a channel-specific timeline for each refund request. The airline refunds the credit card refunds within 7 to 14 business days. The airline issues travel credits immediately.
Contact the United Airlines date change number at +1-844-501-6663 for immediate resolution.
Key Takeaways of United Airlines Date Change Policy
- Always check the benefits and restrictions of your ticket type.
- Leverage the 24-hour cancellation or change benefits.
- Be flexible with new flight dates; consider nearby airports.
- Evaluate the benefits of travel insurance against uncertainties.
United Airlines Date Change Policy FAQs
How do I request a flight date change with a Basic Economy ticket?
You cannot request changes with a Basic Economy ticket. The only exceptions are the United Airlines 24-hour cancellation rule and airline-initiated cancellations.
How to change a flight date on United Airlines?
Passengers can process flight dates online, via phone, or at the airport. We recommend requesting the flight change online first.
Does United offer free flight date changes?
Under the United Airlines flight reschedule process, the airline does not charge any change fees except for Basic Economy tickets. Please check the fare differences.
When should I request a United flight date change?
Passengers should request changes 24 hours before departure for domestic flights. The airline recommends that you make changes at least seven (7) days before departure for international flights.
What if my new flight is cheaper? Does United Airlines offer a refund?
The airline issues a travel credit with a 12-month validity period (from the original purchase date).
Do I need to pay change fees for international flights?
Under the United Airlines flight change cost rule, passengers do not incur any change fees (except for some fare types) for flights originating in the U.S.
Can I retain my seat selection when requesting a flight change?
The airline may not transfer seat selection in the event of a flight date change. You need to select new seats, and it means that you need to pay a fee for them (fare specific). The airline considers the fare type and elite status.
Can I make flight changes for travel agent bookings?
Always contact your travel agency first. Discuss the flight change request. They’ll help you to process the changes. Please review the fee and any additional costs.
What is the validity period of travel credit?
Passengers receive a 12-month validity for travel credit. Please note that the validity begins from the original ticket purchase date. It does not count the date when the travel credit was issued.
Can I change my flight date several times without paying the fees?
United Airlines allows passengers to make multiple date changes without paying the fee. Please check your fare type and the fare differences.
Also Read: Cathay Pacific Date Change Policy
Conclusion
The United Airlines date change policy has set new benchmarks. Passengers do not have to pay a date change fee. They should check the fare-specific conditions and fare differences. We suggest that you read the 24-hour cancellation rule to make changes without fuss. The United Airlines date change policy 2025 outlines same-day changes, travel credit and its validity, and the process for making changes.