United Airlines Date Change Policy – Fees, Rules & How to Change Flight Date
Travel plans often change at the last minute. A business meeting may get rescheduled, a family event may come up or weather conditions may force you to delay your trip. If you are flying with United Airlines, understanding the United Airlines Date Change Policy can help you avoid unnecessary fees and confusion.
What Is United Airlines Date Change Policy?
The United Airlines Date Change Policy explains how passengers can change the travel date on an existing booking. It outlines whether a date change is allowed, if any fee applies and how fare differences are handled.
United Airlines has become more flexible in recent years, especially for domestic flights, making it easier for travelers to adjust their plans.
How United Airlines Handles Flight Date Changes
United Airlines allows date changes on most tickets but the final outcome depends on several factors:
Type of ticket purchased
Refundable or non-refundable fare
Domestic or international route
Time remaining before departure
In many cases, United Airlines does not charge a date change fee, but passengers may need to pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
United Airlines Date Change Fees Explained
Does United Airlines Charge a Date Change Fee?
For most standard Economy and premium tickets, United Airlines does not charge a date change fee. This is a major benefit for travelers whose plans are not fixed.
However, some fares may still have restrictions.
Fare Difference Still Applies
Even when no date change fee is charged, passengers may need to pay the difference if the new flight date has a higher fare. If the new flight is cheaper, the remaining value is usually issued as a travel credit.
Basic Economy Date Change Policy
Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive.
Basic Economy Rules
Date changes are usually not allowed
If allowed, a fee or loss of ticket value may apply
Fare difference still applies if rebooking is permitted
Basic Economy tickets are best for travelers who are fully confident about their travel dates.
Economy Tickets Date Change Policy
Standard Economy tickets offer much more flexibility.
Economy Ticket Rules
No standard United Airlines date change fee
Only fare difference applies
Remaining value may be issued as travel credit if the new flight is cheaper
This is why many U.S. travelers prefer Economy fares.
Refundable vs Non-Refundable Tickets
Refundable Tickets
Refundable United Airlines tickets allow date changes without stress. If plans change, passengers can rebook easily or even cancel for a full refund.
Non-Refundable Tickets
Non-refundable tickets usually allow date changes without a fee but passengers must pay any fare difference. Refunds are not provided. instead, travel credit may be issued.
United Airlines Date Change Policy for Domestic Flights
For domestic U.S. flights, the United Airlines Date Change Policy is straightforward:
No date change fees on most fares
Fare difference applies
Same-day change options may be available depending on availability
This flexibility makes United Airlines popular among frequent domestic travelers.
United Airlines Date Change Policy for International Flights
International date change rules may vary depending on destination and fare type.
International Date Change Rules
Refundable tickets usually allow free date changes
Non-refundable tickets may require fare difference payment
Some routes may have specific restrictions or conditions
Passengers should review fare rules carefully before changing international flights.
Same-Day Flight Date Change Rules
United Airlines may allow same-day date or flight changes under certain conditions.
Same-Day Change Guidelines
Available on select routes
Seat availability required
Fare rules still apply
Same-day changes are useful for travelers with flexible schedules.
What Happens If the New Flight Is Cheaper?
If the new flight date costs less than the original booking:
The remaining value is usually issued as a travel credit
Credits must be used by the same passenger
Credits generally expire within a specific time period
Keeping track of travel credits helps avoid losing unused value.
What Happens If the New Flight Is More Expensive?
If the new flight date costs more:
Passengers must pay the fare difference
No additional date change fee is charged in most cases
This is common during peak travel seasons.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
Many travelers face problems due to small mistakes, such as:
Booking Basic Economy without checking date change rules
Assuming all tickets allow free date changes
Waiting too close to departure to change dates
Forgetting to use issued travel credits
Being informed helps avoid these issues.
Getting Help With United Airlines Date Changes
Understanding fare rules and date change conditions can sometimes be confusing, especially for international flights or restricted fares. Travelers who want help managing United Airlines date changes or rebooking often seek professional assistance.
Change My Ticket helps travelers handle United Airlines date changes, fare differences and rebooking smoothly, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my United Airlines flight date for free?
Most Economy and premium tickets allow date changes without a fee but fare differences may apply.
Does Basic Economy allow date changes?
Basic Economy tickets usually do not allow date changes or have strict conditions.
Do I get money back if my new flight is cheaper?
In most cases, the remaining value is issued as a travel credit.
Can I change the date of an international United Airlines flight?
Yes, but rules depend on fare type and destination.
Is same-day date change allowed?
Same-day changes may be available on select routes, subject to availability.
Final Thoughts
The United Airlines Date Change Policy offers flexibility for most travelers, especially for domestic flights in the United States. With no standard date change fees on many fares and clear fare difference rules, passengers can adjust their travel plans with confidence.