United removed change fees on most standard Economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. and to many international destinations. What you'll still pay is any difference in fare. This guide covers checking your fare, making the change, and the same-day options that get you on an earlier flight.
Check your fare first
United Basic Economy tickets are the exception — they generally can't be changed. Standard Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Business and First fares are changeable, and most no longer carry a change fee on U.S. and many international routes.
Find your fare in 'My Trips' on united.com or the app, or on your confirmation. If an agency or website issued the ticket, changes may run through them.
How to make the change
Online: sign in, open 'My Trips,' select the flight and choose 'Change flight.' Pick your new date or route and the tool shows any fare difference before you confirm.
By phone: for award tickets, multi-city trips, groups or mixed-airline itineraries, it's safer to have a person handle it. If you booked through an agency, use that channel — or call us and we'll review your options.
Fees and fare difference
On eligible fares there's typically no change fee for U.S. and many international routes, but you pay the difference if the new flight costs more. If it costs less, the balance is usually held as a future flight credit.
Basic Economy is generally non-changeable, so a 'change' means cancel-and-rebook only where allowed. Always compare the fare difference — shifting off a peak day can save more than the ticket.
Same-day change and standby
To move to a different flight on the same day, United offers Same-Day Change (a fee that's reduced or waived for premium cabins and elite members) and same-day standby, both subject to seat availability.
Same-day options open within 24 hours of departure. If you're unsure which is cheapest, an advisor can compare a same-day change against a full rebooking.
Frequently asked questions
Does United charge a change fee?
For most standard Economy and higher fares on U.S. and many international routes, there's no change fee — you pay only any fare difference. Basic Economy is generally non-changeable.
Can I change a United Basic Economy ticket?
Usually no. Basic Economy fares typically can't be changed; in limited cases they may be cancelled for credit minus a charge.
Do I get money back if the new flight is cheaper?
Normally the difference is held as a United future flight credit, not a cash refund.
What's the fastest way to change?
The app for simple date changes; a person for award, multi-city, group or agency-issued tickets. Call us if you'd like help.
Related planning resources
Prefer to have a real person handle it?
Call an independent travel advisor to compare flights, hotels and packages — or to sort out a change, refund or rebooking. Phone-only fares, no booking fees.