Can You Change a United Airlines Flight? (And What About Delta?)

Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and it’s important to know how to modify your flight reservations without hassle. United Airlines offers flexible options for changing your flight, whether it’s due to a scheduling conflict, a change in plans, or any other reason. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to change a United Airlines flight, the associated costs, and how it compares with the Delta Airlines change flight process. Let’s dive in!

 

Changing a flight can be a daunting task, but United Airlines makes the process relatively straightforward. Whether you need to reschedule your trip due to a sudden change in plans or you found a better travel option, understanding how to change your United Airlines flight can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of United Airlines Change Flight , cover important policies, and compare them with Delta Airlines’ change flight procedures.

 

 

What is the United Airlines Change Flight Policy?

United Airlines offers a flexible change flight policy designed to accommodate travelers’ changing plans. Here are the key points:

• No Change Fees for Most Tickets: United Airlines has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international flights originating in the United States.
• Same-Day Changes: For a fee, United Airlines allows same-day changes to your flight, provided there is availability on an earlier or later flight.
• Basic Economy Tickets: These tickets are typically non-changeable, but exceptions may apply under certain circumstances or during promotions.

Why Does United Airlines Offer This Policy?

United Airlines aims to provide a flexible and customer-friendly experience, understanding that travelers’ plans can change. The removal of change fees for most tickets is part of a broader industry trend towards greater flexibility, making air travel more convenient and stress-free.

 

Understanding United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy

 

United Airlines’ flight change policy is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the details before making any changes to your booking.

The key points to keep in mind are:

Change Fees

• United Airlines charges a change fee for most flight changes, with the exact amount varying depending on your ticket type and the timing of the change.
• For example, changing a domestic flight within 14 days of departure typically incurs a $200 change fee.
• The change fee is waived for certain ticket types, such as United’s premium cabin fares and some basic economy tickets.

Fare Differences

• In addition to the change fee, you may also be responsible for paying any difference in fare between your original booking and the new flight.
• This means that if the new flight you’re booking is more expensive than your original booking, you’ll need to pay the difference.

Flexibility in Changes

• United Airlines generally allows you to make changes to your flight up until the day of departure, subject to availability and the applicable fees.
• However, it’s important to note that some ticket types, such as basic economy, may have more restrictive change policies.

Navigating the United Airlines Flight Change Process

 

Now that you understand the basics of United Airlines’ flight change policy, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of changing a United Airlines flight.

1. Log in to Your United Account: Start by logging into your United Airlines account on their website or mobile app.
2. Locate Your Reservation: Once logged in, find the reservation you want to change. This is typically located under the “Manage Reservations” or “My Trips” section.
3. Initiate the Change: Locate the “Change Flight” or “Modify Booking” option within your reservation. This is usually found in the “Manage Booking” or “Trip Summary” section.
4. Select the New Flight: United Airlines will typically present you with a list of available flights that match your original itinerary. Select the new flight that best suits your needs.
5. Review the Itinerary and Fees: Carefully review the new flight details and any associated fees, including the change fee and any fare differences. Make sure you’re comfortable with the total cost before proceeding.
6. Complete the Change: If you’re satisfied with the new flight and the associated fees, proceed to complete the change. United Airlines will typically require you to provide a form of payment for any additional charges.

It’s important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on whether you’re making the change online, through the United Airlines mobile app, or by contacting their customer service team.

Comparing the United Airlines and Delta Airlines Flight Change Experience

Now that you’ve learned about the United Airlines flight change process, let’s take a look at how it compares to the experience of changing a Delta Airlines flight.

Delta Airlines Change Policy

• Delta Airlines also charges change fees, with the exact amount depending on the ticket type and timing of the change.
• For domestic flights, the change fee typically ranges from $200 to $500.
• Delta, like United, may waive the change fee for certain ticket types, such as their premium cabin fares.
• Delta also requires passengers to pay any difference in fare between the original booking and the new flight.

Ease of Making Changes

• Both United Airlines and Delta Airlines allow passengers to make changes to their flights online, through their mobile apps, or by contacting customer service.
• The user experience and interface for making changes may vary slightly between the two airlines, but the overall process is generally similar.
• One potential difference is that Delta Airlines may offer more flexibility in terms of the number of changes allowed and the timeframe for making changes without incurring additional fees.

Customer Service and Support

• Both United Airlines and Delta Airlines have customer service teams available to assist passengers with flight changes and other inquiries.
• The quality of the customer service experience may vary, and it’s always a good idea to research reviews and feedback from other passengers to get a sense of the level of support each airline provides.

In summary, while the flight change process for United Airlines and Delta Airlines share some similarities, there may be minor differences in terms of fees, flexibility, and customer service. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific policies of the airline you’ve booked with to make an informed decision when it comes to changing your flight.

Key Takeaways

• United Airlines charges change fees for most flight changes, with the exact amount depending on the ticket type and timing of the change.
• You may also be responsible for paying any difference in fare between your original booking and the new flight.
• The United Airlines flight change process involves logging into your account, locating your reservation, initiating the change, selecting a new flight, and completing the transaction.
• Comparing the United Airlines and Delta Airlines flight change experience, both airlines have similar policies and processes, with some minor differences in fees and flexibility.
• It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific policies of the airline you’ve booked with to make an informed decision when changing your flight.