How to Change Your United Airlines Flight Date
Complete step-by-step guide with fees, tips & FAQs. Learn how to modify flight dates in United Airlines with expert advice and insider tips.
Understanding Date Changes
United Airlines offers flexible date change policies with benefits for MileagePlus Premier members. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed, while Standard and higher fare classes allow modifications with reasonable fees.
United's MileagePlus Premier members enjoy reduced or waived change fees, making date changes more affordable for frequent travelers.
MileagePlus Premier Members Get Reduced or Waived Change Fees
Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members enjoy significant benefits when changing flight dates.
- Waived change fees on most tickets
- Free same-day changes
- Priority customer service
- Flexible booking options
Date Change Process Flow
1. Check Ticket
Verify if your ticket allows changes
2. Contact United
Call or use online platform
3. Pay Fees
Pay change fee + fare difference
4. Confirmation
Receive updated ticket
Types of Date Changes
Same Day Change
$0 - $75
Change to a different flight on the same day
Pros
- •Low or no cost
- •Quick process
- •Maintains seat selection
Cons
- •Limited availability
- •Same day only
Date Change (Basic Economy)
Change not possible
Change to a different date
Pros
- •Lowest ticket price
Cons
- •No flexibility
- •No refunds
- •No modifications allowed
Date Change (Standard+)
$200 + fare difference
Change to a different date
Pros
- •Full flexibility
- •Any future date
- •Online changes available
Cons
- •Higher fees
- •Fare difference applies
How to Change Your Date
What You Need for Date Changes
Required Information Checklist
- Booking reference (PNR)
Found on your confirmation email or ticket
- Passenger name as on ticket
Must match exactly with your ID
- New preferred travel date
Be flexible for better availability
- MileagePlus number (if applicable)
For potential fee waivers
- Payment method for fees
Credit card or United travel credits
Download Checklist
Step-by-step Timeline
- 1
Before you contact United
- Check your ticket type and change eligibility
- Have your MileagePlus number ready for potential fee waivers
Important tip: Keep your ticket ready before calling customer care
- 2
During the change process
- Ask about same-day change options to save on fees
- Be flexible with your new travel dates for better availability
Important tip: Call during off-peak hours for faster service
- 3
After the change is confirmed
- Save your new confirmation number and ticket details
- Update any hotel or car rental bookings to match new dates
Important tip: Set calendar reminders for your new travel date
- 4
Before your new travel date
- Check-in online 24 hours before departure
- Verify all details match your identification documents
Important tip: Download the United app for easy check-in
Important Notes & Alerts
Basic Economy Restrictions
Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
MileagePlus Benefits
Premier members get reduced or waived change fees.
Change Before Departure
Changes must be made before original flight time.
Change Before Departure
All flight changes must be completed before your original departure time. No modifications are allowed after the flight has departed.
Frequently Asked Questions
United Airlines allows date changes on most ticket types except Basic Economy. Standard and higher fare classes can be changed with applicable fees, while MileagePlus Premier members often get reduced or waived fees.
Standard tickets cost $200 change fee plus fare difference. Same-day changes cost $0-$75. MileagePlus Premier members get waived fees on most tickets. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed.
Yes, you can change most tickets online through united.com or the United app. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed online or offline.
MileagePlus Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members get waived change fees on most tickets, making date changes free except for fare differences.
No, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed, canceled, or refunded. Consider upgrading to Standard or higher fare classes for flexibility.
United offers same-day changes for $0-$75 depending on your fare class and MileagePlus status. Premier members often get free same-day changes.
Related Airline Date Change Guides
American Airlines
American's date change policies and procedures.
Delta Air Lines
Delta's date change policies and procedures.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest's date change policies and procedures.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue's date change policies and procedures.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska's date change policies and procedures.
General Date Change Guide
Overview of airline date change policies.