Travel plans don’t always go as expected, and having the flexibility to change a flight can be a lifesaver. United Airlines offers various options to make rescheduling easy and convenient, whether due to personal circumstances or unexpected events. For travelers who booked their flights through Expedia Air Flights Tickets, it’s also essential to understand how the rescheduling process works via this platform. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about changing flights with United Airlines, including fees, flexibility, and steps to make changes on both United Airlines and Expedia Air Flights Tickets.
1. United Airlines Flight Change Policies: Key Points
United Airlines has adapted to changing travel needs by offering more flexibility in their flight change policies. However, the specifics can vary depending on the type of ticket purchased, the route, and other factors. Here’s a breakdown of United’s flight change options:
Flexible Ticket Policies
- No Change Fees for Main Cabin and Higher: United has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international flights in Main Cabin, Economy Plus, and Premium cabins. This flexibility applies to both standard and MileagePlus award tickets, allowing travelers to adjust their travel dates or destinations without additional charges. However, any fare difference still applies if the new flight is more expensive.
- Basic Economy Tickets: Change fees for Basic Economy tickets are stricter, and these tickets are generally non-changeable. However, during certain promotions or specific travel circumstances, United may offer waivers or options for Basic Economy ticket changes.
Same-Day Changes
- Same-Day Flight Changes: For travelers who need flexibility within the same travel day, United offers same-day flight changes for a fee on select tickets. This option is available within 24 hours of the original departure time, allowing you to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day if there is available seating.
Understanding these basic rules for changing flights on United Airlines can help you make informed decisions about your travel itinerary. However, if you booked through Expedia, additional steps are involved.
2. Change Flight United Airlines on Expedia
For those who have booked a United Airlines flight via Expedia Air Flights Tickets, there’s an additional layer to the process. Since Expedia acts as a third-party booking platform, you’ll need to navigate through its interface to initiate changes. Here’s how to change a United flight on Expedia:
- Log into Your Expedia Account: Start by signing into your Expedia account through the website or app.
- Access “My Trips”: Navigate to the “My Trips” section, where you can view all your current reservations.
- Locate Your United Airlines Booking: Find the United Airlines reservation you want to change, then select the option to modify the booking.
- Follow Prompts for Flight Changes: Expedia will guide you through the change process, showing available flights, potential fees, and any fare differences. Depending on United’s policies and your ticket type, you may be eligible for a fee-free change.
- Confirm Changes: Once you’ve selected your new flight, confirm the change and look out for a confirmation email from Expedia with updated itinerary details.
By managing the booking directly through Expedia Air Flights Tickets, you can ensure that any changes reflect on your account, and you’ll receive consistent communication about your flight updates.
3. Fees and Costs to Change Flight United Airlines
When changing a flight with United Airlines, it’s important to be aware of potential fees and fare differences, especially if you booked through Expedia Air Flights Tickets.
1. Fare Differences
- When switching to a new flight, any increase in fare will require payment of the difference. However, if the new flight costs less than your original ticket, you may receive a travel credit for the difference, depending on the ticket type.
2. Change Fees by Ticket Type
- Economy Plus, Premium, and Main Cabin: No change fees for most domestic and international flights.
- Basic Economy: These tickets typically don’t qualify for changes. Exceptions may apply during special promotions or specific circumstances, so it’s worth checking with United or Expedia’s customer service if you need help.
3. Same-Day Change Fees
- United charges a fee for same-day changes on certain fare types, typically around $75 for Economy and higher tickets. The fee varies based on route and availability.
If you’re uncertain about fees, you can check both United’s website and Expedia’s help center for the latest guidelines.
4. How to Change Flight United Airlines for MileagePlus Members
If you’re a United MileagePlus member, changing flights may come with additional perks, depending on your membership level.
- Elite Status Benefits: Premier members often enjoy added flexibility, including waived fees for same-day changes and priority on standby lists.
- MileagePlus Award Tickets: MileagePlus members booking award tickets also benefit from no change fees, making it easier to reschedule without impacting their mileage balance.
MileagePlus members can make changes through the United website or app, or through Expedia if they booked via this platform. Membership perks like waived fees and priority seating can be valuable for frequent travelers needing flexible arrangements.
5. Tips for a Smooth Flight Change Experience on United Airlines and Expedia
Changing flights can be straightforward when you know what to expect. Here are some quick tips to help:
- Check Policies Ahead of Time: Review United’s change policies and fare types before booking, so you know your options if plans change.
- Use the United App or Expedia App: Both apps allow you to easily check for available flights, fare differences, and other updates.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can offer protection against last-minute changes or cancellations due to unexpected events.
- Keep an Eye on Promotions: United occasionally offers fee waivers on Basic Economy or special deals that make it easier to change flights.
Knowing these tips can help streamline the process whether you’re changing a flight on United Airlines directly or through Expedia.
6. FAQs on Changing Flights with United Airlines
Can I change a Basic Economy flight on United Airlines?
Generally, Basic Economy tickets aren’t eligible for changes. However, certain promotions or travel advisories may allow exceptions, so it’s worth checking with United Airlines or Expedia’s support.
Do I have to pay a fee if I change my United flight on Expedia?
Fees vary by ticket type, fare difference, and the timing of your change. Main Cabin and Premium fares often allow fee-free changes, though any fare difference must be paid.
How do I confirm a flight change on United Airlines?
When changing a flight, make sure to receive confirmation. If booked through Expedia Air Flights Tickets, you’ll get a confirmation email from Expedia with your updated itinerary.
Conclusion
Changing a flight on United Airlines can be a simple process, especially with the flexible options they offer for many ticket types. For travelers who booked through Expedia, it’s important to understand how to navigate the process on the platform and to be aware of any applicable fees or restrictions. By following these guidelines on how to change a flight on United Airlines and Expedia Air Flights Tickets, you can manage your travel plans with ease and avoid unnecessary fees. Whether adjusting your itinerary for convenience or handling last-minute changes, United Airlines and Expedia provide useful tools to help you travel smoothly.