• 21 Feb, 2026
  • Travel tips

Flying with United Airlines can excite you, but a single unforeseen event can force you to change your plans, no matter how well you have planned your trip. Not just that, any changes incur applicable service fees, which may hit your pocket, though this depends on the route and fare conditions. In fact, United Airlines offers guidelines for flight changes that outline who is eligible, the cost, and more. If you are willing to learn about these, then stick to the page and scroll through the sections below. 

What is the United Airlines Flight Change Policy for domestic and international flights?

Refer to the United Airlines Flight Change policy for detailed information, but that would be time-consuming, which is why some of the main highlights covering all the major highlights of it, including domestic routes, fees, and more, are stated below:

Guidelines For Flight Change Fees:

  • For flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there may be no additional cost for making changes. 
  • Flights between the United States and Mexico, the Caribbean, and other regions may have no service charges on selected fare types. 
  • The flight change cost includes the fare difference, service fees, and applicable taxes, all of which are mandatory. 
  • When the new fare is lower than the original fare after changing the flight, United Airlines will provide travel credit for the remaining value, equal to the total fare.
  • Flight change costs depend on fare type, route, time of booking, and other factors.
  • There may be no cost for flights originating in the United States and flying to international destinations. 

United Airlines 24-hour Change Rules:

  • When you make changes to your existing United Airlines flight within 24 hours of purchase, the airline usually waives the change fee. 
  • The departure must be scheduled within 7 days of the booking date.
  • If the ticket is entirely unused, it is eligible for free change.
  • The flight ticket is not purchased using Money + Miles, or it's a Basic Economy fare. 

Some Additional Rules:

  • Flight change conditions may vary for group tickets and are subject to the contract.
  • Tickets booked via e-certificates may not be eligible for changes unless permitted by the fare conditions.
  • United Airlines allows you to join a waiting list for an earlier flight on the same day at no additional cost.

Conclusion

United Airlines allows you to change your ticket up to 45 minutes before departure, along with other flexibility, whether flying on a domestic or international route. Always remember to read the fare conditions before booking or changing your United flight so you can request it at no cost. With this page, you may have found all the information you were looking for. If you want more details about flight changes, you can contact United Airlines' customer service or explore its help center and read the FAQs or other helpful pages.

Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines Flight Change

Does United charge change fees for domestic flights?

No, United Airlines generally does not charge a change fee for domestic flights, except under certain conditions outlined in its flight change policy. 

Which United Airlines routes have free flight changes?

If United Airlines flights are within the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands; between the U.S. and Mexico; between the U.S. and the Caribbean; or international flights departing from the U.S., then no flight change fee may apply. 

Can I change my United Airlines flight more than once?

Yes, you can make changes to your United Airlines flight as many times as you want, unless it is a domestic flight, is given in fare conditions, or is made within 24 hours of booking.

Can I change my domestic flight with United Airlines on the same day?

Yes, United Airlines allows you to make changes on the same day of your domestic flight up to 45 minutes before takeoff. 

I have purchased a ticket from a third party; can United Airlines change it?

Yes, if you booked your flight ticket through a third-party travel agency and now want to make changes, United Airlines can assist with that as well. 

Will United Airlines charge for a flight change if booked through a travel agency?

Yes, United Airlines will charge an additional service fee on the applicable flight change cost if you booked through a travel agency.