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United Airlines·Star Alliance
Change a United booking: change fees, fare difference rules, same-day change and standby, the 24-hour rule, and what happens if you no-show.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
No change fee on standard Economy and above for flights within the US or between the US and Mexico, the Caribbean and most international destinations. Fare difference applies. Basic Economy is not changeable.
Same-day change and same-day standby are free for Premier members; other passengers pay a same-day change fee. Basic Economy is excluded entirely.
United applies the DOT 24-hour rule to all fares including Basic Economy: cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided you booked at least seven days before departure.
No-show forfeits the ticket. If you cannot travel, cancel before departure to preserve the value as a future flight credit.
Basic Economy — No full-size carry-on on domestic flights unless you hold status or a United credit card. This is the single most expensive surprise in US domestic flying — gate-checked bags carry a penalty on top of the normal bag fee. United Economy — Changes carry no fee domestically but the fare difference still applies. Economy Plus — A seat product, not a cabin — food, service and baggage match United Economy. United Polaris — Polaris Lounges serve long-haul international departures only, not domestic Polaris-configured flights.
The United app handles rebooking during irregular operations unusually well — when a flight cancels it will often present alternatives before an agent can. Use it first.
No change fee on standard Economy and above for flights within the US or between the US and Mexico, the Caribbean and most international destinations. Fare difference applies. Basic Economy is not changeable.
United applies the DOT 24-hour rule to all fares including Basic Economy: cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided you booked at least seven days before departure.
No-show forfeits the ticket. If you cannot travel, cancel before departure to preserve the value as a future flight credit.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.