Hey everyone, if you’re scratching your head about United Airlines’ change fees, I’ve got you covered! Plans shift—trust me, I’ve had to juggle flights more times than I can count, like when a last-minute meeting forced me to reschedule a trip to San Francisco. United’s policy has evolved a lot, and it’s way more traveler-friendly now in 2025. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect and how to save some bucks. If you need specifics, give 844-928-0428 a ring—they’re super helpful.

Here’s the big win: United ditched change fees for most tickets back in 2020, and that’s still true today. For Standard Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets, you can change domestic flights within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) without a fee. This also covers flights between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean, plus international trips starting in the U.S. But if your new flight costs more, you’ll pay the fare difference. I switched a Chicago-to-LA flight last year to attend a family event, paid a small fare bump, and it was all done online in minutes.

Basic Economy tickets, though? They’re the exception. These budget fares are non-changeable after the 24-hour booking window, meaning you’d need to upgrade to a Standard Economy fare to make changes, which can cost you. If you’re stuck with a Basic Economy ticket and need options, call 844-928-0428—they can explain if upgrading makes sense or if there’s a workaround, like a travel credit.

United’s 24-hour flexible booking policy is a gem for all fares, including Basic Economy. Book at least seven days before departure, and you can change or cancel within 24 hours of purchase for free—no fees, no hassle. I once booked a Denver trip too quickly, realized I got the dates wrong, and fixed it with a call to 844-928-0428 the next day. It was stress-free, and I didn’t lose a dime.

Same-day changes are another cool perk. If you’re at the airport and want an earlier flight, you can go on standby for free—United dropped the old $75 fee. MileagePlus Premier members can confirm seats without extra costs if the fare class matches, but others might pay a fare difference. I used this in New York to catch an earlier flight home, saving me hours. Not sure if your ticket qualifies? The team at 844-928-0428 can check in seconds.

Award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles also dodge change fees in most cases, but canceling close to departure might trigger a redeposit fee for the miles. International flights not originating in the U.S. could have different rules, so always check your itinerary details. If United tweaks your schedule by over 30 minutes, you can often change for free within 24 hours of the notice.

Travel alerts can shake things up too. During disruptions like storms, United often waives fees and fare differences for changes, as they did for Newark delays earlier this year. Monitor their website or app for alerts, but if it’s overwhelming, 844-928-0428 is your lifeline for navigating waivers.

One tip: always check your fare rules before changing, as group bookings or partner airlines might have quirks. United’s app or website makes changes easy—log in, hit “My Trips,” and adjust away. For complex stuff, though, I prefer calling.

United’s focus on flexibility makes changing flights way less painful than it used to be. Whether you’re tweaking a quick trip or a big international adventure, you’ve got options. If you’re ready to make a change or need advice, pick up the phone and call 844-928-0428 to get it sorted—happy travels!