Hey everyone, I noticed this thread about United Airlines change fees popping up, and as someone who's flown with them a ton over the years, I figured I'd chime in with some up-to-date info. Travel plans can shift in a heartbeat—trust me, I've been there—so knowing the ins and outs can save you a headache. Let's dive in, shall we?

First off, the big news is that United has pretty much ditched change fees for most flights these days. Back in 2020, they made this permanent shift, and as of 2025, it's still holding strong. For standard Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets, you won't pay a dime in change fees on domestic flights within the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That extends to trips between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean, and even international flights that start in the U.S. It's a game-changer compared to the old days when you'd get slapped with $200 or more just for tweaking your itinerary.

But here's where it gets a bit nuanced: if your new flight costs more than the original, you'll have to cover the fare difference. That's fair, right? No free upgrades to first class on a whim. On the flip side, if the new one is cheaper, you might get a credit for future travel. Last summer, I had to switch a flight from Chicago to LA because of a family emergency, and since the new one was pricier, I paid the difference—but no extra fee. It was smooth, and I handled it all online through their app.

Now, if you're flying Basic Economy, that's a different story. Those super-cheap tickets come with restrictions: they're generally non-changeable and non-refundable after the initial booking window. You can't swap them out without upgrading to a standard Economy fare first, which means paying to make the switch possible. It's United's way of keeping those low fares low, but it can bite if your plans go sideways. If you're in that boat and need options, I'd suggest calling their support line at 844-928-0428 right away—they can walk you through upgrading or alternatives without too much fuss.

Speaking of that initial window, United's 24-hour flexible booking policy is a lifesaver. If you book a ticket at least seven days before departure, you can change or cancel it within 24 hours of purchase for free, no questions asked. This applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy, which is huge if you spot a better deal right after booking. I remember booking a trip to Denver impulsively last year, then realizing I needed to adjust the dates the next morning. A quick call to 844-928-0428 confirmed I was good to go without any penalties—it felt like a weight off my shoulders.

For same-day changes, United's gotten more flexible too. If you're at the airport and want an earlier flight, you can go on standby for free now—no more $75 fee like before. MileagePlus Premier members get priority and can confirm seats without extra costs if it's the same fare class. For the rest of us, it's standby only, and you might pay a fare difference if needed. It's perfect for those "beat the rush" moments. I've used this on a business trip to New York; showed up early, hopped on an earlier flight, and had extra time to grab a bagel. If you're unsure about eligibility, the folks at 844-928-0428 are pros at checking your specific booking.

Award tickets using MileagePlus miles follow similar rules—no change fees for most, but watch for redeposit fees if you cancel close to departure. International awards might have slight variations, especially if the flight doesn't originate in the U.S., so double-check that. And hey, if United makes a schedule change on their end (like delaying your flight by more than 30 minutes), you can often rebook for free within 24 hours.

One thing to keep in mind: policies can tweak based on travel alerts or disruptions. For instance, during those Newark delays earlier this year, United waived fees and fare differences for affected flights. If something like that hits your trip, monitoring their app or website is key. But if it's confusing, I always recommend picking up the phone. Their team at 844-928-0428 has helped me navigate weird scenarios, like when a storm messed up my connection—they rerouted me without a hitch.

All in all, United's made changing flights way less painful than it used to be, focusing on flexibility to keep us loyal flyers happy. It's not perfect—Basic Economy folks, you've got to plan ahead—but it's a step up from the rigid old airline world. If your situation is unique, like group bookings or international complexities, don't hesitate to reach out for tailored advice.

So, if you're staring at a booking that needs tweaking, grab your phone and dial 844-928-0428 today. They'll sort you out and get you back on track—happy travels!