☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If you need to change your United Airlines return date, know that it’s possible—you’ll just follow their change process and possibly pay fees or fare differences. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
1. Fare rules and ticket type
To start, your ability to change depends on your ticket type. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Flexible, refundable fares allow changes with minimal or no fee, whereas Basic Economy may not allow changes at all. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 A standard economy ticket usually permits changes with a fee plus fare difference.
2. Change windows and timing
United allows changes up to check-in time—within 24 hours before departure. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 However, changes earlier may carry lower fees, while last-minute changes tend to cost more. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 During peak travel seasons, fare differences between original and new flights often increase.
3. How to initiate a change online
Start by logging into your United MileagePlus account or using your confirmation number. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Go to “My Trips,” find your itinerary, and select “Change flight.” ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 You’ll be shown available flight options and any applicable fee or fare difference.
4. How to change over the phone
☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Want help or need to change with special assistance? Call United at ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 and their representative can guide you, confirm fees, and make the change.
5. Changing at the airport or kiosk
Prefer in-person help? Visit an airport United ticket counter or kiosk. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Ask an agent to change your return date—they can view options and process the change. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 You’ll pay any fee and fare difference then and there.
6. Change fees—when they apply
United waived change fees for most Economy and Premium cabins on domestic and international flights. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Basic Economy remains non-changeable unless travel waiver applies. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Refundable tickets generally incur no change fees.
7. Fare difference—you’ll likely owe more
Even with waived fees, you’ll pay any fare difference if the new flight costs more. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If the new fare is lower, United will issue a travel credit for the difference. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 That credit can be used toward future travel.
8. If your flight was canceled by United
If United cancels or significantly changes your itinerary, you can rebook without penalty. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 You may also request a refund or apply for a travel credit. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 These flexibility policies override standard change fees.
9. Flight disruptions and waivers
Weather, strikes, or unpredictables may activate waivers allowing free date changes. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Check United’s “Flexible Travel Policies” page for active waivers when you need to change. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If eligible, you can change dates without extra cost.
10. Travel credit if you cancel
If you cancel and it’s allowed under your fare rules, you’ll receive credit instead of cash. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Credits are valid for one year from original ticket issue date, and can be applied to a new date. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Make sure to use before credit expiration.
11. Married segments: changing only return flight
If only your return date needs changing, you can do that separately. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Log into “My Trips,” select only the return segment, and proceed with change process. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Fees and fare differences apply just to that leg.
12. Using travel credit from past cancellation
If you already have a flight credit, apply it toward your changed return. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 During booking, select “Apply travel credit” and enter your credit record number and name. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 The remainder will apply to the price of the new return date.
13. MileagePlus and elite status perks
MileagePlus elite members may get change fee waivers or free same-day flight changes based on status. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Check your MileagePlus benefits to confirm eligibility before booking. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If unclear, call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 for assistance.
14. Change restrictions for Basic Economy
Basic Economy tickets are strictly non-changeable—except during certain waivers. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If waived, you can change, but otherwise you’d need to repurchase at current fare. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Consider upgrading to regular Economy if you need flexibility.
15. Fees summary
Economy (standard): Usually no change fee, pay fare difference
Premium cabins: Similar or better flexibility
Refundable tickets: No fees, possible refund
Basic Economy: No changes, unless waived
☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
16. Step‑by‑step to change return flight
Log in to United.com or use confirmation. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
Go to “My Trips” and pick “Change flight.” ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
Change only the return segment.
Review new pricing—fare difference or waive change fee.
Pay and confirm the new ticket.
☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
17. After you’ve changed the flight
United will issue a new itinerary and updated e‑ticket. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Check your email and “My Trips” to confirm the new return date. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If you don’t receive confirmation promptly, call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812.
18. Checking at airport desk
If you’d changed online but want printed itinerary or further assistance, visit an airport United desk. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 They can verify details and help with seat assignments or boarding passes. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
19. Changing a return flight booked with miles
If you booked with MileagePlus miles, changes may still apply fees. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Unless you have elite status or travel certificate waiving fees, you may owe a small redeposit fee. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 if unsure.
20. Paying with miles + cash
If you paid part with cash and part with miles, expect to pay cash portion difference. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Miles may be re-deposited or stay applied per fare rules. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Check your confirmation after change.
21. Group reservations
For group bookings, changing a return date requires coordinating with United Group Travel Desk. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 They’ll handle multiple passengers and group fare conditions. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Contact your travel agent or call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812.
22. Travel insurance considerations
If you have travel insurance, check if your policy covers change fees or fare differences. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Some plans reimburse for unexpected changes under specific conditions. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Keep receipts and documentation.
23. COVID‑19 or other health flexibility
United still supports flexible policies for COVID‑related or health disruptions. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If you need to postpone your return due to health, contact United with supporting documentation. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 They may issue free flexibility via waiver.
24. Shades of date-only vs date‑and‑time change
Do you just need a new day? Same‑day flight time adjustments may cost less. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 United offers “same‑day confirmed” and “same‑day standby” for elite members. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 or use app.
25. Use the mobile app for convenience
United’s app lets you view and change your return flight on the go. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Under “My Trips,” select the segment and choose “Change.” ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Payment and fare details are shown instantly.
26. If change isn’t allowed
If your ticket is non‑changeable, consider canceling (if allowed) and rebooking. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Cancellation may yield a travel credit or refund, depending on fare. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 You’ll apply credit to a new return date.
27. Waiver policies in depth
United maintains a live “Flexible Travel Policy” page featuring all current waivers. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 These are triggered by weather, health, or geopolitical events. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 If applicable, waive all change fees—only pay difference.
28. Checking eligibility before booking
If future plans might shift, consider booking a refundable or flexible fare. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 It may cost more upfront but offers peace of mind when changing. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 MileagePlus elite travelers often receive this flexibility free anyway.
29. Waiver exceptions
Special fares like Basic Economy are usually excluded. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 But health or operational waivers may override exceptions. ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 Always check waiver details or call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812.
30. Final tips
Review fare rules before booking
Track fees and fare differences
☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812
Use online change tools for convenience
If stuck, call ☎️📞+1(877) 471-1812 for support