Did you book a flight with United Airlines, but due to a sudden family emergency, you have to request a same-day flight change? We understand that you might be in a rush at this point and must be looking for ways through which you can quickly request for United Airlines Same Day Flight Change? Don’t Worry! There’s an immediate solution for this problem too but before that you must go through the policies in relevance to the same-day flight change and same-day standby.

Once you undergo the basic terms and conditions you will get to know how easy it’s to request for a flight change on the same day, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Although, there’s an additional fee which you must pay for availing the service if you have a non-refundable ticket. For further information, continue reading this comprehensive content.

United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Policy

If you have already made up your mind to change your flight on the same-day with United Airlines then let’s take you through the policies first. Each policy is distinct and describes the same-day flight change eligibility criteria. Go through the guidelines thoroughly before you request a same-day flight change.

  • If you’re flying with United, you can go through the official website or call up at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) to reschedule your flight 24 hours before the original departure.
  • A passenger must pay an additional amount if they request to change their flight route on an existing reservation.
  • Call an airline representative at least 1 hour prior to the flight departure and ask them to transfer your baggage to another flight.
  • Your new flight should leave within 24 hours of your previous flight departure.
  • Make sure that your previous reservation and new reservation are operated by United Airlines, United Express, or other partner-related airlines.
  • You cannot request a same-day flight change if you have booked it via a travel agency.
  • Passengers can join the standby list through the official website, mobile app, kiosk, or a flight specialist if no flight is flying on the same day.
  • Once United Airlines adds you to a standby list, you can check your name on the screen, and it will appear in this format: John Walker - Wal. J
  • Those passengers who wish to change their flight at the departure airport should arrive at least 4-5 hours before the original departure.

How Can I Change A United Airlines Flight On The Same Day?

If there are only 24 hours left for your flight departure and you wish to modify your reservation on the same day then here are the steps for reference. Passengers flying with United Airlines can request for it via the official website, mobile app, through the agent and at the airport. Read each procedure carefully and follow which suits your preference.

Through Official Website

  • Visit the official website of United Airlines (united.com).
  • Secondly, enter your user ID and password to log in.
  • Kindly look for the “My Trips” section on the homepage.
  • Please fill in your confirmation number and last name.
  • Proceed to hit on the “Search” button.
  • Find the latest reservation.
  • Now, tap on the “Manage Booking Service” option.
  • Next, you have to click on the “Change Flight” option.
  • Read all the terms and conditions.
  • Adhere to the on-screen instructions to purchase a new reservation.
  • You now have to choose a flight with seat availability.
  • Cross-check the changes and submit.
  • Pick a preferred mode of payment to pay for the applicable charges.
  • Submit final confirmation.
  • Wait to receive the updated flight itinerary in your inbox.

Through Phone Call

  • Call up at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) for United Airlines Same Day Flight Change.
  • Enter the desired prompt to connect with the agent.
  • Inform them that you’re willing to change your flight on the same day.
  • Provide them with your latest flight reservation details.
  • Let them check for availability.
  • If there are seats available, they will change your flight.
  • Ask them about the final charges.
  • Pay to confirm your reservation.
  • Dive into your inbox to check for the confirmation email.

At The Airport Counter

  • If you’re at the airport, look for a United Airlines helpdesk.
  • Secondly, speak with the available agent.
  • Notify them that you wish to change your reservation to a different time on the same day.
  • You will need to submit your reservation details.
  • Allow them some time to check for available flights.
  • Let them share the available flight options.
  • Now, inquire about the final cost, including taxes.
  • Make the necessary payment.
  • Ask them to share new flight details and a boarding pass.
  • Review all the flight information.
  • Proceed towards your boarding gate for a timely departure.

Through Mobile App

  • Download the latest version of the United Airlines app.
  • Log in by filling in your username/MileagePlus number and password.
  • Now, find the “My Trips” option at the top.
  • Type your booking number along with your last name.
  • Select a reservation for United Airlines Same Day Flight Change.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to select a new flight.
  • Head to checkout.
  • Proceed to pay the applicable charges or fare difference.
  • Wait for payment confirmation.
  • Receive the flight itinerary via mail in your inbox.

How Much Is United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Fee?

United Airlines will not charge you any fee if you have bought a refundable ticket. However, you might have to pay for the fare difference if your new fare is higher than the previous fare. In cases when there’s a decrease in fare price, you will either receive an e-credit or a full refund into your original mode of payment, depending on your ticket type.

If you wish to make changes to your flight with a non-refundable ticket, then you must pay $75 to the airline. This fee is applicable only for silver and golden tier members. Passengers with MileagePlus Premier membership can request United Airlines Same Day Flight Change without paying any additional charges. If your chosen class isn’t available, you will have to pay for the difference in fare. Subsequently, everyone has to pay for the fare difference if the price of the new flight ticket is higher than the previous ticket.

United Airlines: Same Day Flight Change Vs. Same Day Standby

You can book a new flight if there’s availability but if there are no flights flying on the same day then United Airlines will place you on the standby list. A representative will add your name to the list of standby passengers and will immediately inform you in case there’s availability of the new flight. You can call at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) and request the passenger to keep you on the standby list.

Now as same day standby is quite different from same day flight change, we will explain about both of them below.

Prominent Features

Same Day Flight Change

Same Day Standby

Cost

Only free for MileagePlus Premier members.

Available for free for all passengers

Guaranteed Seat

You will receive a confirmed seat upon change confirmation.

Your name is added to the standby list.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have a valid ticket and should travel on the same fare class and fare route.

This option is open for all passengers. However, based on the priority and ticket type, an upgrade is offered to the eligible passengers.

Travel Flexibility

You must avail this option if you’re looking for same-day confirmed change.

Perfect for those travelers who have a flexible schedule.

Time Window

Passengers can ask for change within 24 hours of departure.

You can request for standby on the same-day.

On Which Basis Same-Day Standby Is Available?

Go through the priority order below to see which same-day standby option works for the passengers.

  • Premier status
  • Cabin
  • United Club Infinite CardSM and Presidential Plus Cardmembers
  • United Corporate Preferred users
  • United Chase Cardmembers with $25,000 in annual spending
  • Time and date chosen by the passenger

Conclusion

This was all about changing flights on the same day with United Airlines. If you look closely, MileagePlus Premier members have a higher advantage of making modifications to their flight itinerary. They need not to pay any extra charges. Additionally, your request will be processed faster. So, consider purchasing a MileagePlus membership in the future if you wish to change your flight for free. Otherwise, prefer changing your existing flight on the same day within 24 hours of the previous flight departure.