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Did you book a United Airlines ticket, and the flight departs within the next 24 hours, but a situation requires you to change your flight schedule? No need to worry. United Airlines same-day flight change policy permits you to make the desired changes on the day of departure. Besides, you can choose an earlier or later flight on the same day, depending on your eligibility and seat availability on the plane.

But how does same-day change actually work, and how can you request it? To know it all, read through our simple guide and request a flight change on the departure date without any hassles.

United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Policy

Before you proceed to request a same-day flight change with United Airlines, make sure to read their detailed policy. Each rule stated below defines whether you are eligible for such changes or not. Here are the details:

  • You can request a same-day flight change online on the airline’s website or call customer service at 1-800-UNITED-1 to process the changes.
  • The airline allows you to change same-day based on your eligibility and will charge you a small fee for it.
  • Same-day changes are only allowed for customers traveling on any domestic or international flight on United Airlines or United Express.
  • Flights booked with a third party are not eligible for same-day changes.
  • Request the same-day change to any flight to your route within 24 hours time.
  • To change your flight to a new one that is more than a day away, you can simply follow the United Airlines flight change policy.
  • 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.
  • Review the United Airlines standby priority rules if you can not find a new flight with a confirmed same day change.
  • Your origin and departure airport must be the same, but you can still add or remove a connection but can not swap co-terminals.
  • If you have already checked bags for your previous flight and now have to change them, you should ensure that you can still check bags for the new flight at least 60 minutes before departure.

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

If there are only 24 hours left before your flight departure and you wish to modify your reservation on the same day, here are the steps for reference.

Through Official Website

  • Visit the official website of United Airlines.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Similarly, you can use the United Airlines mobile app to request same-day changes. However, you will only get the options based on your eligibility.

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.

How Much Is United Airlines Same Day Flight Change Fee?

United airlines same-day flight change fee depends on whether you are an elite traveler or not. Non-elite travelers should pay a $75 fee for same-day confirmed changes. United Airlines has dismissed this fee for Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Global Services, Platinum, and 1K elite members.

There may even be a difference in fare when the initially booked fare class is unavailable at the time of same-day flight change. If you are flying on standby, there will not be any fees, and you can even retain your original ticket if there are no open seats on your desired flight.

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

When you can not find seats on an alternate flight on the same day as departure, United Airlines may put you on the standby list. You can also do this yourself up to 30 minutes before a domestic flight’s departure and 60 minutes before an international flight. If you are unable to do it, simply dial United airline's phone number and request an agent to add you to the standby list.

Now, as same day standby is quite different from same-day flight change, here is a brief description for you:

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 confirmation of the change.

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 use this option if you’re looking for a confirmed change on the same day.

Perfect for those travelers who have a flexible schedule.

Time Window

Passengers can ask for change within 24 hours of departure.

You can request to stand by on the same day.

Same-Day Standby Priority List Clearance Order

Not everyone can directly get cleared on a United Airlines same-day standby list. The airline follows a simple order that goes from premier level to lower and lower to general passengers. Here is the order as mentioned:

  • 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 do not need to pay any extra charges. Additionally, your request will be processed faster. Consider purchasing a MileagePlus membership in the future if you wish to change your flight for free. Otherwise, change your existing flight on the same day within 24 hours of the previous flight departure.