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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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. |
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:
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.