We have heard almost nothing but bad news in 2020 when it comes to travel. Now, we see something to celebrate. United Airlines announced on Aug. 30 that they will be eliminating change fees. Permanently.
This is an outstanding change for consumers as change and cancellation fees cost $2.8 billion in 2019. As we continue to attempt to control the novel coronavirus, airlines are doing everything in their power to get passengers back in the sky. From extensive sanitary processes to blocking middle seats, eliminating onerous fees could potentially coax flyers back to the airport.
United Airlines Eliminates Change Fees
When you book a flight directly with United Airlines, you will no longer have to pay a change fee of up to $200 if your plans change. Fare difference will still apply. This is effective immediately for domestic flights if you have one of the following ticket fares:
Economy
Economy Plus®
United First®
United Business®*
United Premium PlusSM*
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If you have a Basic Economy ticket, or you are traveling internationally, you will have the same waivers as United’s COVID policies allow, but no additional. At time of writing, this means you can change tickets for Basic Economy tickets or international travel that are issued by December 31, 2020, without change fees.
For consumers who book with United Miles, the same policies apply as for cash fares.
Free Same-Day Changes
Many travelers have been in the position where they want to fly earlier in the day, but the change fee is too much to stomach. Now, you can try to fly stand-by for free. If a seat becomes available, you will be able to jump on. And if you are a MileagePlus Premier Member, you may be able to confirm an earlier flight without paying an additional fee.
If You Have A United Ticket Booked Already
If you booked a flight on or after March 3, 2020, there won’t be any change fees due to travel waivers already in place.
If you booked a flight before March 3, 2020, it depends on your travel dates. If you are booked to travel between March 3, 2020, and December 31, 2020, there also won’t be any change fees due to travel waivers already in place.
How You Can Benefit From United’s New Policy
This is a very beneficial new policy for travelers who have ever changing schedules, or to someone who enjoys a bit of flexibility.
In theory, you could book the last available flight for the day (or the least expensive), and then attempt to show up to the airport early to jump on an earlier flight. However, this would require more time at the airport and the ability to be flexible if your planned change doesn’t work out. Sitting at the airline gate for hours sounds dreadful, but relaxing in an airport lounge for a few hours isn’t the worst way to kill time.
There’s no limit to how many times you change your flight before the day of departure. However, you’ll have to pay for any fare difference each time.
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