View Poll Results: What do you think of the recent UA changes in Changes fees?
Good idea: No Domestic Change fee w/ no rebooking residual AND No Standby fee/Free SDC all elites
148
64.35%
Good idea: No Domestic Change fee w/ no rebooking residual but NOT No Standby fee/Free SDC all elite
25
10.87%
Good idea: No Standby fee/Free SDC all elite but NOT No Domestic Change fee w/ no rebooking residual
18
7.83%
Neutral /dont care about either
30
13.04%
Dont like / think either is a good idea
9
3.91%
Voters: 230. You may not vote on this poll
Aug 30, 2020, 2:32 pm
Last edit by: DELee
Latest Update: 23 December 2021:
"Change fees are gone" (change fee waiver): https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/notices.html#changefeesaregone
(change fee waiver) Terms and Conditions: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/notices.html#ChangeFeeTerms
New fine print (1 April 2021)
The fine-print on the change rules:
Related Threads
AA Eliminates Many Change Fees, Other Benefits 31 Aug 2020
Delta to Eliminate Change Fees on Domestic Tickets [Consolidated Thread]
Alaska Eliminates Change Fees (9/1/2020)
UA will extend BE/International change fee waiver (In response to AA?)
"Change fees are gone" (change fee waiver): https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/notices.html#changefeesaregone
We've permanently gotten rid of change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. There also won't be change fees for other international travel originating in the U.S. Learn more
For all other standard Economy and premium cabin tickets, change fees are waived through January 31, 2022. Basic Economy tickets can only be changed if theyre issued by December 31, 2021, for travel commencing by December 31, 2021. See terms and conditions
For all other standard Economy and premium cabin tickets, change fees are waived through January 31, 2022. Basic Economy tickets can only be changed if theyre issued by December 31, 2021, for travel commencing by December 31, 2021. See terms and conditions
Tickets: Applies to standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and January 31, 2022, and Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021.
Changes/Cancellations: Customers with Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, or standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and January 31, 2022, will be permitted to change without paying a change fee. If the new flight is priced higher, the customer may change for no change fee but must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and standard fare tickets may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit. If you purchased your ticket from a third-party agency, please check with the issuing agency for the rules of your ticket. Contract fares such as special bulk fares sold by travel agencies (e.g., opaque) may not be eligible for free changes. Any changes or cancellations must occur prior to ticketed travel date.
Please note: As of August 30, 2020, we no longer have change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. We also no longer have change fees for international travel originating in the U.S. For more information visit united.com/changefee.
Fare validity: This applies to all standard fare tickets issued through January 31, 2022, all destinations, all points-of-sale, all travel dates available for sale, provided ticket number starts with 016. It also applies to Basic Economy fare tickets issued through April 30, 2021 or Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, all destinations, all points of sale, provided the ticket number starts with 016.
Miscellaneous: Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Some fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours after purchase. Other restrictions may apply.
Changes/Cancellations: Customers with Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, or standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and January 31, 2022, will be permitted to change without paying a change fee. If the new flight is priced higher, the customer may change for no change fee but must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and standard fare tickets may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit. If you purchased your ticket from a third-party agency, please check with the issuing agency for the rules of your ticket. Contract fares such as special bulk fares sold by travel agencies (e.g., opaque) may not be eligible for free changes. Any changes or cancellations must occur prior to ticketed travel date.
Please note: As of August 30, 2020, we no longer have change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. We also no longer have change fees for international travel originating in the U.S. For more information visit united.com/changefee.
Fare validity: This applies to all standard fare tickets issued through January 31, 2022, all destinations, all points-of-sale, all travel dates available for sale, provided ticket number starts with 016. It also applies to Basic Economy fare tickets issued through April 30, 2021 or Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, all destinations, all points of sale, provided the ticket number starts with 016.
Miscellaneous: Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Some fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours after purchase. Other restrictions may apply.
New fine print (1 April 2021)
- You can change Basic Economy tickets without change fees if the ticket is issued by April 30, 2021,
- and all other international travel without change fees if the ticket is issued by May 31, 2021.
- If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit.
Tickets: Applies to standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and December 31, 2021, and Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021.
Changes/Cancellations: Customers with Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, or standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and December 31, 2021, will be permitted to change without paying a change fee. If the new flight is priced higher, the customer may change for no change fee but must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and standard fare tickets may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit. If you purchased your ticket from a third-party agency, please check with the issuing agency for the rules of your ticket. Contract fares such as special bulk fares sold by travel agencies (e.g., opaque) may not be eligible for free changes. Any changes or cancellations must occur prior to ticketed travel date.
Please note: As of August 30, 2020, we no longer have change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. We also no longer have change fees for international travel originating in the U.S. For more information visit united.com/changefee.
Fare validity: This applies to all standard fare tickets issued through December 31, 2021, all destinations, all points-of-sale, all travel dates available for sale, provided ticket number starts with 016. It also applies to Basic Economy fare tickets issued through April 30, 2021 or Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, all destinations, all points of sale, provided the ticket number starts with 016.
Miscellaneous: Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Some fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours after purchase. Other restrictions may apply.
Changes/Cancellations: Customers with Basic Economy fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and April 30, 2021, or between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, or standard fare tickets issued between March 3, 2020, and December 31, 2021, will be permitted to change without paying a change fee. If the new flight is priced higher, the customer may change for no change fee but must pay the fare difference. If the new flight is priced lower, the customer may change without paying a change fee, and standard fare tickets may be given residual value in the form of a future flight credit. If you purchased your ticket from a third-party agency, please check with the issuing agency for the rules of your ticket. Contract fares such as special bulk fares sold by travel agencies (e.g., opaque) may not be eligible for free changes. Any changes or cancellations must occur prior to ticketed travel date.
Please note: As of August 30, 2020, we no longer have change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S., or between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean. We also no longer have change fees for international travel originating in the U.S. For more information visit united.com/changefee.
Fare validity: This applies to all standard fare tickets issued through December 31, 2021, all destinations, all points-of-sale, all travel dates available for sale, provided ticket number starts with 016. It also applies to Basic Economy fare tickets issued through April 30, 2021 or Basic Economy tickets issued between May 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for travel commencing between August 11 and December 31, 2021, all destinations, all points of sale, provided the ticket number starts with 016.
Miscellaneous: Fares, fees, rules and offers are subject to change without notice. Seats are capacity-controlled and may not be available on all flights or days. Some fares are nonrefundable except during the first 24 hours after purchase. Other restrictions may apply.
I just went through the process on a post-April 1st itinerary and was issued the new FFC vs ETCs. The agent tried to explain the new FFCs in detail:
The Bad:
1. No more ETC
2. No transferability
3. No combinability
4. Given there is no combinability, there is no more date-pushing (meaning new expiration date is most favorable of combined cert dates)
The Good:
5. Can use multiple towards a single itinerary (up to 10 she said)
6. Can pull from multiple accounts (3 from yours, 3 from spouse), so you don't have to split the locator to use from multiple accounts
7. Can be used on partner itineraries as long as one segment is UA
8. The FFCs show up in the account of the recipient and the booker. So I can see my spouse's FFCs if I booked the itenerary
9. FFCs now show up as a payment method in the app booking flow. For multi-passenger FFCs, both passengers show up!
I can live with all this, in exchange for no change fees, and reclaiming residual!
The Bad:
1. No more ETC
2. No transferability
3. No combinability
4. Given there is no combinability, there is no more date-pushing (meaning new expiration date is most favorable of combined cert dates)
The Good:
5. Can use multiple towards a single itinerary (up to 10 she said)
6. Can pull from multiple accounts (3 from yours, 3 from spouse), so you don't have to split the locator to use from multiple accounts
7. Can be used on partner itineraries as long as one segment is UA
8. The FFCs show up in the account of the recipient and the booker. So I can see my spouse's FFCs if I booked the itenerary
9. FFCs now show up as a payment method in the app booking flow. For multi-passenger FFCs, both passengers show up!
I can live with all this, in exchange for no change fees, and reclaiming residual!
If the new ticket costs less, the residual value from the old ticket is lostMultiple cancelled reservations cannot be combined to pay for a more expensive ticketStrictly U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean only (excludes Canada) and excludes Basic Economy and International flightsWorldwide until Dec 31, 2020
United Airlines Permanently Eliminates Change Fees
Applies to all Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S.;
Airline also announces complimentary standby travel, becomes only U.S. airline that will let all customers in all classes of service fly same-day standby for free
With these new options, United gives more flexibility than any other U.S. carrier when customers' travel plans change
Video(1) Photos(1)
CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The only thing constant is change and at United Airlines, some of the fees associated with changes related to flying are gone for good. The carrier announced today that it is permanently getting rid of change fees on all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S., effective immediately. And starting on January 1, 2021, any United customer can fly standby for free on a flight departing the day of their travel regardless of the type of ticket or class of service, a first among U.S. carriers, while MileagePlus Premier members can confirm a seat on a different flight on the same day with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket if a seat in the same ticket fare class is available.
United is also extending its waiver for new tickets issued through December 31, 2020, to permit unlimited changes with no fee. This policy applies to all ticket types issued after March 3, 2020 and is valid for domestic and international travel. With these improvements, no U.S. airline gives their customers more flexibility when booking and changing their travel plans than United Airlines.
"Change is inevitable these days but it's how we respond to it that matters most. When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request," said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, in a video message to customers. "Following previous tough times, airlines made difficult decisions to survive, sometimes at the expense of customer service. United Airlines won't be following that same playbook as we come out of this crisis. Instead, we're taking a completely different approach and looking at new ways to serve our customers better."
The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Additionally, United is giving customers more flexibility to change their flights on the day of their travel so they can head home if a meeting ends earlier or enjoy a few more hours on vacation. With the ability to list for same-day standby for free, customers will now have an option to take a different flight with the same origin and destination airports as their original itinerary if space is available at departure. This enhanced option will be available to all customers for travel within the U.S. and to and from international destinations beginning on January 1, 2021. Customers who want to switch flights will be able to add themselves to the standby list through United's award-winning mobile app, on united.com or at the airport no later than 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and one hour before departure on international flights.
The carrier is also improving the travel experience for its MileagePlus members including waiving all redeposit fees on award travel for flights changed or cancelled more than 30 days before departure and allowing all MileagePlus Premier members to confirm a different flight on the day of their travel. As a way to thank MileagePlus Premier members for their loyalty, beginning January 1, 2021, all Premier members will be able to confirm a seat for free on a different flight with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket. This expanded option will allow MileagePlus Silver members and above to confirm a new seat in the same ticket fare class if space is available. Earlier this year, United announced that it will extend status for MileagePlus Premier and Global Services members through January 2022. United also reduced thresholds for Premier qualification by 50 percent for each status level, to make reaching an even higher status tier easier.
For more information on United's new flexible travel policies, visit https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...hange-fee.html.
......
Applies to all Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S.;
Airline also announces complimentary standby travel, becomes only U.S. airline that will let all customers in all classes of service fly same-day standby for free
With these new options, United gives more flexibility than any other U.S. carrier when customers' travel plans change
Video(1) Photos(1)
CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The only thing constant is change and at United Airlines, some of the fees associated with changes related to flying are gone for good. The carrier announced today that it is permanently getting rid of change fees on all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S., effective immediately. And starting on January 1, 2021, any United customer can fly standby for free on a flight departing the day of their travel regardless of the type of ticket or class of service, a first among U.S. carriers, while MileagePlus Premier members can confirm a seat on a different flight on the same day with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket if a seat in the same ticket fare class is available.
United is also extending its waiver for new tickets issued through December 31, 2020, to permit unlimited changes with no fee. This policy applies to all ticket types issued after March 3, 2020 and is valid for domestic and international travel. With these improvements, no U.S. airline gives their customers more flexibility when booking and changing their travel plans than United Airlines.
"Change is inevitable these days but it's how we respond to it that matters most. When we hear from customers about where we can improve, getting rid of this fee is often the top request," said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, in a video message to customers. "Following previous tough times, airlines made difficult decisions to survive, sometimes at the expense of customer service. United Airlines won't be following that same playbook as we come out of this crisis. Instead, we're taking a completely different approach and looking at new ways to serve our customers better."
The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Additionally, United is giving customers more flexibility to change their flights on the day of their travel so they can head home if a meeting ends earlier or enjoy a few more hours on vacation. With the ability to list for same-day standby for free, customers will now have an option to take a different flight with the same origin and destination airports as their original itinerary if space is available at departure. This enhanced option will be available to all customers for travel within the U.S. and to and from international destinations beginning on January 1, 2021. Customers who want to switch flights will be able to add themselves to the standby list through United's award-winning mobile app, on united.com or at the airport no later than 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and one hour before departure on international flights.
The carrier is also improving the travel experience for its MileagePlus members including waiving all redeposit fees on award travel for flights changed or cancelled more than 30 days before departure and allowing all MileagePlus Premier members to confirm a different flight on the day of their travel. As a way to thank MileagePlus Premier members for their loyalty, beginning January 1, 2021, all Premier members will be able to confirm a seat for free on a different flight with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket. This expanded option will allow MileagePlus Silver members and above to confirm a new seat in the same ticket fare class if space is available. Earlier this year, United announced that it will extend status for MileagePlus Premier and Global Services members through January 2022. United also reduced thresholds for Premier qualification by 50 percent for each status level, to make reaching an even higher status tier easier.
For more information on United's new flexible travel policies, visit https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...hange-fee.html.
......
AA Eliminates Many Change Fees, Other Benefits 31 Aug 2020
Delta to Eliminate Change Fees on Domestic Tickets [Consolidated Thread]
Alaska Eliminates Change Fees (9/1/2020)
UA will extend BE/International change fee waiver (In response to AA?)
Change Fees "Gone For Good"(WW ex-USA,non-BE), credit for lower fare!, Intl&BE waiver
Dec 14, 2020 | 8:21 am
#316
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM, Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 5,158
The rules for ETCs are separate from the rules for future flight credit (FFC) / unused tickets.
The rules for tickets are FFC into the fare rules. Current UA rules state, for changes made prior to departure (i.e., a wholly unused ticket), "TRAVEL MUST BEGIN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUE DATE." For changes made after departure (i.e., a partially used ticket -- departure in this case refers to actually flying somewhere, not the originally scheduled departure date of a cancelled itinerary), you get one year from the departure date.
The rules for tickets are FFC into the fare rules. Current UA rules state, for changes made prior to departure (i.e., a wholly unused ticket), "TRAVEL MUST BEGIN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUE DATE." For changes made after departure (i.e., a partially used ticket -- departure in this case refers to actually flying somewhere, not the originally scheduled departure date of a cancelled itinerary), you get one year from the departure date.
Dec 14, 2020 | 9:12 am
#317
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K 1MM; Hertz PC
Posts: 5,620
]
Dec 14, 2020 | 9:21 am
#318
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,541
- You found award or upgrade availability
- You think there's a very high chance that the flight will sell out (example: going to Las Vegas during CES)
- You have personal knowledge of the behavior of fares on a route and can therefore identify an excellent value
- You're purchasing a sale fare (e.g., from the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/ forum).
Jan 2, 2021 | 7:59 pm
#319
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,541
I'm interested in opinions parsing these penalty rules. As I've stated, I am not interested in UA's "we keep the residual" approach, so I'm only considering flexible fares. Here's the relevant text from a fare I'm looking at (AUS-SIN LLE30UML):
It then continues by listing the standard set of options to show when historical fares are to be used, when things must be repriced, etc. Notably, the only sections included are for "NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON"
It's clear that cancelling the trip and requesting a refund incurs the cancellation fee of $300. My question is whether changing destinations (and thus, the first flight coupon) would automatically do the same thing. I think I have the option of forfeiting the residual or getting it refunded, less the $300 fee; I'm judging that on "CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE" (no charge to reissue the ticket) "FOR REFUND SEE CANCELLATION SECTION" (if you want the excess refunded, pay the $300).
Thoughts?
Code:
CHANGES CHANGES PERMITTED. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. -- CHANGE FREE OF CHARGE - SEE CAT 31 FOR DETAILS -- CANCELLATIONS BEFORE DEPARTURE CHARGE USD 300.00 FOR CANCEL/NO-SHOW/REFUND. AFTER DEPARTURE CHARGE USD 300.00 FOR CANCEL/NO-SHOW/REFUND. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. ANY TIME CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. -- CHANGE PERMITTED TO 1ST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON FOR REFUND SEE CANCELLATION SECTION -- VOLUNTARY CHANGE MADE TO OTHER THAN 1ST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON
It's clear that cancelling the trip and requesting a refund incurs the cancellation fee of $300. My question is whether changing destinations (and thus, the first flight coupon) would automatically do the same thing. I think I have the option of forfeiting the residual or getting it refunded, less the $300 fee; I'm judging that on "CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE" (no charge to reissue the ticket) "FOR REFUND SEE CANCELLATION SECTION" (if you want the excess refunded, pay the $300).
Thoughts?
Jan 9, 2021 | 10:42 pm
#320
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,128
It's clear that cancelling the trip and requesting a refund incurs the cancellation fee of $300. My question is whether changing destinations (and thus, the first flight coupon) would automatically do the same thing. I think I have the option of forfeiting the residual or getting it refunded, less the $300 fee; I'm judging that on "CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE" (no charge to reissue the ticket) "FOR REFUND SEE CANCELLATION SECTION" (if you want the excess refunded, pay the $300).
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
This is a "Pacific Round Trip Refundable with a Fee Economy Fare." CAT31 specifies that there will be no reissue charge for voluntary changes to the 1st ticketed flight coupon before departure. When the change results in a higher fare, the fare difference shall be collected. When the change results in a lower fare, the residual needs to be subtracted from the change penalty and then add-collected or refunded. CAT16 generally specifies that changes are permitted free of charge; when it comes to changes to the 1st ticketed flight coupon, it refers to the cancellation section regarding refunds. The cancellation section specifies a 300 USD penalty for refunds and to refund the residual, if any, to the original FOP.
So coming back to CAT31, the change is completed free of charge. When the change results in a lower fare, the residual is subtracted from the change penalty of 0 USD. This will always be negative, so add-collect is irrelevant, and the residual now becomes a refundable amount. The refund stage consists of charging the 300 USD cancellation penalty to the refundable amount; any residual that is then remaining will be refunded to the original FOP (no add-collect requirement here).
Last edited by mozilla; Jan 9, 2021 at 11:42 pm
Jan 10, 2021 | 12:01 am
#321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,541
This seems correct, but technically, you don't get the "option" of forfeiting. UA has already decided that you will be refunded and that you won't get anything back to the original FOP - nor will you be charged anything - when the residual is $300 or less.
This is a "Pacific Round Trip Refundable with a Fee Economy Fare." CAT31 specifies that there will be no reissue charge for voluntary changes to the 1st ticketed flight coupon before departure. When the change results in a higher fare, the fare difference shall be collected. When the change results in a lower fare, the residual needs to be subtracted from the change penalty and then add-collected or refunded. CAT16 generally specifies that changes are permitted free of charge; when it comes to changes to the 1st ticketed flight coupon, it refers to the cancellation section regarding refunds. The cancellation section specifies a 300 USD penalty for refunds and to refund the residual, if any, to the original FOP.
So coming back to CAT31, the change is completed free of charge. When the change results in a lower fare, the residual is subtracted from the change penalty of 0 USD. This will always be negative, so add-collect is irrelevant, and the residual now becomes a refundable amount. The refund stage consists of charging the 300 USD cancellation penalty to the refundable amount; any residual that is then remaining will be refunded to the original FOP (no add-collect requirement here).
This is a "Pacific Round Trip Refundable with a Fee Economy Fare." CAT31 specifies that there will be no reissue charge for voluntary changes to the 1st ticketed flight coupon before departure. When the change results in a higher fare, the fare difference shall be collected. When the change results in a lower fare, the residual needs to be subtracted from the change penalty and then add-collected or refunded. CAT16 generally specifies that changes are permitted free of charge; when it comes to changes to the 1st ticketed flight coupon, it refers to the cancellation section regarding refunds. The cancellation section specifies a 300 USD penalty for refunds and to refund the residual, if any, to the original FOP.
So coming back to CAT31, the change is completed free of charge. When the change results in a lower fare, the residual is subtracted from the change penalty of 0 USD. This will always be negative, so add-collect is irrelevant, and the residual now becomes a refundable amount. The refund stage consists of charging the 300 USD cancellation penalty to the refundable amount; any residual that is then remaining will be refunded to the original FOP (no add-collect requirement here).
While I would certainly prefer that UA match its competition and issue residual credits on nonrefundable fares, this is a workable alternative for me personally -- the fare delta was only about $100 in this case.
Jan 18, 2021 | 10:25 pm
#322
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: Various between 2p & 1K, currently Gold
Posts: 8,888
In most cases, you'll get the best price on airfare sometime between 3 months and 3 weeks prior to departure. There are four reasons I can think of to book further in advance:
- You found award or upgrade availability
- You think there's a very high chance that the flight will sell out (example: going to Las Vegas during CES)
- You have personal knowledge of the behavior of fares on a route and can therefore identify an excellent value
- You're purchasing a sale fare (e.g., from the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/ forum).
Last edited by Mike Jacoubowsky; Jan 19, 2021 at 8:13 am
Jan 19, 2021 | 12:53 am
#323
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,541
Jan 22, 2021 | 5:43 pm
#324
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Latin America and USA
Programs: UA 1K, WN A-L, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, IHG Diamond
Posts: 644
Much cheaper than a therapist! Hopefully sometime in 2021 I can do it again, but not have to cancel it!
Jan 27, 2021 | 7:02 am
#325
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 445
I'm confused by the rules.
I have 3 o/w tickets for a domestic trip next week that ain't gonna happen.
I'm not ready to confirm dates/route of future trip.
- Do I have to rebook the 3 tickets before departure or can I cancel and have value held til ready to rebook?
- If I must rebook before departure, then the thing to do is to find a fare for each ticket that is as close to what I paid as possible (on any route) and then when ready to travel, change each ticket again to my desired route/timing and pay the difference or eat the loss, right?
Thanks!
I have 3 o/w tickets for a domestic trip next week that ain't gonna happen.
I'm not ready to confirm dates/route of future trip.
- Do I have to rebook the 3 tickets before departure or can I cancel and have value held til ready to rebook?
- If I must rebook before departure, then the thing to do is to find a fare for each ticket that is as close to what I paid as possible (on any route) and then when ready to travel, change each ticket again to my desired route/timing and pay the difference or eat the loss, right?
Thanks!
Jan 27, 2021 | 8:15 am
#326
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,541
You can cancel and wait until you have replacement flights in mind. The tickets will be valid for travel commencing one year from the original date of purchase. If your new flight is less expensive, UA keeps the difference.
Feb 2, 2021 | 1:31 pm
#327
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: san francisco.
Programs: Marriott Plt, OW Blue!
Posts: 2,088
My flight time has changed enough that I can get a refund or according to UA, do a "one-time free change" for my flight.
I thought as stated in the OP's announcement that :
"The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Did I miss a change in the rules or is UA back tracking on "change fees are gone for good"
I thought as stated in the OP's announcement that :
"The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Did I miss a change in the rules or is UA back tracking on "change fees are gone for good"
Feb 2, 2021 | 1:44 pm
#328
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,541
My flight time has changed enough that I can get a refund or according to UA, do a "one-time free change" for my flight.
I thought as stated in the OP's announcement that :
"The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Did I miss a change in the rules or is UA back tracking on "change fees are gone for good"
I thought as stated in the OP's announcement that :
"The new change fee policy applies to all standard Economy and Premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and customers will not be limited in the number of times they adjust their flights.
Did I miss a change in the rules or is UA back tracking on "change fees are gone for good"
Feb 2, 2021 | 2:22 pm
#329
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K 1MM; Hertz PC
Posts: 5,620
Neither. However, I suspect the "one-time change" they're offering you would waive fare differences (for the same destination on or about the same travel date). That's the benefit of a schedule change -- UA will generally put you on any flight that sounds reasonable to the agent, even if it was more expensive when you first made your purchase.
Feb 4, 2021 | 8:57 am
#330
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Programs: United Platinum, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 67
I have cancelled a trip I booked and have credit now under trips.
If I book a new trip that costs less than the original,
do I lose the extra money ????
I have done this before and it seems like I do lose the money...
And by the way, major headache for me last time I rebooked using travel credit.
I was forced to create 2 reservations because the website wouldn't allow me to apply the credit at the end...
I had to start with the credit and change flights for myself...
then buy a diff res for my kids.
when I went to check in, can't check in kids except at the airport with an employee badge to override
I worked with customer service on the phone and they couldn't even get all my reservation on one
But I am again going to be using some credit I have and I am going to book a less expensive flight and would like to keep the leftover $$$
Thanks if you have any ideas for me
Ok i will answer my own question. You DO lose the extra credit. The agent I talked to claimed it was because "we are waiving the $200 change fee." So I explained to him my original tickets were first class, and my new tickets were first class with no change fee anway...and that I would be losing around $900. So he said, "for one time" he would convert the extra into an e-travel-voucher and I would be mailed a pin...So I can use this on my next reservation!
I guess you have to call in to keep your money.
They just have to make things difficult..So the guy split the refund into 2 e vouchers...I had to call back to get the other pin# which the other one was sent to my wife's email.
If I book a new trip that costs less than the original,
do I lose the extra money ????
I have done this before and it seems like I do lose the money...
And by the way, major headache for me last time I rebooked using travel credit.
I was forced to create 2 reservations because the website wouldn't allow me to apply the credit at the end...
I had to start with the credit and change flights for myself...
then buy a diff res for my kids.
when I went to check in, can't check in kids except at the airport with an employee badge to override
I worked with customer service on the phone and they couldn't even get all my reservation on one
But I am again going to be using some credit I have and I am going to book a less expensive flight and would like to keep the leftover $$$
Thanks if you have any ideas for me
Ok i will answer my own question. You DO lose the extra credit. The agent I talked to claimed it was because "we are waiving the $200 change fee." So I explained to him my original tickets were first class, and my new tickets were first class with no change fee anway...and that I would be losing around $900. So he said, "for one time" he would convert the extra into an e-travel-voucher and I would be mailed a pin...So I can use this on my next reservation!
I guess you have to call in to keep your money.
They just have to make things difficult..So the guy split the refund into 2 e vouchers...I had to call back to get the other pin# which the other one was sent to my wife's email.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 4, 2021 at 10:19 am Reason: merging consecutive / update posts by the same member