Jan 6, 17, 11:39 pm
Last edit by: seawolf
UA typically updates schedules on late Wednesday & Friday evenings into the next day morning (USA Central Time).
United's FAQ on Schedule Changes webpage is no more vague but the follow seems to be the present policy
-- reschedule flexibility for 30 minutes or more changes
-- refunds for 2 hours or more changes
--- we may be able to offer you a refund:
Generally, UA is pretty good about being flexible if you are adversely affected by a schedule change. Most reasonable requests will likely be honored. Best to do some self-research prior to calling. Including opening up award space on UA operated flights. If you had a cleared upgrade on UA operated flight, UA will generally honor that in the rescheduling if space is available (but not requiring upgrade inventory space on the new flights)
During this weekend change period and sometimes for a day later, there can be weirdness in displayed aircraft or seating maps, such as Strange/Impossible Aircraft Assignments After UA's Weekend Schedule Update
Early in the COVID pandemic, UA initially change the policy for refund to require 24 hour change, but quickly walked that back to 6 hours. Under DOT and public pressure, UA returned to a 2 hour policy on 6 June 2020. 30 minute change is still the threshold for flexible rebooking
More specific information is found in UA's guidance to TA's (on Jetstream) on re-scheduling
Same booking class. If original booking class unavailable, book lowest available (higher than original booking class, same cabin) up to and including M class. Contact UA if required class of service is unavailable.**
Change fee and add/collect waived - see "Additional parameters for flights impacted by schedule changes" below the chart.
For 2 hours or more, refunds are an option unless you can be rescheduled to be under the 2 hours
================= older information =======================
The peak-time for changes is roughly 3-4 months prior to departure but changes occur anytime -- especially aircraft changes within an aircraft family (such as 777-200s or 737-800 vs 737-900).
Schedule changes
It is reported that agents will now (12 March 2020) process refunds for 6-hour changes (down from the original new 25+ hours that replaced the previous long practice of 2-hours)
JetStream - Agency Rebooking Parameters
Related thread: Schedule change refund policy changed from 2+ hrs to 25+ hrs now 6+ hrs 12 March 2020
Archive Thread - Check Your UA Itineraries for Schedule Changes and what to do after one [Archive]
United's FAQ on Schedule Changes webpage is no more vague but the follow seems to be the present policy
-- reschedule flexibility for 30 minutes or more changes
- Your origin and destination will have to be the same as on your original itinerary.
- If you have a connection, you may be able to choose a different connecting city or airport.
- Alternative flights must be operated by United or our United Express partners.
-- refunds for 2 hours or more changes
--- we may be able to offer you a refund:
- The scheduled departure or arrival time changes by two hours or more.
- The change causes issues with the overall length of the trip, such as making the connection time too short or significantly longer than it was originally.
- If we are unable to accommodate you in the same cabin as purchased refunded either the full price or the difference in fare.
Generally, UA is pretty good about being flexible if you are adversely affected by a schedule change. Most reasonable requests will likely be honored. Best to do some self-research prior to calling. Including opening up award space on UA operated flights. If you had a cleared upgrade on UA operated flight, UA will generally honor that in the rescheduling if space is available (but not requiring upgrade inventory space on the new flights)
During this weekend change period and sometimes for a day later, there can be weirdness in displayed aircraft or seating maps, such as Strange/Impossible Aircraft Assignments After UA's Weekend Schedule Update
Early in the COVID pandemic, UA initially change the policy for refund to require 24 hour change, but quickly walked that back to 6 hours. Under DOT and public pressure, UA returned to a 2 hour policy on 6 June 2020. 30 minute change is still the threshold for flexible rebooking
More specific information is found in UA's guidance to TA's (on Jetstream) on re-scheduling
- Any segment goes from a non-stop to a connection
- Misconnecting itinerary
- Change to originally scheduled arrival or departure time of at least + / - 30 minutes
Same booking class. If original booking class unavailable, book lowest available (higher than original booking class, same cabin) up to and including M class. Contact UA if required class of service is unavailable.**
Change fee and add/collect waived - see "Additional parameters for flights impacted by schedule changes" below the chart.
Change to original arrival or departure time of 2 hours or more or cancelled flight with no protection
or
Additional parameters for flights impacted by schedule changes
***Continuing or return travel dates may be voluntarily changed on UA segments only in the original inventory class to maintain the original length of stay prior to the re-accommodation. Changes to the return flight must be in the same PNR and be made in the same transaction as the re-accommodation of the outbound flight. The change fee and add/collect will be waived for changes made to the return (original class of service only).
**United Basic Economy fares booked in "N" class must remain in "N" class when eligible for self-service rebooking due to unacceptable schedule changes or irregular operations. If "N" class is unavailable, please contact Uniteds Customer Contact Centers for assistance. Rebooking into an ineligible booking class may result in the issuance of a debit memo. For non-Basic Economy fares, do not rebook into "N" class.
Additional parameters for flights impacted by schedule changes
- Non-stops may go to connecting flights, and connecting flights may go to non-stops
- Connecting hub may be changed
- If original day of departure is unavailable, may depart 7 days prior to or after original departure date. If outbound flight is impacted, subsequent flights on same itinerary may be changed to maintain original length of trip.***
- Alternate airports within a 250 mile radius of the original origin or departure airport***
- Change may apply to origin and destination, but must be changed at the original time of ticket reissue
- Customer is responsible for any additional expenses incurred
***Continuing or return travel dates may be voluntarily changed on UA segments only in the original inventory class to maintain the original length of stay prior to the re-accommodation. Changes to the return flight must be in the same PNR and be made in the same transaction as the re-accommodation of the outbound flight. The change fee and add/collect will be waived for changes made to the return (original class of service only).
**United Basic Economy fares booked in "N" class must remain in "N" class when eligible for self-service rebooking due to unacceptable schedule changes or irregular operations. If "N" class is unavailable, please contact Uniteds Customer Contact Centers for assistance. Rebooking into an ineligible booking class may result in the issuance of a debit memo. For non-Basic Economy fares, do not rebook into "N" class.
The peak-time for changes is roughly 3-4 months prior to departure but changes occur anytime -- especially aircraft changes within an aircraft family (such as 777-200s or 737-800 vs 737-900).
Schedule changes
Rebooking options if a schedule change has affected your itinerary
If your scheduled departure or arrival time changes by 30 minutes or more, we're happy to try to find other available flight options that meet your needs. Please keep the following in mind when you call:
Ticket refunds
When a schedule change happens, we try our best to provide you with options that minimize the disruption to your travel plans. In cases where the new flight options don't work for you and one of the following scenarios applies, we may be able to offer you a refund:
If your scheduled departure or arrival time changes by 30 minutes or more, we're happy to try to find other available flight options that meet your needs. Please keep the following in mind when you call:
- Your origin and destination will have to be the same as on your original itinerary.
- If you have a connection, you may be able to choose a different connecting city or airport.
- Alternative flights must be operated by United or our United Express partners.
Ticket refunds
When a schedule change happens, we try our best to provide you with options that minimize the disruption to your travel plans. In cases where the new flight options don't work for you and one of the following scenarios applies, we may be able to offer you a refund:
- The scheduled departure or arrival time significantly changes.
- The change causes issues with the overall length of the trip, such as making the connection time too short or significantly longer than it was originally.
- If we are unable to accommodate you in the same cabin as purchased refunded either the full price or the difference in fare.
JetStream - Agency Rebooking Parameters
Related thread: Schedule change refund policy changed from 2+ hrs to 25+ hrs now 6+ hrs 12 March 2020
Archive Thread - Check Your UA Itineraries for Schedule Changes and what to do after one [Archive]
Check Your UA Itineraries for Schedule Changes and what to do after one
Sep 15, 22, 9:44 pm
#781
Moderator: United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.85MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 61,989
Originally Posted by LIH Prem
There were tight entry requirements in Japan, and now they are apparently removing all entry requirements. So why would they stick it out so long and then as things loosen up give up? ...
Sep 16, 22, 3:57 am
#782
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 29,055
Originally Posted by 50Kthehardway
Booked trip to LHR in December and applied Plus Points to upgrade from premium plus. There was a schedule change that reduced connection time in IAD to 55 mins. This is getting quite tight depending on which terminal I arrive in to meet 45 min boarding start. Might holdout for another change or see if I can switch (wasn't quite 30 minutes total schedule change). The reservation no longer says "waitlist" for this leg (return overwater leg still says waitlist). While unlikely far out from departure, suppose PZ opened up. Would the upgrade clear? Is the lack of "waitlist" just a display glitch or is it relevant to being able to upgrade and I should accept/choose something else?
thank you.
thank you.
Sep 16, 22, 2:01 pm
#783
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,511
Originally Posted by HNLbasedFlyer
They won’t put you on ANA. You can get a refund and buy your ANA or Hawaiian flight or they should give you an option via SFO or GUM.
Edit: here are the currently active protection agreements. The HNL TYO agreement only says through end of October, but I've been assured those are updated to cover the most recent withdrawal through end of March 2023 and the internal version reflects that even if Jetstream isn't updated.
https://jetstream.united.com/#/sub-l...T00000Cbxq6UAB
Sep 16, 22, 2:09 pm
#784
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 17,838
Originally Posted by Lux Flyer
Yes they will. There is a protection agreement w/ ANA in place for HNL-TYO through end of March. If they're refusing ANA either HUCA or ask the agent to lookup the active protection agreements. I vote HUCA because if the agent doesn't know how to check protection agreements without being told, not sure I'd want them messing with my international ticket that will now be involving another carrier.
Edit: here are the currently active protection agreements. The HNL TYO agreement only says through end of October, but I've been assured those are updated to cover the most recent withdrawal through end of March 2023 and the internal version reflects that even if Jetstream isn't updated.
https://jetstream.united.com/#/sub-l...T00000Cbxq6UAB
Edit: here are the currently active protection agreements. The HNL TYO agreement only says through end of October, but I've been assured those are updated to cover the most recent withdrawal through end of March 2023 and the internal version reflects that even if Jetstream isn't updated.
https://jetstream.united.com/#/sub-l...T00000Cbxq6UAB
Sep 16, 22, 2:39 pm
#785
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,030
Originally Posted by jsloan
The original question was about an award ticket. These protection agreements wouldn't necessarily apply.
Sep 16, 22, 4:47 pm
#786
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,511
Originally Posted by HNLbasedFlyer
Yes, it was an award ticket and ANA is incredibly stingy with awards out of HNL in Business - although they exist here and there. Economy award tickets on ANA aren't that difficult to find.
Sep 16, 22, 5:15 pm
#787
Moderator: United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.85MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 61,989
Originally Posted by Lux Flyer
... the protection agreement does cover award tickets and allow rebooking on ANA from UA if applicable booking codes are available..
Sep 16, 22, 5:33 pm
#788
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 17,838
Originally Posted by Lux Flyer
I mean the protection agreement still applies to award tickets, just has to have the booking code available (I for business, X for economy). Obviously not listed on Jetstream because agencies don't deal with award tickets, but the protection agreement does cover award tickets and allow rebooking on ANA from UA if applicable booking codes are available..
Sep 16, 22, 11:30 pm
#789
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 6,725
Originally Posted by Lux Flyer
Yes they will. There is a protection agreement w/ ANA in place for HNL-TYO through end of March. If they're refusing ANA either HUCA or ask the agent to lookup the active protection agreements. I vote HUCA because if the agent doesn't know how to check protection agreements without being told, not sure I'd want them messing with my international ticket that will now be involving another carrier.
Edit: here are the currently active protection agreements. The HNL TYO agreement only says through end of October, but I've been assured those are updated to cover the most recent withdrawal through end of March 2023 and the internal version reflects that even if Jetstream isn't updated.
https://jetstream.united.com/#/sub-l...T00000Cbxq6UAB
Edit: here are the currently active protection agreements. The HNL TYO agreement only says through end of October, but I've been assured those are updated to cover the most recent withdrawal through end of March 2023 and the internal version reflects that even if Jetstream isn't updated.
https://jetstream.united.com/#/sub-l...T00000Cbxq6UAB
Sep 17, 22, 8:09 am
#790
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CLE
Programs: UA:1K Marriott:Gold Hilton:Silver IHG:Gold
Posts: 108
Originally Posted by cfischer
Once the ticket change is done the +P requests will need to get re-synced to the new flights. A simple schedule change is o.k., but if you change flights then it needs to be re=applied.
Sep 18, 22, 10:39 pm
#791
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Plat, SPG Gold, IHG Gold, BW Diamond, Club Carlson Silver
Posts: 128
I got hit...but in a good way!
Was originally supposed to fly UA 2107 from LAS-ORD and then on to YYZ in January (in first) but got hit with a 36 minute schedule change to UA 1009 just the other day.
Searched all possible replacement flights and found an itinerary via EWR with a lie-flat 757-200 (UA 1390). So happy I will now have a semi-proper bed on that red eye! Here's hoping there's no equipment change between now and then.
The cherry on top was that it let me specify "J" booking class as part of the advanced search, and it let me rebook in to it as opposed to my original P class at no additional cost! Not sure exactly what difference, if any, it will make, but I'll take it!
Was originally supposed to fly UA 2107 from LAS-ORD and then on to YYZ in January (in first) but got hit with a 36 minute schedule change to UA 1009 just the other day.
Searched all possible replacement flights and found an itinerary via EWR with a lie-flat 757-200 (UA 1390). So happy I will now have a semi-proper bed on that red eye! Here's hoping there's no equipment change between now and then.
The cherry on top was that it let me specify "J" booking class as part of the advanced search, and it let me rebook in to it as opposed to my original P class at no additional cost! Not sure exactly what difference, if any, it will make, but I'll take it!
Sep 23, 22, 7:30 pm
#792
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,121
Originally Posted by HNLbasedFlyer
When it becomes official they can always add it back. With the Dollar so strong against the Yen the State isnt optimistic about Japanese tourism even when restrictions end.
-David
Sep 23, 22, 10:38 pm
#793
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,030
Originally Posted by LIH Prem
It's official, Oct 11 for Japan, fully reopen. And this wasn't a surprise, it was pretty well known. HKG and Taiwan are also dropping restrictions.
-David
-David
Sep 24, 22, 9:56 am
#794
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 32
Thank you all for pouring your expertise in each case. I've been reading you religiously.
I decided to accept this change as my research shows ORD transfer should be doable and I have flexibility for earlier departure and late arrival. C gates to B gates in worst case scenario, walking through the Neon Light Tunnel. Hope weather is on my side as it would be mid/late December.
United app shows I can do a free one-time change or a refund. I'll save that option for now just in case.
Originally Posted by G.G
I've been hit! repeat, I've been hit! And hard. Originally it was Austin to London via Houston in late December. Now I'll have to depart 15 min earlier, stop in Chicago and arrive 30 min later. Flight numbers changed. Even my seat numbers changed (and I paid for Premium Economy!).
United app shows I can do a free one-time change or a refund. I'll save that option for now just in case.
Sep 25, 22, 8:57 pm
#795
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,121
Originally Posted by HNLbasedFlyer
At 143 Yen to Dollar I don’t think the Japanese are going be filling airplanes anytime soon to the US.
{United} kept the flight going during the pandemic, a route they've operated for multiple decades during positive and negative economic times, and then when restrictions were about to be lifted they decided to completely suspend the flight.
-David
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 26, 22 at 12:36 am Reason: Discuss the issue, not the poster(s)
