Mar 13, 2020, 6:43 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is UA's guidance to TA's (on Jetstream) on re-scheduling
Related thread: Check Your UA Itineraries for Schedule Changes and what to do after one
Archive: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...d-archive.html
Additional parameters for flights impacted by schedule changes for United-operated flights
***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).
- 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).
Unacceptable (UA): Misconnecting itinerary | Change to originally scheduled arrival or departure time of at least
+ / - 30 minutes
Options Change to alternate UA flight (same origin and destination and original operating carrier or carrier permitted as noted in fare rule)
Unacceptable (UA): Change to original arrival or departure time of 2 hours or more | Flight(s) canceled with no protection| Flight goes from non-stop to connection Options Change to alternate UA flight with same origin and destination and original operating carrier or carrier permitted as noted in fare rule, or travel agencies can refund through ARC, BSP, GDS.
+ / - 30 minutes
Options Change to alternate UA flight (same origin and destination and original operating carrier or carrier permitted as noted in fare rule)
Unacceptable (UA): Change to original arrival or departure time of 2 hours or more | Flight(s) canceled with no protection| Flight goes from non-stop to connection Options Change to alternate UA flight with same origin and destination and original operating carrier or carrier permitted as noted in fare rule, or travel agencies can refund through ARC, BSP, GDS.
Related thread: Check Your UA Itineraries for Schedule Changes and what to do after one
Archive: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...d-archive.html
Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund
Jan 7, 2021, 6:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 195
Which type of free ticket changes (same dates, same origin/destination) are permitted by UA in the event of a 2+ hour change to departure or arrival time to one direction of a roundtrip flight? I do not want to refund and rebook, rather I want to book a (more expensive) routing without paying the fare difference.
-Am I permitted to make adjustments to both directions even if only one had a schedule change?
-Am I permitted to switch from a connecting flight to a nonstop?
-Am I permitted to use a co-terminal airport?
-Am I permitted to make adjustments to both directions even if only one had a schedule change?
-Am I permitted to switch from a connecting flight to a nonstop?
-Am I permitted to use a co-terminal airport?
Jan 7, 2021, 8:48 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,185
Which type of free ticket changes (same dates, same origin/destination) are permitted by UA in the event of a 2+ hour change to departure or arrival time to one direction of a roundtrip flight? I do not want to refund and rebook, rather I want to book a (more expensive) routing without paying the fare difference.
-Am I permitted to make adjustments to both directions even if only one had a schedule change?
-Am I permitted to switch from a connecting flight to a nonstop?
-Am I permitted to use a co-terminal airport?
-Am I permitted to make adjustments to both directions even if only one had a schedule change?
-Am I permitted to switch from a connecting flight to a nonstop?
-Am I permitted to use a co-terminal airport?
2- Yes
3- You could change the origin/destination airport within 150 miles radius from the originally booked one.
By the way, a kind reminder that only the first change would have the fare difference waived. If you would like to do a voluntary change after you have re-ticketed your booking with new tickets, you might be asked to pay a fare difference.
Jan 7, 2021, 8:49 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,337
Yes.
Also at the agent's discretion.
Last edited by jsloan; Jan 7, 2021 at 11:36 am
Jan 7, 2021, 11:06 am
#4
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,731
Which type of free ticket changes (same dates, same origin/destination) are permitted by UA in the event of a 2+ hour change to departure or arrival time to one direction of a roundtrip flight? I do not want to refund and rebook, rather I want to book a (more expensive) routing without paying the fare difference.
-Am I permitted to make adjustments to both directions even if only one had a schedule change?
-Am I permitted to switch from a connecting flight to a nonstop?
-Am I permitted to use a co-terminal airport?
-Am I permitted to make adjustments to both directions even if only one had a schedule change?
-Am I permitted to switch from a connecting flight to a nonstop?
-Am I permitted to use a co-terminal airport?
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 United’s 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.
- 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 100 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 United’s 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.
Jan 7, 2021, 12:39 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NOVA
Programs: IHG Rewards Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, UA/DL/AA Back of the plane...
Posts: 4,604
Jan 9, 2021, 4:32 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DUS
Programs: United-1K+2MM, Bonvoy-LifetimeGold,IHG-Diamond-Ambassador
Posts: 354
I got an email regarding my next trip: "Your flight 29 on 2/2/2021 has been canceled. We know this was not part of your travel plans. Unfortunately, we do not have an option to re-book you on another United flight at this time."
So i cancelled the hole itin into an FFC (the only ckoice given)
After that I requested a refund.
Was that the correct way ? and why is the choice for a refund not given during the cancellation?
So i cancelled the hole itin into an FFC (the only ckoice given)
After that I requested a refund.
Was that the correct way ? and why is the choice for a refund not given during the cancellation?
Jan 9, 2021, 8:33 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,948
I got an email regarding my next trip: "Your flight 29 on 2/2/2021 has been canceled. We know this was not part of your travel plans. Unfortunately, we do not have an option to re-book you on another United flight at this time."
So i cancelled the hole itin into an FFC (the only ckoice given)
After that I requested a refund.
Was that the correct way ? and why is the choice for a refund not given during the cancellation?
So i cancelled the hole itin into an FFC (the only ckoice given)
After that I requested a refund.
Was that the correct way ? and why is the choice for a refund not given during the cancellation?
Jan 9, 2021, 10:26 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,337
That was not the correct way. You should have requested the refund right away. The system has gotten better offering refunds to the OFP right away, but it is not perfect. It should still work even with requesting flight credit first, but technically you accepted that solution.
Accepting Electronic Travel Credit, on the other hand, could cause problems.
Jan 22, 2021, 8:27 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
The price of a non-refundable, round-trip ticket I purchased (in December) has dropped by 1/3 of the price that I paid. The itinerary has changed from when I purchased the ticket such that outgoing and returning flights have had departure or arrival shifted by more than 2 hours. I am actually okay with the itinerary change, but what would happen if I were to cancel, get a refund, and re-book the same itinerary at the lower price? Would there be any negative repercussions by doing this? Would I be abusing the relaxed change/cancellation policy too much and therefore hastening the return of high change fees?
Jan 22, 2021, 9:11 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
The price of a non-refundable, round-trip ticket I purchased (in December) has dropped by 1/3 of the price that I paid. The itinerary has changed from when I purchased the ticket such that outgoing and returning flights have had departure or arrival shifted by more than 2 hours. I am actually okay with the itinerary change, but what would happen if I were to cancel, get a refund, and re-book the same itinerary at the lower price? Would there be any negative repercussions by doing this? Would I be abusing the relaxed change/cancellation policy too much and therefore hastening the return of high change fees?
Whether with the returned cash or an ETC, book what you want.
David
Jan 22, 2021, 10:16 pm
#12
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,731
The price of a non-refundable, round-trip ticket I purchased (in December) has dropped by 1/3 of the price that I paid. The itinerary has changed from when I purchased the ticket such that outgoing and returning flights have had departure or arrival shifted by more than 2 hours. I am actually okay with the itinerary change, but what would happen if I were to cancel, get a refund, and re-book the same itinerary at the lower price? Would there be any negative repercussions by doing this? Would I be abusing the relaxed change/cancellation policy too much and therefore hastening the return of high change fees?
UA historically has had a policy to allow you to take advantage of a price drop within 30 days of the orginal purchase for a $50 fee (without needing a schedule change)
Jan 23, 2021, 3:49 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
Thanks for the helpful replies. If I log in to United and go to cancel my trip, I am given two options: 1) rebook later with FFC, 2) refund to original form of payment. The description under option 2 is as follows.
Select this option to refund the value of this ticket (less any applicable cancellation fees) to the original form of payment. Though there may be an active travel waiver which waives change fees, it doesn't waive cancellation fees.If cancellation fees apply, you may be eligible for a full refund if your flights have been severely adjusted or service to your destination has been suspended. Visit the Refunds page to submit your refund request.
In this instance (schedule change over 2 hours, economy ticket, no airline status), will I need to submit an additional request for refund of cancellation fees after cancelling the trip?
In regards to option 1 (FFC), it says travel must begin by December 2021 (one year after original ticket purchase). In this and other threads I have understood this to mean I must book my next flight by December 2021 and fly by December 2022. Is my understanding correct or in error?
Select this option to refund the value of this ticket (less any applicable cancellation fees) to the original form of payment. Though there may be an active travel waiver which waives change fees, it doesn't waive cancellation fees.If cancellation fees apply, you may be eligible for a full refund if your flights have been severely adjusted or service to your destination has been suspended. Visit the Refunds page to submit your refund request.
In this instance (schedule change over 2 hours, economy ticket, no airline status), will I need to submit an additional request for refund of cancellation fees after cancelling the trip?
In regards to option 1 (FFC), it says travel must begin by December 2021 (one year after original ticket purchase). In this and other threads I have understood this to mean I must book my next flight by December 2021 and fly by December 2022. Is my understanding correct or in error?
Jan 23, 2021, 3:59 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,185
Thanks for the helpful replies. If I log in to United and go to cancel my trip, I am given two options: 1) rebook later with FFC, 2) refund to original form of payment. The description under option 2 is as follows.
Select this option to refund the value of this ticket (less any applicable cancellation fees) to the original form of payment. Though there may be an active travel waiver which waives change fees, it doesn't waive cancellation fees.If cancellation fees apply, you may be eligible for a full refund if your flights have been severely adjusted or service to your destination has been suspended. Visit the Refunds page to submit your refund request.
In this instance (schedule change over 2 hours, economy ticket, no airline status), will I need to submit an additional request for refund of cancellation fees after cancelling the trip?
In regards to option 1 (FFC), it says travel must begin by December 2021 (one year after original ticket purchase). In this and other threads I have understood this to mean I must book my next flight by December 2021 and fly by December 2022. Is my understanding correct or in error?
Select this option to refund the value of this ticket (less any applicable cancellation fees) to the original form of payment. Though there may be an active travel waiver which waives change fees, it doesn't waive cancellation fees.If cancellation fees apply, you may be eligible for a full refund if your flights have been severely adjusted or service to your destination has been suspended. Visit the Refunds page to submit your refund request.
In this instance (schedule change over 2 hours, economy ticket, no airline status), will I need to submit an additional request for refund of cancellation fees after cancelling the trip?
In regards to option 1 (FFC), it says travel must begin by December 2021 (one year after original ticket purchase). In this and other threads I have understood this to mean I must book my next flight by December 2021 and fly by December 2022. Is my understanding correct or in error?
As the new ticket is 1/3 of the old ticket, go for the refund route and purchase the same flights as another ticket. Then, you would have a ticket validity starting from the day you book the new ticket. When you press the refund button ( option 2 ), you wouldn't need to take any further action and your ticket would be automatically in the refund queue and you should see the refund in your bank/credit card statement within a couple of days.
Jan 23, 2021, 4:37 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
No, your understanding is unfortunately wrong, if you select option 1 ( FFC ) you must begin travel ( flying ) by December 2021. It's Electronic Travel Certificates that you must use until the date on it and you could fly at a future date.
As the new ticket is 1/3 of the old ticket, go for the refund route and purchase the same flights as another ticket. Then, you would have a ticket validity starting from the day you book the new ticket. When you press the refund button ( option 2 ), you wouldn't need to take any further action and your ticket would be automatically in the refund queue and you should see the refund in your bank/credit card statement within a couple of days.
As the new ticket is 1/3 of the old ticket, go for the refund route and purchase the same flights as another ticket. Then, you would have a ticket validity starting from the day you book the new ticket. When you press the refund button ( option 2 ), you wouldn't need to take any further action and your ticket would be automatically in the refund queue and you should see the refund in your bank/credit card statement within a couple of days.
