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 /don’t care about either
30
13.04%
Don’t 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 they’re 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 they’re 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
Jun 28, 2022, 1:51 am
#886
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
Hello,
‘I bought a $306 one way nonrefundable economy ticket to PVR, Mexico. I wonder if I cancel it, will there be fee. I know there will be no change fee.
I could not find cancellation fee rule on united.com Please help! TIA.
what is the best way to keep that $306 for future use? Thanks.
‘I bought a $306 one way nonrefundable economy ticket to PVR, Mexico. I wonder if I cancel it, will there be fee. I know there will be no change fee.
I could not find cancellation fee rule on united.com Please help! TIA.
what is the best way to keep that $306 for future use? Thanks.
If you cancel a wholly unused ticket to PVR, you will have the full fare amount available for use by the same traveler on United.com, for purchases made through December 31, 2023. If you have a partially used ticket, the situation is much more complicated.
Think of cancellation on a non-refundable ticket as a really slow change... you begin the change today, when you remove the existing flights, and you complete it later, when you use that credit for new flights.
Jul 2, 2022, 3:30 pm
#887
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 141
Sorry, I just wanted to make doubly sure I'm not misunderstanding what has been posted over the last several pages, as I never fly UA and have never read fare rules in my life.
It sounds like if a ticket says the following in the fare basis rules, this ticket is effectively still eligible for a free change (subject to any fare difference) prior to departure? This effectively overrides any other policy they have regarding change fees being reinstated for international-originating itineraries, despite the fact they've announced their change fee waiver policy wouldn't apply to international-originating itineraries any longer?
This is what the relevant section says:
Thanks - apologies for the repetitive question.
It sounds like if a ticket says the following in the fare basis rules, this ticket is effectively still eligible for a free change (subject to any fare difference) prior to departure? This effectively overrides any other policy they have regarding change fees being reinstated for international-originating itineraries, despite the fact they've announced their change fee waiver policy wouldn't apply to international-originating itineraries any longer?
This is what the relevant section says:
Code:
Fare rules & restrictions United (UA) GAA5AFEN YVR to SFO Category 16: Penalties CANCELLATIONS TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE IN CASE OF NO-SHOW/REFUND. NOTE - -- TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE -- TAX - US/ZP/XF - WILL NOT BE REFUNDED -- THE NON-REFUNDABLE CANCELLATION AMOUNT OF THE TICKET BEING EXCHANGED REMAINS NON-REFUNDABLE AND CARRIED FORWARD IN THE ENDORSEMENT BOX OF THE NEW TICKET CHANGES BEFORE DEPARTURE CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE. NOTE - -- -- //// CHANGE FREE OF CHARGE //// -- -- BEFORE DEPARTURE OPTIONS - -- BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY CANCEL OF TICKETED RESERVATIONS OF A WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET - TRAVEL MUST BEGIN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUE DATE EXCEPTION - FOR TICKETS ISSUED ON/BEFORE 12/31/22 TRAVEL MUST COMMENCE BY 12/31/23 -- THE NON-REFUNDABLE AMOUNT OF THE TICKET BEING EXCHANGED REMAINS NON-REFUNDABLE AND CARRIED FORWARD IN THE ENDORSEMENT BOX OF THE NEW TICKET -- QUALIFYING CURRENT DAY FARE CANCEL OF TICKETED RESERVATIONS OF A WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET / CHANGE TO 1ST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON -- REPRICE USING --CURRENT FARES-- IN EFFECT TODAY -- PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. UA FARES ARE USED EXCEPT EOU/ERU 2. FARE BREAK POINT CHANGES ARE PERMITTED 3. VALIDATE ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS 4. ADVANCE RESERVATION/TKG IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT -- -- RESIDUAL VALUE WILL BE IGNORED/FORFEITED ON NON-REFUNDABLE FARE TICKETS -- COLLECT FARE DIFFERENCE IF APPLICABLE
Last edited by Denguin; Jul 2, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Jul 2, 2022, 7:36 pm
#888
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,888
Sorry, I just wanted to make doubly sure I'm not misunderstanding what has been posted over the last several pages, as I never fly UA and have never read fare rules in my life.
It sounds like if a ticket says the following in the fare basis rules, this ticket is effectively still eligible for a free change (subject to any fare difference) prior to departure? This effectively overrides any other policy they have regarding change fees being reinstated for international-originating itineraries, despite the fact they've announced their change fee waiver policy wouldn't apply to international-originating itineraries any longer?
This is what the relevant section says:
Thanks - apologies for the repetitive question.
It sounds like if a ticket says the following in the fare basis rules, this ticket is effectively still eligible for a free change (subject to any fare difference) prior to departure? This effectively overrides any other policy they have regarding change fees being reinstated for international-originating itineraries, despite the fact they've announced their change fee waiver policy wouldn't apply to international-originating itineraries any longer?
This is what the relevant section says:
Code:
Fare rules & restrictions United (UA) GAA5AFEN YVR to SFO Category 16: Penalties CANCELLATIONS TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE IN CASE OF NO-SHOW/REFUND. NOTE - -- TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE -- TAX - US/ZP/XF - WILL NOT BE REFUNDED -- THE NON-REFUNDABLE CANCELLATION AMOUNT OF THE TICKET BEING EXCHANGED REMAINS NON-REFUNDABLE AND CARRIED FORWARD IN THE ENDORSEMENT BOX OF THE NEW TICKET CHANGES BEFORE DEPARTURE CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE. NOTE - -- -- //// CHANGE FREE OF CHARGE //// -- -- BEFORE DEPARTURE OPTIONS - -- BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY CANCEL OF TICKETED RESERVATIONS OF A WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET - TRAVEL MUST BEGIN WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUE DATE EXCEPTION - FOR TICKETS ISSUED ON/BEFORE 12/31/22 TRAVEL MUST COMMENCE BY 12/31/23 -- THE NON-REFUNDABLE AMOUNT OF THE TICKET BEING EXCHANGED REMAINS NON-REFUNDABLE AND CARRIED FORWARD IN THE ENDORSEMENT BOX OF THE NEW TICKET -- QUALIFYING CURRENT DAY FARE CANCEL OF TICKETED RESERVATIONS OF A WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET / CHANGE TO 1ST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON -- REPRICE USING --CURRENT FARES-- IN EFFECT TODAY -- PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. UA FARES ARE USED EXCEPT EOU/ERU 2. FARE BREAK POINT CHANGES ARE PERMITTED 3. VALIDATE ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS 4. ADVANCE RESERVATION/TKG IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT -- -- RESIDUAL VALUE WILL BE IGNORED/FORFEITED ON NON-REFUNDABLE FARE TICKETS -- COLLECT FARE DIFFERENCE IF APPLICABLE
just curious the route you are on for this. yes, on this fare, it specifies ‘change free of charge’, so you should be good to go - it’s non-refundable but you’d get an ETC for full value, valid for travel commencing by 12/31/23 if you don’t select a new flight right away. As you note, you’d be charged for any fare difference of a new flight.
Also something to watch out for is the fare rules for other fares on your ticket - for example, if this is the outbound of your ticket and there is a change fee specified on the return, than that will prevail if you make a change - even if only to a segment that is on this fare, as the highest restrictions on a ticket are the ones that will prevail.
it’s always interesting to see how the fare rules are coded via policy, as UA still seems to have kept the ‘residual value will be ignored/forfeited’, even though UA policy changed on that long ago, and residual value is still available to you as an FFC if you rebook a flight that costs less.
Jul 3, 2022, 12:57 am
#889
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 141
Change fee policy would be ‘global’ so-to-speak - you are posting fare rules which are specific to your route and fare. Those can change from fare-to-fare, even on the same ticket.
just curious the route you are on for this. yes, on this fare, it specifies ‘change free of charge’, so you should be good to go - it’s non-refundable but you’d get an ETC for full value, valid for travel commencing by 12/31/23 if you don’t select a new flight right away. As you note, you’d be charged for any fare difference of a new flight.
Also something to watch out for is the fare rules for other fares on your ticket - for example, if this is the outbound of your ticket and there is a change fee specified on the return, than that will prevail if you make a change - even if only to a segment that is on this fare, as the highest restrictions on a ticket are the ones that will prevail.
it’s always interesting to see how the fare rules are coded via policy, as UA still seems to have kept the ‘residual value will be ignored/forfeited’, even though UA policy changed on that long ago, and residual value is still available to you as an FFC if you rebook a flight that costs less.
just curious the route you are on for this. yes, on this fare, it specifies ‘change free of charge’, so you should be good to go - it’s non-refundable but you’d get an ETC for full value, valid for travel commencing by 12/31/23 if you don’t select a new flight right away. As you note, you’d be charged for any fare difference of a new flight.
Also something to watch out for is the fare rules for other fares on your ticket - for example, if this is the outbound of your ticket and there is a change fee specified on the return, than that will prevail if you make a change - even if only to a segment that is on this fare, as the highest restrictions on a ticket are the ones that will prevail.
it’s always interesting to see how the fare rules are coded via policy, as UA still seems to have kept the ‘residual value will be ignored/forfeited’, even though UA policy changed on that long ago, and residual value is still available to you as an FFC if you rebook a flight that costs less.
Route is YVR to SFO RT, for October. As others have noticed, it seems that many tickets to the US originating from Canada do still seem to have a change fee waiver, despite their policy having excluded internationally originating flights since Jan 2022.
Whether it's by design, or laziness to change all the fare bases back, certainly no complaints here! Thanks again.
Jul 3, 2022, 5:00 am
#890
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,888
I appreciate the reply and explanation - that's very helpful. I don't fly UA ever, so it's re-assuring to have someone walk me through to check my understanding of yet another airline and their policies.
Route is YVR to SFO RT, for October. As others have noticed, it seems that many tickets to the US originating from Canada do still seem to have a change fee waiver, despite their policy having excluded internationally originating flights since Jan 2022.
Whether it's by design, or laziness to change all the fare bases back, certainly no complaints here! Thanks again.
Route is YVR to SFO RT, for October. As others have noticed, it seems that many tickets to the US originating from Canada do still seem to have a change fee waiver, despite their policy having excluded internationally originating flights since Jan 2022.
Whether it's by design, or laziness to change all the fare bases back, certainly no complaints here! Thanks again.
Do note this is not a ‘waiver’, but specifically a fare rule. A waiver would have to be more general, a rule as it is could be targeted very specifically to certain fares and not others. For example, they could start charging change fees ex-Canada on all W fares or lower, but not on higher ones, or even on specific, say, K fare basis’ but not on other K fare basis’.
Jul 25, 2022, 1:16 pm
#891
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
Refund/change on Star Alliance partners
Hi all:
Looking to book SFO -SYD in October. There are astronomical fares right now:$16K!!! If, for example, I book an Air New Zealand flight on UA, what is the protocol for change fees/rebooking?
That is the one advantage of flying UA: no change fee. Any ideas?
Thanks
Looking to book SFO -SYD in October. There are astronomical fares right now:$16K!!! If, for example, I book an Air New Zealand flight on UA, what is the protocol for change fees/rebooking?
That is the one advantage of flying UA: no change fee. Any ideas?
Thanks
Jul 25, 2022, 3:45 pm
#893
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
Jul 25, 2022, 4:10 pm
#894
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 66,854
Jul 28, 2022, 3:47 pm
#895
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA, DL, IHG Diamond Amb, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, National
Posts: 1,530
Changing an award ticket when miles requirement drops?
Thanks to this thread, I've learned about, and successfully did change a ticket and then back again to take advantage of a lower fare on the original existing ticket. Worked like a charm several times, saved me hundreds of dollars, and the information has been greatly appreciated.
So here's a related follow-up question: What about award fares? Suppose I'm on an award ticket, and by some miracle United suddenly offers a saver award that is priced significantly lower than my original booking for the same flight and class of service. What's the best way to take advantage of the award fare drop?
So here's a related follow-up question: What about award fares? Suppose I'm on an award ticket, and by some miracle United suddenly offers a saver award that is priced significantly lower than my original booking for the same flight and class of service. What's the best way to take advantage of the award fare drop?
Jul 28, 2022, 4:36 pm
#896
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
So here's a related follow-up question: What about award fares? Suppose I'm on an award ticket, and by some miracle United suddenly offers a saver award that is priced significantly lower than my original booking for the same flight and class of service. What's the best way to take advantage of the award fare drop?
If you don't have the miles to float both tickets, you can change to another flight and then change back; that will reset the pricing. Or, you can change cabins and then change back.
Jul 30, 2022, 11:05 am
#897
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: SNA
Posts: 107
The absolute best way. if you have the miles, is to book the new ticket, then cancel and refund the old ticket. If it's within 30 days of departure, a fee may apply; if the itinerary originates in the US, you can avoid the fee by first changing to a flight more than 30 days in advance and then cancelling.
If you don't have the miles to float both tickets, you can change to another flight and then change back; that will reset the pricing. Or, you can change cabins and then change back.
If you don't have the miles to float both tickets, you can change to another flight and then change back; that will reset the pricing. Or, you can change cabins and then change back.
(I just did this for a domestic award: miles on May 31 were 32,500 and now 25,900 -- for a flight leaving next week!)
not weird at all if you paid attention to how this works.
if you buy an E+ seat, and then change flights, the fee gets refunded after that [orginal] flight takes off. So it would have done it automatically at that time. Would have happened the same way if you switched E+ seats on the same flight - they charge the extra, then auto-refund the existing purchase after the flight departs.
Plenty of reports of folks calling and getting it done earlier successfully, but that is not the normal process.
if you buy an E+ seat, and then change flights, the fee gets refunded after that [orginal] flight takes off. So it would have done it automatically at that time. Would have happened the same way if you switched E+ seats on the same flight - they charge the extra, then auto-refund the existing purchase after the flight departs.
Plenty of reports of folks calling and getting it done earlier successfully, but that is not the normal process.
What would you expect in this situation: I'm *G and purchased a two domestic one-way award tickets (for immediate family) at 32.5k and then a few weeks later bought E+ seats ($22 each). Now the miles have decreased form 32.5k to 25.9k.
I switched the tickets to another flight at the lower miles. (refunded mile difference shows in my account) Then, I switched back to my original flight and in the change process, I bought back the two E+ seats (now $23 each).
When should the original $44 be refunded? Should I call to get it straightened out?
(side note; my credit card shows 3 charges pending; a $23, $23, and a $46 charge. It's only been 2 days, so I'll have to see what happens and maybe deal with that with a call anyway)
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 30, 2022 at 11:12 am Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Jul 30, 2022, 11:15 am
#898
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
... I switched the tickets to another flight at the lower miles. (refunded mile difference shows in my account) Then, I switched back to my original flight and in the change process, I bought back the two E+ seats (now $23 each).
When should the original $44 be refunded? Should I call to get it straightened out?
(side note; my credit card shows 3 charges pending; a $23, $23, and a $46 charge. It's only been 2 days, so I'll have to see what happens and maybe deal with that with a call anyway)
When should the original $44 be refunded? Should I call to get it straightened out?
(side note; my credit card shows 3 charges pending; a $23, $23, and a $46 charge. It's only been 2 days, so I'll have to see what happens and maybe deal with that with a call anyway)
You can called for sooner refund or ask to be applied to a new trip (back on the original flight). The access / fee is not carried over on a change.
More in Refunds for Economy Plus fees (upgrades, seat changes, cancellations, ....) [Merged]
Jul 30, 2022, 11:47 am
#899
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
It eliminates any possibility of a failure during the change process. Admittedly, this is less of an issue with purely-UA itineraries than with partner itineraries. It also locks in the price and makes certain that you don't have to worry that the computer closed off the discount award bucket while you were in the middle of changing of off your desired flight and changing back.
Jul 30, 2022, 8:31 pm
#900
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For a very brief time you would have an "impossible" (duplicate) booking, until you cancel the old reservation immediately thereafter. But if done right away, this should not trigger the computer auto-cancel algorithms.