Change fees for international flights originating outside the US
Feb 22, 22, 9:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Israel
Programs: UA Platinum, LY Silver
Posts: 630
Change fees for international flights originating outside the US
Hey FTers,
I'm trying to book TLV-EWR-TLV in late April and prices in business are crazy because of Passover. I was considering just booking what I could get and then switching flights as options change, but I see that as of Feb 1, United is now charging change fees for international flights that originate outside the US. Can anyone confirm if they are actually doing this? Even for business tickets? What about if I book in economy and want to change to business - do they waive the change fee when going up in fare class?
Separately but related, if I book regular business for TLV-EWR and "Economy (fully refundable)" for EWR-TLV, does that means I can change EWR-TLV without cost?
Sorry for the many questions. I miss the more generous policy.
I'm trying to book TLV-EWR-TLV in late April and prices in business are crazy because of Passover. I was considering just booking what I could get and then switching flights as options change, but I see that as of Feb 1, United is now charging change fees for international flights that originate outside the US. Can anyone confirm if they are actually doing this? Even for business tickets? What about if I book in economy and want to change to business - do they waive the change fee when going up in fare class?
Separately but related, if I book regular business for TLV-EWR and "Economy (fully refundable)" for EWR-TLV, does that means I can change EWR-TLV without cost?
Sorry for the many questions. I miss the more generous policy.
Feb 22, 22, 11:50 am
#2
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,826
Yes, certain fares actually have change fees. Usually buy ups can get change fees waived. And if you booked mixed rules, the more restrictive apply to the entire itinerary, so no point in most cases.
n.b. that if you make changes after ticketing to either segment it will reprice the entire itinerary based on fares available at that time. So advisable not to try to get cute.
It should be noted that this can possibly be mitigated with .com buy-up offers, but no guarantees that they exist or are attractive, let alone reflective of the theoretical one-segment buy-up price.
n.b. that if you make changes after ticketing to either segment it will reprice the entire itinerary based on fares available at that time. So advisable not to try to get cute.
It should be noted that this can possibly be mitigated with .com buy-up offers, but no guarantees that they exist or are attractive, let alone reflective of the theoretical one-segment buy-up price.
Feb 22, 22, 12:20 pm
#3
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,115
1, the trip originates outside the change fee zone
2, Beside as mentioned the ticket would be repriced, a "refundable" segment becomes non-refundable if paired with a non-refunable segment. The most restrictive fare rule applies to all segments
Feb 22, 22, 2:43 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Israel
Programs: UA Platinum, LY Silver
Posts: 630
Thanks.
I now understand that the "fully refundable" is effectively worthless unless both segments are "fully refundable" (pretty disingenuous presentation in the booking path if you ask me).
With respect to whether or not there will be a change fee if I make changes, United's web content is fairly consistent in saying that free changes are only for international flights originating in the US. However, when I read the fare rules (which admittedly are almost impossible for me to understand), under voluntary changes for TLV-EWR it says:
If I understand correctly, there is no fee for changes. Am I reading it right?
I now understand that the "fully refundable" is effectively worthless unless both segments are "fully refundable" (pretty disingenuous presentation in the booking path if you ask me).
With respect to whether or not there will be a change fee if I make changes, United's web content is fairly consistent in saying that free changes are only for international flights originating in the US. However, when I read the fare rules (which admittedly are almost impossible for me to understand), under voluntary changes for TLV-EWR it says:
Code:
GENERAL RULES TEXT IN THE EVENT OF CHANGES TO TICKETED FLIGHTS BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF UA INTERNATIONAL FARES NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS -/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY - NO FEE FOR INFANTS W/O SEAT AND REPRICE USING CURRENT FARES - ONLY BOOKING CODE CHANGES PERMITTED PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. NO CHANGE TO FARE BREAKS 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. CHANGE IS ON/BEFORE DAY OF ORIGINAL SCHEDULED FLIGHT 4. UA ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU ARE USED 5. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 6. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND - REFUND VIA ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT ENDORSEMENT BOX- NEW ENDORSEMENTS. OR - BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF UA INTERNATIONAL FARES NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS -/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY - NO FEE FOR INFANTS W/O SEAT AND REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT TODAY PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. AC/LH/LX/OS/SN/UA ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU ARE USED 2. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 3. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND - REFUND VIA ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT ENDORSEMENT BOX- HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW ENDORSEMENTS. OR - BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF UA INTERNATIONAL FARES NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS -/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY - NO FEE FOR INFANTS W/O SEAT AND REPRICE USING CURRENTLY TKTD FARE PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON/FARE BREAKS 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. UA ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU SAME FARE CLASS GOVERNED BY SAME RULE ARE USED 4. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 5. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET EXCEPT ADV RES-TKTG 6. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND - REFUND VIA ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT ENDORSEMENT BOX- HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW ENDORSEMENTS. OR - BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF UA INTERNATIONAL FARES NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS -/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY - NO FEE FOR INFANTS W/O SEAT AND REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. AC/LH/LX/OS/SN/UA Z- FARE FAMILY AND ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU ARE USED 4. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 5. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET 6. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT OR - REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. AC/LH/LX/OS/SN/UA ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU ARE USED 4. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 5. NEW TKT HAS EQUAL OR HIGHER VALUE THAN PREVIOUS TKT 6. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET 7. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND - REFUND VIA ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT ENDORSEMENT BOX- HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW ENDORSEMENTS. OR - AFTER DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY - APPLIES WITHIN TKT VALIDITY CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF UA INTERNATIONAL FARES NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS -/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY - NO FEE FOR INFANTS W/O SEAT AND REPRICE USING CURRENTLY TKTD FARE PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. NO CHANGE TO FARE BREAKS 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. FULLY FLOWN FARE NOT REPRICED TO FURTHER POINT 4. UA ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU SAME FARE CLASS GOVERNED BY SAME RULE ARE USED 5. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 6. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET EXCEPT ADV RES-TKTG 7. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND - REFUND VIA ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT ENDORSEMENT BOX- HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW ENDORSEMENTS. OR - AFTER DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY - APPLIES WITHIN TKT VALIDITY CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF UA INTERNATIONAL FARES NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS -/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY - NO FEE FOR INFANTS W/O SEAT AND REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 2. FULLY FLOWN FARE NOT REPRICED TO FURTHER POINT 3. AC/LH/LX/OS/SN/UA Z- FARE FAMILY AND ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU ARE USED 4. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 5. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET 6. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT OR - REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET- 1. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 2. FULLY FLOWN FARE NOT REPRICED TO FURTHER POINT 3. AC/LH/LX/OS/SN/UA ANY FARE TYPE EXCEPT EOU/ERU ARE USED 4. PUBLIC FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PUBLIC TARIFF. PRIVATE FARES ARE USED IF TICKETED FARE IS IN PRIVATE TARIFF 5. NEW TKT HAS EQUAL OR HIGHER VALUE THAN PREVIOUS TKT 6. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET 7. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND - REFUND VIA ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT ENDORSEMENT BOX- HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW ENDORSEMENTS.
If I understand correctly, there is no fee for changes. Am I reading it right?
Feb 22, 22, 3:25 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K(until 2023), MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,083
Im glad I came across this thread as I was about to book a return trip to SFO from DUB and I was offered AC or UA as places to book. Clearly I will do so on AC. BA doesnt have change fees either so I am not sure what this reimposition of change fees will do to UAs competitive position. The website is completely silent on what the fees will be.
Feb 22, 22, 6:09 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,719
With respect to whether or not there will be a change fee if I make changes, United's web content is fairly consistent in saying that free changes are only for international flights originating in the US. However, when I read the fare rules (which admittedly are almost impossible for me to understand), under voluntary changes for TLV-EWR it says:
If I understand correctly, there is no fee for changes. Am I reading it right?
If I understand correctly, there is no fee for changes. Am I reading it right?
NO CHARGE FOR REISSUE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL CHANGED
FARE COMPONENTS
FARE COMPONENTS
Im glad I came across this thread as I was about to book a return trip to SFO from DUB and I was offered AC or UA as places to book. Clearly I will do so on AC. BA doesnt have change fees either so I am not sure what this reimposition of change fees will do to UAs competitive position. The website is completely silent on what the fees will be.
Feb 22, 22, 7:35 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Virtuoso Travel Agent, Commercial Pilot
Posts: 2,097
I’m glad I came across this thread as I was about to book a return trip to SFO from DUB and I was offered AC or UA as places to book. Clearly I will do so on AC. BA doesn’t have change fees either so I am not sure what this reimposition of change fees will do to UA’s competitive position. The website is completely silent on what the fees will be.
After Feb 28, only the first change on any given AC ticket is free. Subsequent changes will carry a change fee (where one would be applicable).
For BA, change fees are currently only waived on new tickets if all travel is complete by August 31st. If any portion of the ticket is beyond August 31st then standard change fees are back. (Oddly, this is incongruous with AA’s current policy, which still waives all change fees, so you can get a lot of those flights as AA codeshares with the more generous policy.)
Feb 22, 22, 7:52 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,089
AC has been extending that deadline by a month every month since Covid started. Although there is no guarantee, it's very likely that they will extend it again.
Feb 23, 22, 4:01 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K(until 2023), MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,083
One change is much better than none. As the USA is becoming an outlier in demanding tests before travel, its way too risky booking an un changeable ticket to the US.
Feb 23, 22, 4:56 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: TK G,UA *S
Posts: 1,134
change fees
This change fees are now back....but then what are our options if we are on a non refundable ticket and get a positive result on covid 1 day before the travel? Basically we have to cancel the ticket and pay a change fee of 250 USD to use the value in the future? Does United think the pandemic is already over in February?
Feb 23, 22, 6:28 pm
#11
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,115
Feb 23, 22, 7:43 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: TK G,UA *S
Posts: 1,134
Actually, since February 1st change fees do aplly also in these countries, including travel between US and Mexico
Feb 23, 22, 7:54 pm
#13
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,115
When you book a flight with us, there won't be any change fees if:
You’re traveling within these places:
You’re traveling within these places:
- Continental U.S.
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Caribbean
- Mexico
- Economy
- Economy Plus
- United First
- United Business*
- United Premium PlusSM*
The change waiver that expired 31 Jan 2022, applied just to the flights originating outside of those listed areas
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 23, 22 at 8:00 pm Reason: waiver expiration
Feb 23, 22, 10:34 pm
#15
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,115
Some routes have traditional been change fee free or very low fee for local reason, don't know if this previous included TLV. General this was for the non-USA origination, not ex-USA . Many Asian departures had this benefit.
