It may occur to anybody: you reserve a United flight. And then something comes up days, weeks, or months later, forcing you to adjust your plans. When this happens, you'll need to understand the flight-change rules. So you can take the next appropriate action.

These are United Airlines' rules and how to modify a flight. Whether you paid cash or used United MileagePlus miles.

United Flight Change Policy

United Airlines no longer charges change fees for the majority of domestic flights. Except for basic economy tickets.

Here's what else you should know

• Economy, Economy Plus, first, business, and United Premium Plus fares do not include change costs.
• The restriction applies to tickets for travel within the United States. (Including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands). As well as between the United States and Mexico or the Caribbean.
• Furthermore, there are no change fees for foreign travel beginning in the United States.

United changes policies for basic economy fares

Basic economy tickets may be subject to a change cost, with some exceptions.

• Basic economy tickets for overseas travel issued before July 31, 2021. It can be altered without charge.
• Basic economy tickets are non transferable and non refundable.

While United's flight modification policy does not allow for revisions to basic economy tickets. Travelers can book a same-day standby.

If you acquired travel insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of a new flight if you need to change your itinerary for a covered cause.

United's Standby Policy

Any United customer, regardless of ticket type or service class. It can fly standby on a flight departing within 24 hours of its scheduled travel date without incurring a standby fee.

If you'd rather confirm your seat on a different plane than wait by for it, that may also be possible:

• MileagePlus elite level holders, commonly known as Premier members. It can book a seat for the same day and the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket. They do not need to pay a fee if the new seat is in the same fare class. If there are no seats available in the fare class selected, a fare differential may apply.
• Non-Premier MileagePlus members and general non members may be able to get a seat on a different flight within 24 hours of the original departure time. Even when the same fare class is available, there may be a fare difference.

How To Get On The Standby List

Be on standby for a flight:

• Add yourself to the standby list via the website or app, at an airport kiosk. Or talk with a United agent at the airport.
• To do this online, in the app, or at a kiosk, select "View flight options."
• Keep an eye on the display displays at the gate for your new flight, or check your standby status on the United app.

Can we change on the day of travel?

If you want to change your United trip on the same day of travel. You may have to pay a fee difference, even if you can buy a new ticket in the same fare class as the original.

MileagePlus Premier members can confirm adjustments for free if the original ticketed fare class is available on the new flight.

How to change your United flight

To change a United flight online, follow these four steps:

• Log in to your account at United.com or via the United app.
• Select "My Trips" and then "Change Flight."
• Click "Edit" to change your itinerary to another flight.