Earlier today we reported that Delta would be permanently removing change fees on international flights originating from the US. That followed American Airlines leading the way of the big three airlines with that same policy change last month.
In non-surprising news, United has now confirmed that they too will be permanently eliminating change fees, although their policy isn’t quite as generous as the other two airlines.
There hasn’t been an official announcement from United regarding this yet, although a United spokesperson has confirmed to Live And Let’s Fly that they’ll be making this change.
They also confirmed that their current change fee waiver would be extended for bookings through March 31, 2021. That includes Basic Economy fares, but after that date Basic Economy tickets will no longer be eligible for no change fees.
But There’s A Catch…
With Delta and American Airlines, if you change an international flight to one which is cheaper, they’ll provide a credit for the additional amount which can be put towards a future flight.
United on the other hand won’t be doing that. If you change an international itinerary and it happens to cost less, they’ll hold on to that extra amount. You’ll still come out ahead compared to years past seeing as you won’t be paying a change fee, but their policy clearly isn’t as good as that of American Airlines and Delta.
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I changed a united domestic flight and i did t get credit the change difference they told me they stoped doing it
Is this likely to include award partner bookings?
I’m not sure yet – we’ll have to wait until their official announcement for more details.
[…] purchased through March 30, 2021 (prev Dec 31), for travel at any time to anywhere. Similarly, United has eliminated change fees for United-issued tickets originating in the United States. And, like Delta, United has extended their pandemic change fee waiver for all tickets purchased […]