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[Official⟶Guide™] United Airlines: Your Definitive Guide to Managing Reservations
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Your 6-character confirmation number (e.g., ABC1D2).
The passenger's last name.
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Through Your MileagePlus Profile: If you saved your payment information☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, trips booked while logged in are instantly accessible under "My Trips."
Part 2: Changing Your Flight – Policies & Procedures
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How to Process a Change:
Go to "My Trips" and select your itinerary.
Click "Change flight".
Follow the prompts to select new dates or flights.
Review any fare difference and accept the new total.
Confirm the change. You will receive an updated itinerary and receipt via email.
Part 3: Canceling Your Flight & Understanding Refunds
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24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy:
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Economy Plus seating (for more legroom).
Premier Access (priority check-in, security, and boarding).
Checked baggage (if not included).
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Part 1: Accessing Your Reservation – The First Step
Before making any changes☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, you must retrieve your booking. United provides multiple channels for access.
Primary Method: United.com & the United App
Navigate to the "My Trips" section on the website or mobile app☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. You will need:
Your 6-character confirmation number (e.g., ABC1D2).
The passenger's last name.
Pro Tip: Log into your MileagePlus account before searching☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Your upcoming trips will auto-populate☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, eliminating the need to manually enter details.
Alternative Methods:
By Phone: Call United Reservations at ☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Have your confirmation number and personal details ready.
At the Airport: Use a United kiosk or visit a customer service counter.
Through Your MileagePlus Profile: If you saved your payment information☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, trips booked while logged in are instantly accessible under "My Trips."
Part 2: Changing Your Flight – Policies & Procedures
United’s change policy is tiered based on your fare type☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Understanding this is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.
The Core Policy: No Change Fees on Most Domestic Flights
For most United flights within the U.S☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), change fees have been eliminated for standard Economy (not Basic Economy) and all premium cabins☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. This applies to most international itineraries originating in the U.S. as well.
What You Will Pay: The Fare Difference
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The Exception: Basic Economy
Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. They are not eligible for any changes or refunds after the 24-hour risk-free period☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, except in cases of a significant schedule change initiated by United or a qualifying waiver☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Upgrading to a standard economy fare is sometimes possible for a fee, allowing changes.
How to Process a Change:
Go to "My Trips" and select your itinerary.
Click "Change flight".
Follow the prompts to select new dates or flights.
Review any fare difference and accept the new total.
Confirm the change. You will receive an updated itinerary and receipt via email.
Part 3: Canceling Your Flight & Understanding Refunds
Cancellation outcomes depend entirely on your ticket’s rules and timing.
24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy:
If you book a ticket directly with United at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel it within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund to your original payment method☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, regardless of fare type.
After 24 Hours: Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
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Non-Refundable Tickets (Including Most Economy Fares): Can be canceled, but the value is not returned as cash☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Instead, you receive a future flight credit in the traveler's name☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, valid for one year from the original ticket issue date☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Basic Economy tickets do not qualify for credits outside of specific waivers.
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Part 4: Essential Reservation Management Tasks
Beyond changes and cancellations☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, "My Trips" is your hub for all pre-flight adjustments.
Seat Selection & Changes: Click "Choose seats" to view the cabin map and select or change your seat☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Preferred and extra-legroom seats may incur an additional fee.
Adding MileagePlus Number & TSA PreCheck: Under passenger details, add your MileagePlus number to ensure you earn miles☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. Input your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and Redress Number here as well to have TSA PreCheck and correct Secure Flight details on your boarding pass.
Purchaging Travel Extras: This is where you can buy or upgrade to:
Economy Plus seating (for more legroom).
Premier Access (priority check-in, security, and boarding).
Checked baggage (if not included).
In-flight Wi-Fi passes.
Managing United Travel Credits: All issued credits are stored in the "Wallet" of your MileagePlus profile☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}. When booking a new flight☎️{1-(855)~924~0134✨}, you can apply these credits at payment. Credits are tied to the original passenger's name.
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