All About United Airlines Change, Cancellation and Other Fees
United dropped many fees for flight changes in recent years, but it raised fees for other services.
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When it comes to change fees, United Airlines has you covered. Aside from its basic economy airfares, United doesn't charge change fees on most domestic flights. The airline also allows passengers hoping to book earlier flights the ability to fly same-day standby for free, among other flexible, fee-free booking options.
However, United still charges fees for checked luggage and other extras, like bringing a pet with you, priority boarding and preferred seating.
Here’s what to know about United Airlines’ fees.
» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to United MileagePlus
United Airlines baggage fees
In February 2024, United raised its checked bag fees for the first and second bags by $5 each in most markets. Baggage fees start at $35 for the first prepaid checked bag, with fees reaching $65 when checking baggage at the gate.
Oversized bags are an additional $200 per bag on top of the standard baggage fee, and overweight bags are an extra $100-$200 per bag, depending on weight.
United’s checked baggage fees vary depending on your route, elite status (or lack thereof), what credit card you hold and what type of ticket you’ve purchased.
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .
$350.
$695.
$0 intro for the first year, then $150.
$695.
Checked bag benefit
First checked bag free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.
First and second checked bags free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.
First and second checked bags free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.
First checked bag free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.
First and second checked bags free for both the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation.
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United Airlines change fees
United gives you lots of flexibility when it comes to changing your flight. In August 2020, United removed change fees permanently on paid flights within the U.S.; between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean; or international flights originating in the U.S. However, basic economy fares and all other international flights are excluded.
Although passengers can change their flight at no cost, there's one caveat: You still have to pay for the difference in fares if your new flight is more expensive. And if your new fare is cheaper, you may get a future flight credit for the fare difference.
For award tickets, United also doesn’t charge a change fee as long as your domestic or international flight originates in the U.S. and you’re not flying on a basic economy fare.
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
United Airlines cancellation fee
United used to charge a $200 cancellation fee, but those fees are gone now, too. Here's the current United Airlines cancellation fee policy:
- All tickets — even basic economy — can be canceled for a full cash refund if your ticket was purchased within 24 hours and the purchase is at least a week before departure.
- After that 24-hour window closes, if you purchase a nonrefundable ticket, you are not eligible for a cash refund and will instead receive a partial travel credit. Basic economy fares might receive a partial credit if the ticket is canceled after the 24-hour flexible booking policy but before departure.
United Airlines standby fees
Standby fees are gone now, too. The airline used to charge $75 (waived with MileagePlus Gold status or above) to fly standby on the same day. Now, any customer can stand by for an earlier flight for free.
United Airlines pet fee
If you’d like to bring your pet on board with you into the cabin, you will have to pay $150 each way. If you have a flight with a stopover longer than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours internationally, additional fees may apply.
There are various requirements that your pet must satisfy, so make sure you’re aware of all the rules.
United Airlines priority boarding fee
Priority boarding is targeted to those who want to board earlier than their ticket allows. However, passengers flying in basic economy can’t purchase priority boarding.
When you pay for priority boarding with United, you will board in Group 2 behind United Airlines elites and premium cabin passengers.
Priority boarding starts at $24 per person and is available only on select United and United Express flights. You can purchase priority boarding privileges for one segment or all segments of your route.
United seat selection fee
When you book an economy ticket, you can pay for a preferred seat, which is basically a regular economy seat but closer to the front of the plane. You’ll be in the first few rows behind Economy Plus passengers.
Preferred seats vary by route. Basic economy passengers are eligible to purchase preferred seating.
United offers customizable bundle packages during the booking process, which could save you money if you’re paying multiple fees. For example, you can bundle your checked bag fees and priority boarding. Keep in mind, these bundles are typically nonrefundable so be sure your travel plans are firm when booking.
Final thoughts on United Airlines fees
There are many moving parts when booking any airline reservation, and United is no exception. Take the extra time to understand baggage and other fees as you plan out your bookings so you don't get caught by surprise.
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