Can I Change My Return Flight Date on United Airlines?

If you’re asking, “Can I change my return flight date on United Airlines?”, the short answer is yes, in most cases. United Airlines allows passengers to change their return flight date on many ticket types, often without paying a change fee. However, whether the change is free—or even allowed at all—depends on your fare type, route, and timing.

United significantly updated its change policy in recent years, making ticket changes easier for most travelers. Still, some fares, especially Basic Economy, come with strict limitations. This guide explains everything you need to know about changing your return flight date on United Airlines, including rules, costs, and step-by-step instructions.

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Understanding United Airlines Ticket Types

Before attempting to change your return flight date, it’s essential to understand which ticket type you purchased, as United’s flexibility varies by fare class.

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1. United Economy (Standard Economy)

United Economy tickets (not Basic Economy) are generally flexible.

What this means for return flight changes:

• ✔ No change fees on most domestic and international routes
• ❌ Fare difference applies if the new return flight costs more
• ✔ If the new flight is cheaper, you receive a flight credit

These tickets are the most common and offer the best balance between price and flexibility.

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2. Basic Economy (Highly Restrictive)

Basic Economy tickets are very limited.

• ❌ Changes usually not allowed
• ❌ Non-refundable
• ❌ No free date modifications in most cases

If your return flight is booked under Basic Economy, you likely cannot change the return date, even for a fee. United designed this fare for travelers who are certain of their plans.

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3. Economy Plus, Business, and First Class

Higher fare classes provide maximum flexibility.

• ✔ No change fees
• ✔ Easier access to alternate flights
• ✔ Priority rebooking support
• ✔ Same-day change options available

Fare differences still apply unless you purchased a fully refundable ticket.

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4. Award Tickets (MileagePlus)

If you booked your return flight using United MileagePlus miles:

• ✔ Date changes are usually allowed
• ✔ No redeposit or change fees for most awards
• ❌ Mileage difference may apply if award pricing changes
• Taxes and fees may be recalculated

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Can I Change Only the Return Flight on United Airlines?

Yes. United Airlines allows you to change just the return portion of a round-trip ticket.

You do not need to:

• Cancel your outbound flight
• Rebook the entire itinerary

This is especially helpful if:

• Your outbound flight has already been flown
• You decide to stay longer or return earlier
• Your plans change mid-trip

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How to Change Your Return Flight Date on United Airlines

Method 1: Online (Fastest & Recommended)

1. Visit the United Airlines website
2. Click “My Trips”
3. Enter your confirmation number and last name
4. Select “Change flight”
5. Choose only the return flight
6. Pick a new date and available flight
7. Review fare difference or credit
8. Confirm the change

An updated e-ticket will be emailed to you immediately.

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Method 2: United Mobile App

The United app provides the same functionality and is ideal for travelers who need to make changes while already on the move.

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Method 3: Customer Service or Airport Counter

This option is best if:

• Your itinerary includes partner airlines
• You’re traveling internationally
• You missed your return flight
• Your ticket has special fare rules

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Does United Airlines Charge a Change Fee?

For Most Tickets: ❌ No Change Fee

United eliminated change fees for most:

• Domestic Economy tickets
• International Economy tickets (excluding Basic Economy)

What You Still Pay

Even without a change fee, you may be required to pay:

• Fare difference
• Tax or surcharge adjustments

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When Change Fees or Restrictions May Apply

You may face limitations if:

• You booked Basic Economy
• Your ticket includes corporate, bulk, or consolidator fares
• You booked through certain third-party travel agencies

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How Much Does It Cost to Change a Return Flight on United?

The cost depends entirely on the price difference between your original return flight and the new one.

Example

• Original return fare: $200
• New return fare: $275
  ➡ You pay $75

If the new return flight is cheaper:

• United issues a travel credit
• Credits usually expire within 12 months of the original ticket issue date

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Same-Day Return Flight Changes on United Airlines

United offers same-day flight change options for eligible passengers.

Same-Day Confirmed Change

• Available within 24 hours of departure
• Fee may apply for non-elite passengers
• Free for Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members

Same-Day Standby

• Often free for elite members
• Seat availability not guaranteed

Same-day options depend on:

• Fare class
• Route
• Availability

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What Happens If I Miss My Return Flight?

If you miss your return flight:

• Your ticket may be classified as a no-show
• Remaining itinerary segments may be canceled

However, United may offer assistance if:

• You contact them immediately
• The delay was due to weather, medical emergencies, or airline disruptions

Always notify United as soon as possible to preserve your ticket value.

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Changing Your Return Flight Due to Schedule Changes

If United Airlines makes a significant change to your schedule, you may be eligible to:

• Change your return flight date without paying a fare difference
• Choose an alternate United flight

Significant schedule changes may include:

• Major departure or arrival time changes
• Added connections
• Aircraft changes that impact your cabin class

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Refund vs Travel Credit When Changing Return Flights

Refunds

Refunds are generally available only if:

• You purchased a refundable ticket
• United cancels the flight

Travel Credits

Most non-refundable tickets provide:

• A future flight credit for unused value
• Credits valid for one year from the original ticket issue date

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International Return Flight Date Changes on United

Changing international return flights is usually allowed, but:

• Fare differences may be higher
• Taxes and surcharges may change
• Partner airline rules may apply

Always double-check visa, passport, and entry requirements when changing international travel dates.

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Tips to Change Your United Return Flight for Less Money

1. Change early — prices increase closer to departure
2. Compare multiple dates using United’s fare calendar
3. Avoid Basic Economy if flexibility matters
4. Track price drops before confirming changes
5. Join MileagePlus for priority service and benefits

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my return flight date for free on United Airlines?

Yes, most Economy and higher fares allow free changes. You only pay the fare difference.

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Can I change my return flight date online?

Yes. United allows return flight changes through its website and mobile app.

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What if my new return flight is cheaper?

United typically issues the difference as a future flight credit.

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Can I change my return flight date multiple times?

Yes, as long as the ticket remains valid and unused segments are eligible.

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Does United Basic Economy allow return date changes?

No. Basic Economy tickets are generally non-changeable.

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Final Verdict: Is It Easy to Change a Return Flight Date on United Airlines?

Yes. United Airlines offers a flexible and traveler-friendly change policy for most tickets. If you booked a standard Economy fare or higher, changing your return flight date is usually straightforward and fee-free, with only fare differences applying.

The most important factors to remember are:

• Your fare type
• Fare difference
• Timing of the change

If flexibility matters, avoid Basic Economy and choose a standard Economy or higher fare.