Airline guides / United
United price dropped after you booked? Get the difference back.
Based on United's published policies, checked 2026-11-07.
Changes: No change fee on Economy and premium cabins for US domestic trips, Mexico, the Caribbean and international trips that start in the US. You only pay (or get back) the fare difference.
What you get back: a future flight credit. It's usually good for 1 year (your trip has to start by then), and only the traveler it was issued to can use it.
Basic economy: Basic Economy can't be changed unless you first upgrade to Economy or higher.
Step by step
- On united.com or the United app, open My Trips and find your trip.
- Choose Change flight and pick the exact same flights on the same dates and cabin. If they aren't offered, use United chat or call and ask them to reprice it.
- Check that the new price is lower and the change screen shows a credit, then confirm.
- The difference is saved as a future flight credit, linked to your MileagePlus account.
Booked within the last 24 hours?
Booked in the last 24 hours, at least a week before departure? Cancel the whole trip for a full refund to your card, then rebook at the lower price.
Paid with MileagePlus miles?
MileagePlus award tickets have no change or cancel fees. United doesn't say whether miles come back when the price drops, so check the change screen before you confirm.
Watch out for
- Booked through an agency or site like Expedia? Their rules apply and their credits stay with them.
- Credits can't be used for extras after you've bought the ticket.
- Future flight credits and travel certificates can't be combined.
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