Adjusting an international ticket with this carrier is often simpler than it used to be, especially if the trip starts in the US. Most Economy and higher fares no longer carry a change fee on those routes. You still pay any difference if the new flight costs more, and if it costs less you usually get a travel credit for the leftover amount.

The fastest way is online. Go to the airline site, open My Trips, and pull up the booking with the confirmation number and last name. Select the change flight option, then pick the new dates or times. The system shows available options and the exact cost difference right away. Confirm and pay if needed. A new confirmation email arrives shortly after.

Basic Economy tickets work differently. Those generally cannot be changed at all after the first 24 hours. The only real option is to cancel and buy a fresh ticket at current prices. Within that initial 24-hour window after booking you can often cancel for a full refund if the original purchase was made at least a week before departure.

For international flights that do not start in the US the rules tighten. Change fees can still apply on top of any fare difference, and the amount varies by origin and ticket type. Always look at the specific conditions listed under your booking before you start.

If the online tool will not let you complete the change, calling the reservations line is the next step. Phone changes sometimes add a small service fee that the website avoids, so try online first when possible. At the airport an agent or kiosk can help on the day of travel, but that is less flexible for full date switches.

Same-day changes exist for some international connections but are limited and usually require the same airports and a flight operated by the carrier itself. Premier status can make those free or easier.

One practical tip: make the switch before the original departure. Tickets left untouched lose value once the flight leaves. Keep screenshots of both the old and new itineraries just in case anything needs clarifying later. Rules can shift a bit by region so the details inside My Trips for your exact ticket are the ones that count.

Air Service Hub is an independent information website and is not affiliated with United Airlines. The airline name is used only to identify the carrier this guide refers to. To change, cancel or get a refund on a booking, use the airline’s official website or app, or contact the agency where you booked. Fare rules change often, so always check the current conditions of your ticket.