Following Delta‘s move, United has also updated their ticket policy to extend the validity of all electronic certificates (aka travel credits) for up to 2 years. This includes all existing and new electronic certificates, issued since 1st April 2020.
In addition to the electronic certificates, you may be eligible for a full refund or free ticket change. To provide you with an overview of United’s new COVID-19 ticket policy, we have listed all the options below.
Change Your Flight For Free
If you satisfy any of the following conditions, the change fee for your ticket will be waived:
Travel period: 10th Mar to 31st May 2020
Ticket purchase period: 3rd Mar to 30th Apr 2020
Click here to learn how you can change your ticket for free, any difference in fare will be payable.
Attain Electronic Travel Certificate (Travel Credits) For Future Travel
As an alternative to the above option, you may also choose to request an electronic travel certificate to retain the value of your existing ticket. This electronic travel certificate can be applied to a new ticket, without a fee, validity is up to 2 years from the date of ticket issue.
Existing electronic tickets with a validity of up to 1 year will be updated. United is asking for your patience as they work to make this update.
Click here to learn how you can cancel your flight and request for electronic travel certificate.
Request A refund if United Cancelled Your Flight
As mandated by U.S Department of Transportation, if your flight is cancelled by the airlines you are entitled to a cash refund – even for non-refundable tickets.
However if you choose to cancel the flight on your own accord, you cannot ask for a cash refund unless it is a refundable ticket.
Redeposit United Miles on an Award Ticket
If you redeemed your flights using United miles, you can choose to cancel your award reservation and have your miles redeposited.
COVID-19 Ticket Policy Across Major Airlines In US
Suppose that you have to travel during this period or you are thinking of post COVID-19 travels, the table below summaries the latest travel policy across United, Delta and American Airlines.
At the point of writing, Delta provides the most flexible ticket policy; new travel dates may be shifted up to 31st May 2020 with zero change fee.
| Travel Credit | Change Fee Waiver | Eligibility | |
| United Airlines (as of 4th April) | Expiry: 2 years from the date of issue | Travel Complete By: 12 months from original ticket issue date New Ticket Reissue by: 31st Dec 2020 or 12 months from original ticket issue date, whichever earlier | Original Travel period: 10th Mar 2020 – 31st May 2020 or Ticket purchase period: 3rd March 2020 – 30th Apr 2020 |
| Delta Air Lines (as of 3rd April) | Expiry: 31st May 2022 | Travel Complete By: 31st May 2022 New Ticket Reissue by: 31st May 2022 | Original Travel period: 1st Mar 2020 – 31st May 2020 or Ticket purchase period: 1st Mar 2020 – 31st May 2020 |
| American Airlines (as of point of writing) | Nil | Travel Complete By: 12 months from original ticket issue date New Ticket Reissue by: Not Stated | Original Travel Period: Through 31st May 2020 (if ticket purchased before 1st Mar 2020) or Ticket purchase period: 1st Mar 2020 – 30th Apr 2020 |
Feature Image credit: Flickr/Bill Abbott