United Airlines Schedule Change Policy For Travel Agents
As a travel agent, it's your job to stay on top of the latest policies and procedures to ensure your clients' trips go as smoothly as possible. One area that can often cause confusion is schedule changes. United Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, has a specific policy in place for schedule changes that travel agents need to be aware of. In this article, we'll break down the policy and answer some common questions related to United Airlines schedule changes.
What is United Airlines' Schedule Change Policy?
United Airlines' Schedule Change Policy applies to all United Airlines flights (including flights operated by United Express) and allows passengers to make changes to their itinerary if their original flight time has been changed by United Airlines by a certain amount of time. The policy also applies to any connecting flights that are impacted by the schedule change.
If United Airlines makes a schedule change that affects a passenger's travel plans, the passenger can choose to:
- Keep their original itinerary (including any connecting flights)
- Change to a new flight that departs within 24 hours of their original departure time
- Change to a new flight that departs more than 24 hours after their original departure time
- Cancel their trip and receive a full refund
It's important to note that this policy applies to both paid and award tickets, as well as United Airlines' Basic Economy fares (which typically do not allow changes or cancellations).
How Long Does United Airlines Have to Make a Schedule Change?
United Airlines generally notifies passengers of a schedule change at least 30 days in advance. However, in some cases, the airline may not notify passengers until just a few days before their flight. If a traveler does not receive notice of a schedule change, they should contact United Airlines as soon as possible to determine if their flight has been affected.
How Do Passengers Know If Their Flight Has Been Changed?
United Airlines will generally send an email to the address provided at the time of booking to notify passengers of a schedule change. Passengers can also check their flight status on United Airlines' website or app.
How Can Travel Agents Help Their Clients Deal With Schedule Changes?
As a travel agent, it's important to stay on top of schedule changes and help your clients navigate any disruptions to their travel plans. Here are some tips for helping your clients deal with United Airlines schedule changes:
- Monitor flight status regularly and proactively reach out to clients who may be affected by a schedule change
- Explain the options available to clients and help them determine the best course of action based on their needs and preferences
- Assist clients with rebooking flights, if necessary
- Advise clients to purchase travel insurance to protect themselves against unexpected schedule changes or cancellations
Conclusion
United Airlines' Schedule Change Policy can be complex, but as a travel agent, it's your job to understand the policy and help your clients navigate any disruptions to their travel plans. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your clients have a positive travel experience, even when things don't go according to plan.