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No, United is not going back on its promise of no change fees in economy

Oct. 28, 2022
3 min read
United Boeing 787
No, United is not going back on its promise of no change fees in economy
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United Airlines is not going back to change fees on economy tickets, TPG has confirmed. This assurance from the airline comes despite some aviation observers noticing "non-changeable" economy booking options on certain United flights.

As a reminder, United and other legacy U.S. carriers did away with economy change fees during the pandemic and later made the policy permanent (but not for basic economy). The reports this week, though, fueled speculation that United might be reneging on that policy.

No such changes are in the works, though, the Chicago-based carrier told TPG.

“United was the first U.S. airline to permanently eliminate change fees — and we remain firm on that commitment to our customers,” a United spokesperson said in a statement Friday.

A United Airlines Boeing 787 takes off at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). AARONP/BAUER-GRIFFIN/GC IMAGES

The confusion appears to stem from booking options the airline offers on flights to Tokyo.

As United trials new lower-cost ticket options to Japan, an unspecified "quirk" in the market prevents the carrier from being able to offer its typical basic economy fares and accompanying fare rules on these routes, an airline official explained.

As a pseudo-replacement for basic economy on Japan flights, United won't prevent passengers from bringing on a full-sized carry-on bag or selecting a seat when traveling on this fare type.

However, it will keep another hallmark of basic economy as part of its "non-changeable economy" fares: In exchange for lower prices, there will be no ticket changes allowed on this fare.

Again, this unusual set of ticket options appears to be Japan-specific. United has "no plans to expand this fare type outside of Japan," the airline said, with "no intention of ever bringing back change fees to standard economy fares.”

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In fact, checking several United routes between the U.S. and Tokyo Friday, TPG did not come across any “non-changeable economy" fares, so it appears the airline may have — at least for now — removed those options from its booking channels.

This comes as other U.S. airlines have expanded basic economy offerings — with modifications — to long-haul, overseas flights in recent years, and at a time when demand for travel to Japan is surging after that country reopened to independent tourists in recent weeks following two-plus years of stringent COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Additional reporting by Zach Griff.

Featured image by NICOLAS ECONOMOU/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

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  • Annual Fee

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
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Why We Chose It

Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.

Pros

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.

Cons

  • The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees