Getting immediate help from an airline can be challenging, but United Airlines offers several
methods designed to connect you with a representative quickly, especially during travel
disruptions.
The Fastest Ways to Contact a United Human
How do I get a human at United Airlines immediately?
The fastest way to reach a human immediately is often by using the phone number
specific to your travel needs or loyalty status, or by using the United App's "Agent on
Demand" feature if you are within 24 hours of a flight.
1. Phone Priority: Call the main Customer Contact Center at-UNITED-1 (1-866-284-3014).
1
If you are a MileagePlus Premier status member (Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K), use
your dedicated priority phone number to bypass longer queues.
2. United App: Agent on Demand: If your flight is within 24 hours, the United mobile app
usually offers a "Chat with an Agent" or "Agent on Demand" feature.2 This is often the
quickest path for real-time issues like delays, cancellations, or last-minute changes.
3. In-Airport Agent: For issues on your day of travel, speak directly to a gate agent or check-in
counter staff.3 Agents at the Customer Service centers inside the terminal are specifically
equipped to handle complex rebookings.
How can I contact United Airlines?
You can contact United through several channels:
Phone: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-866-284-3014) for general reservations and support.4
Social Media: Direct Message (DM) their official accounts (e.g., X/Twitter or Facebook
Messenger) for non-urgent issues.
Website: Use the Help Center or the dedicated Customer Care form on United.com for
complaints or post-flight follow-ups.5
United App: Use the chat feature or "Agent on Demand" for urgent, day-of-travel issues.6
Tickets, Changes, and Refunds
Can you change the name on my United airline ticket?
No, generally you cannot change the name on a United Airlines ticket once booked, as
the name must match your government-issued ID. However, minor spelling corrections
or changes due to legal name changes (e.g., marriage, divorce) are permitted. You must
contact United Customer Service and provide supporting legal documentation (e.g., marriage
license, court order).7
How to change a name on a United airline ticket?
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1. Call United Airlines Customer Service: This is typically required for any name correction.
2. Explain the Change: State whether it is a simple correction (typo) or a legal name change.
3. Provide Documentation: For legal changes, you must email or upload documents proving
the change (like a marriage license).8
4. MileagePlus Profile: Ensure the name on your MileagePlus account also exactly matches
your government ID by updating your profile on United.com.9
Are United airline tickets refundable?
+1「866」「284」「3014」
It depends entirely on the fare type you purchased.
Non-Refundable: Basic Economy and most Standard Economy fares are non-refundable, but
they may be eligible for an eCredit (travel credit) for future travel if canceled before the
flight.
Refundable: Premium Cabin (Business, First, Polaris) and specifically purchased
Refundable Fares are eligible for a refund back to the original form of payment.
24-Hour Rule: All tickets booked at least seven days in advance are eligible for a full
refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking.
Can I change a nonrefundable airline ticket United?
Yes, United has eliminated change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets
for domestic and many international flights originating in the U.S. While you can change
the date and time, you will still be responsible for paying any fare difference if the new
flight costs more. Basic Economy tickets are generally non-changeable.10
Can United rebook me on another airline?
Yes, in the event of a significant delay or cancellation, United has the authority (and
often the contractual obligation) to rebook you on another airline, particularly Star
Alliance partners, to get you to your destination. This is a common practice during severe
weather or widespread flight disruptions. You must contact an agent (by phone or at the
airport) to arrange this interline transfer.
Baggage and Carry-On Rules
How many bags can you take on United Airlines (Carry-on)?
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On most tickets (excluding Basic Economy), you are allowed one free carry-on bag and
one free personal item.
Carry-on Bag: Must fit in the overhead bin (Max: 11$22 \times 14 \times 9$ inches).12
Personal Item: Must fit under the seat in front of you (Max: 13$17 \times 10 \times 9$
inches).14
Basic Economy Exception: For most routes, Basic Economy tickets allow only one personal
item, unless you are a Premier member or a qualifying United credit card holder.
How many bags can you check on United Airlines?
Your checked bag allowance depends on your route and cabin class. Standard Economy
tickets usually allow you to check up to two bags, but fees apply.
Economy/Premium Economy: Standard allowance is often 0 bags free, with the first
checked bag fee typically around $35-$40 (fees increase with each additional bag).
United Business/First/Polaris: Two free checked bags (up to 70 lbs/32 kg each) are usually
included.15
Max Limit: United will generally accept up to 10 checked bags (with fees) on most
itineraries.
What can I carry on United Airlines?
You can carry one standard carry-on bag and one personal item, plus you can bring
extra items like a jacket, umbrella, reading material, or items bought at the airport for
free. The TSA liquid rule (3.4 oz/100 mL maximum per container in a quart-sized bag) still
applies to all carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Can dogs fly on United Airlines?
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Yes, small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin on United Airlines, provided they are in an
approved carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you. The pet carrier
counts as your one carry-on bag, and there is an associated fee (typically around $125 one-
way). United also offers cargo options for larger animals.
United Polaris Business Class
What is United Polaris?
United Polaris is United Airlines' premium international Business Class product,
designed to optimize the sleep experience on long-haul flights.16 It features a custom-
designed, all-aisle-access, lie-flat seat, exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and elevated
dining.17
What are the Benefits in United Polaris?
The benefits package is comprehensive:
On the Ground: Access to the exclusive United Polaris Lounge (at select hubs like EWR,
ORD, IAH, SFO, LAX) with à la carte dining, showers, and quiet rooms.18 Priority check-in
and baggage handling are also included (Premier Access).19
In the Air: A lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, custom Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
(including a cooling gel pillow), multi-course chef-curated meals, and complimentary
premium beverages.20
How to Upgrade my tickets in United Polaris?
You can request an upgrade to United Polaris via several methods:
Paid Cabin Upgrade: Purchase an upgrade directly on United.com or the United App if
space is available.21
MileagePlus Miles: Use your MileagePlus miles to bid or purchase an upgrade.22
PlusPoints: If you are a Premier Platinum or Premier 1K member, you can use your
earned PlusPoints to request a Polaris upgrade for yourself or others.23
How to Speak to Representative for my United Polaris Tickets?
If you have an existing Polaris ticket or are trying to use miles/PlusPoints to upgrade, you can
contact the Premier Priority Desk phone number if you have status, or the general
reservations line, stating clearly that your question relates to your United Polaris business
class reservation.
MileagePlus & Destinations
Can United miles be used on other airlines (and which airlines can I transfer United
points)?
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Yes, United Miles (MileagePlus) can be used to book award travel on United's Star
Alliance partners.24 These include Lufthansa, ANA, Copa Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and
dozens more, making your miles incredibly flexible for global travel.25 However, you cannot
directly transfer MileagePlus miles to another airline's loyalty program.26 (Miles can
only be transferred to another MileagePlus member for a fee).
Where does United Airlines fly?
United Airlines is a major global carrier that flies to nearly 350 destinations across six
continents. Its global reach, often in partnership with Star Alliance, connects major cities
across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.27
How to book a United Airlines flight for holiday?
To book a flight for holiday travel (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.):
1. Book Early: Holiday travel dates are expensive; book 6-9 months in advance for the best
fares.
2. Use the United App/Website: Use the fare calendar to compare prices on slightly different
days.
3. Check Partner Fares: Consider looking for award travel on Star Alliance partners via
United's website if paying with miles.28
✈️ United Airlines FAQ: Updated Baggage Fees
Baggage Policies & Fees (Updated)
How much is a checked bag on United Airlines (and how much to check a bag on United
Airlines)?
For standard Economy tickets on domestic U.S. flights, the first checked bag typically
costs $40 at the airport, or $35 if you pay online/prepay at least 24 hours before your
flight. (+18)➡️662➡️(843)014*
The fee structure is generally as follows (for Standard Economy, domestic):
First Checked Bag: $40 (or $35 if prepaid)
Second Checked Bag: $50 (or $45 if prepaid)
Fees for international flights vary significantly (e.g., the first checked bag to Europe is often
free, but the second may be $100). The most accurate price for your trip is found using the
United Airlines Checked Bag Fee Calculator on their website.
How can I avoid United checked bag fees? (║+1⛧866⛧284⛧3014║))
You can often bypass these fees if you fall into one of the following categories:
MileagePlus Elite Status: Premier members (Silver and higher) receive between one
and three free checked bags, depending on their status level and route.
United Co-branded Credit Card: Primary cardholders of qualifying United Chase
credit cards (like the United Explorer Card) typically receive their first checked bag
free for themselves and one companion on the same reservation.
Premium Cabin: If you are flying in Premium Economy, United Business, United
First, or United Polaris, you automatically receive two or more checked bags free of
charge.
U.S. Military: Active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents receive extra
free checked bags, often up to three bags at 70 lbs each.