If you're flying on a Basic Economy ticket, you can't change your flight unless you upgrade to Economy or a premium cabin first. International flights that don't originate in the U.S. can be changed but change fees still apply.

No, United Airlines Basic Economy tickets are famously restrictive and, as a general rule, cannot be changed or refunded once the 24-hour flexible booking window has passed. Unlike standard Economy or premium tickets, Basic Economy does not allow for flight changes, even if you are willing to pay a fee. This means that if your plans change, the value of the ticket is typically lost entirely. However, there is one major exception: as of 2024 and 2026, United allows Basic Economy passengers to upgrade their ticket to a standard Economy fare for a fee (usually around $45–$99 depending on the route). Once the ticket is upgraded to standard Economy, you gain the ability to change your flight or receive a flight credit if you cancel, though you would still be responsible for any difference in fare. If you do not perform this "upgrade" before your flight, you are locked into your original itinerary. This makes Basic Economy a high-risk choice for travelers whose schedules are not 100% certain, as the lack of flexibility can lead to significant financial loss if an emergency arises.