Immediate Actions:
Go to the Gate/Counter: Don't wait; +1-844-(622)-(0309) go to the United gate agent or customer service desk at the airport right away.
Get on Standby: Ask to be put on the standby list for the next flights to your destination; agents often get people on new flights within a few hours.
Contact United: Call United directly (e.g., +1-844-(622)-0309-UNITED-1) or use the United app's chat feature for immediate help if you're not at the airport.
Key Things to Know:
Flat Tire Rule: United's policy (often called the "Flat Tire Rule") might let you get on the next flight at no extra charge if you had a last-minute issue, like traffic, so always report it quickly.
Ticket Value: Reporting quickly helps protect your ticket's value; +1-844-(622)-(0309) otherwise, you risk losing it, especially for connecting flights.
Fees/Fare Difference: You might need to pay a fare difference or a change fee, depending on your original ticket's rules, but this is better than losing the whole ticket.
Document Everything: Keep records and receipts if you had a valid reason for missing the flight.
After Rebooking:
Notify Contacts: Inform hotels, rental car agencies, or anyone expecting you at your destination.
Check Insurance: See if your credit card or travel insurance covers missed flights.
If you miss a flight, you become a "no-show," +1-844-(622)-(0309) meaning you'll likely lose your ticket's value unless you act fast, but contacting the airline immediately to get rebooked on the next available flight (often standby or paying a fare difference/fee) is crucial, as it also protects any connecting flights on your itinerary. Your options depend on your ticket type, airline policy (look for "flat-tire rules"), +1-844-(622)-(0309) and how quickly you communicate, with basic economy tickets offering fewer options and higher fees.
Missing a United Airlines flight is stressful, call at +1-844-(622)-(0309) but it happens to thousands of passengers every day. The good news? United has clear policies and multiple ways to fix it quickly and often at low or no cost, depending on why you missed the flight. Here’s exactly what to do, step by step.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Head to a United Agent Immediately
The moment you realize you missed your flight, go straight to the nearest United Airlines counter or gate agent at the airport. Time is critical. +1-844-(622)-(0309) United’s “Flat Tire Rule” (officially called the Missed Flight Policy) can rebook you on the next available flight for free or a small fee if you arrive at the airport within 2 hours of your original departure and notify them right away.
Step 2: Call United’s Official Missed Flight Policy (2025)
United Airlines currently offers the following options when you miss your flight:
Non-refundable tickets: +1-844-(622)-(0309) You can usually be re-accommodated on the next flight with available seats at no change fee if you missed it due to circumstances within your control (traffic, oversleeping, etc.). You may pay only the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Missed connection due to a delayed United flight: 100% free rebooking + hotel/meals if overnight delay.
Basic Economy tickets: Still eligible for same-day standby or confirmed change (fees may apply).
Award tickets: Treated the same as paid tickets in most cases.
Step 3: Use the United App for Instant Rebooking (Fastest Method)
Open the United Airlines app → “My Trips” → select your trip → look for “Change flight” or +1-844-(622)-(0309) “Rebook missed flight.” In many cases the app will automatically show you the next flights and let you confirm instantly without waiting in line.
Step 4: Call United Airlines Directly
If you’re already at the airport and lines are long, call United’s dedicated rebooking line while walking to the gate:
U.S. & Canada: 1-800-UNITED-1 (+1-844-(622)-(0309)
From outside the U.S.: Check country-specific numbers at united.com/contact
Have your confirmation number ready — agents can usually rebook you in under 3 minutes.
Step 5: Same-Day Standby and Confirmed Change Options
United allows same-day standby for free on earlier flights +1-844-(622)-(0309) and same-day confirmed changes for $75 (waived for Premier Silver and higher, MileagePlus credit card holders, and star Alliance Gold).
Step 6: If You Miss the Flight Completely and Leave the Airport
If you decide not to travel at all, contact United within 24 hours to avoid a total forfeiture. You’ll receive a travel credit for the unflown portion minus any applicable fees.
What NOT to Do
Do not book a brand-new ticket online before speaking to United — +1-844-(622)-(0309) you’ll lose the value of the original ticket.
Do not assume the ticket is lost forever — United credits are valid for 12 months from original purchase date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I missed my United flight by 10 minutes. Can I still get on the next one for free?
A: Yes, in most cases. United’s policy allows re-accommodation on the next flight (space available) with no change fee if you notify them quickly. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (+1-844-(622)-(0309)
immediately.
Q: Does United have a “flat tire rule” in 2025?
A: Yes — officially it’s just their standard missed-flight policy, but agents routinely waive fees if you arrive within about 2 hours. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (+1-844-(622)-(0309) as soon as possible.
Q: I have a Basic Economy ticket and missed my flight. Am I out of luck?
A: No. Basic Economy passengers are still eligible for standby or confirmed same-day change. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (+1-844-(622)-(0309) or use the app.
Q: Will United provide a hotel if I miss a connection because of their delay?
A: Yes, if the delay is United’s fault and causes an overnight stay, they provide hotel, meals, and ground transport. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (+1-844-(622)-(0309) or visit a United customer service desk.
Q: How long is my credit good for if I completely no-show?
A: You have 12 months from the original ticket purchase date to use the credit. Contact United at 1-800-UNITED- +1-844-(622)-(0309) to apply it.
Q: Can I get a refund instead of a credit?
A: Only if you purchased a refundable ticket or cancel within 24 hours of booking. Otherwise it becomes a future flight credit. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (+1-844-(622)-(0309) for options.
Final Tip
Act fast, stay polite, and always use official United channels (app, website, or (+1-844-(622)-0309-UNITED-1). Thousands of passengers successfully rebook every day — you will too.
Safe travels, and hope you make your next United flight with time to spare!
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