United Airlines reservations phone number and when to use it

United Airlines reservations can be reached at 1-800-864-8331. This number works for new bookings, changes to existing reservations, and questions about your ticket. The line is open from early morning until late evening, seven days a week, though wait times vary by time of day and season.

Call this number if you need to book a flight, modify a reservation you already have, add a seat selection or baggage, or ask about fares and schedules. If you are calling about a flight that already departed or a refund, you may be routed to a different department, but the same number handles the initial connection.

The phone system uses automated routing, so have your confirmation number ready if you are calling about an existing reservation. If you do not have one, the system can look up your booking by last name and flight date instead.

Key Takeaways

  • United Airlines reservations phone number is 1-800-864-8331, available seven days a week from early morning to late evening.
  • Have your confirmation number or last name and flight date ready before calling to speed up the process.
  • The same number handles new bookings, changes to existing reservations, and questions about tickets and fares.
  • Wait times are typically shorter in early morning hours and longer during evening peak times and holiday periods.
  • If you are calling from outside the United States, you will need to use the international dialing code plus the number, and charges may explore.

What to expect when you call

When you dial 1-800-864-8331, you will hear an automated greeting that asks whether you are calling about a new reservation or an existing one. Select the option that matches your reason for calling. The system will then ask for your confirmation number or last name and flight date.

After you provide this information, the system may offer to handle your request automatically — for example, if you are changing a seat or adding a bag. If you need to speak with a person, you can stay on the line or press the option to wait for an agent. During busy times, you may wait 15 to 45 minutes before an agent picks up.

Have your payment method ready if you are booking a new flight or paying a fare difference. If you are calling about a reservation under someone else's name, you will need their confirmation number or last name and flight date, and the agent may ask security questions to verify you have permission to make changes.

Best times to call and what to have ready

Wait times are generally shortest between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Eastern Time on weekdays, and longest between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Calling on Tuesday through Thursday tends to be faster than calling on Monday or Friday. Holiday periods and the day before major travel days see longer waits across all hours.

Before you call, gather these items: your confirmation number (if you have one), your last name and flight date, your ticket number if you have it, and your payment method if you are booking or paying a difference. If you are calling about baggage, seat changes, or frequent flyer miles, have your MileagePlus account number ready.

If you are calling about a flight that has already departed or a refund, have your original booking confirmation and any relevant receipts or documentation. This helps the agent locate your record and understand your situation without asking you to repeat information.

Alternatives to calling the reservations line

United Airlines also offers reservations through its website at united.com, where you can book flights, change reservations, and manage your ticket without waiting on hold. The website often shows the same fares as the phone line and lets you complete your transaction when ready.

The United mobile app allows you to book, change reservations, and check in for flights from your phone. Many travelers find this faster than calling, especially for straightforward changes like seat selection or adding baggage.

If you prefer not to call or use the website, you can visit a United ticket counter at any airport. This works well if you are already at the airport or have a complex issue that requires in-person discussion, but it is not practical for booking or changing a reservation before your travel date.

International calling and special circumstances

If you are calling from outside the United States, you will need to dial your country's international access code, then 1, then the area code 800, then 864-8331. Some countries charge international rates for calls to US toll-free numbers, so check with your phone provider first. International calling rates vary widely depending on your location and service plan.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, United offers a relay service. Call 711 from any phone to connect to your state's relay service, then provide the United reservations number. The relay operator will place the call and relay the conversation for you at no extra cost.

If you need to book a group reservation of 10 or more passengers, the standard reservations line can start the process, but you will likely be transferred to United's group sales department, which handles larger bookings separately.

What the reservations line cannot do

The reservations phone line handles bookings and ticket changes, but some requests require a different department. If you are calling about a lost or damaged bag, a flight delay or cancellation, or a refund, you may be transferred to customer relations or baggage services after you reach an agent.

If you have a question about your frequent flyer account or MileagePlus miles, the agent can help with basic questions, but complex account issues may require the MileagePlus customer service line. If you are calling about a special service like unaccompanied minors or wheelchair information, the agent can note your request, but you may need to call ahead of your travel date to arrange these services properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a charge to call the United reservations line?

No, calling 1-800-864-8331 is toll-free within the United States. If you are calling from outside the US, your phone provider may charge international rates. Some mobile plans include unlimited calling to toll-free numbers, while others charge per minute.

Can I change my reservation by phone if I booked online?

Yes, you can call 1-800-864-8331 to change any reservation, regardless of how you booked it. Have your confirmation number ready. Some changes, like seat selection or baggage, are faster to make online, but the phone line can handle any modification.

What if I cannot reach anyone after waiting a long time?

If the wait is too long, hang up and try again during a quieter time, such as early morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday. You can also complete many transactions on united.com or the United app without waiting. If you have an urgent issue, visiting an airport ticket counter may be faster.

Do I need to call if I just want to check my reservation?

No, you can check your reservation anytime on united.com or the United app by entering your confirmation number and last name. You only need to call if you want to make a change or speak with an agent about your booking.

Can I book a flight for someone else by calling?

Yes, you can book a flight for another person by calling 1-800-864-8331 and providing their name, dates, and payment information. The confirmation will be sent to the email address you provide, so make sure you give the agent the correct email so the passenger receives their ticket details.