When planning a trip, finding the best fare is key. United Airlines offers a helpful service called FareLock, allowing you to hold a flight reservation without the worry of a price increase while you take time to decide. Below is a breakdown of how United FareLock works and how you can benefit from it.

How Does United FareLock Work?

FareLock Service: This feature allows passengers to hold a reservation and lock in the price without purchasing the ticket immediately.

Availability: It’s offered on eligible itineraries booked via United’s website or mobile app.

Fees: You pay a non-refundable fee that varies based on the length of the hold (usually 3 or 7 days). During this period, the fare won’t increase, even if the prices rise.

Peace of Mind: While you take your time, your fare remains secure and the flight won’t sell out.

How to Use United FareLock

Select Your Flight: Choose the flight you want and enter your traveler details. Look for the FareLock option during the booking process.
Review Terms: Before proceeding, check the terms and conditions for details about the duration and restrictions.

Purchase FareLock: Pay the non-refundable fee to secure your fare for the chosen duration (3 or 7 days).

Complete Purchase: During the hold period, finalize your purchase through the “My Trips” section on United’s website before the lock expires.

United FareLock: Terms & Conditions

Non-Refundable Fee: The fee is separate from your ticket price and will not be refunded, even if you book the flight.

Availability: Only available for flights operated by United and is subject to availability.

Completion of Purchase: You can finalize your purchase online or through United’s customer service before the lock expires.

United Airlines 24-Hour Hold Policy

United Airlines also offers a 24-hour hold option:

Cancellation & Refunds: You can cancel or request a full refund within 24 hours of booking, without penalty.

Eligibility: Applies to tickets booked through United’s website or customer service, but not for group reservations or those paid for with e-certificates.

How to Hold Reservations on United Airlines

Holding a reservation on United is simple:

Visit United Airlines' website.

Select “New Booking” and enter your travel details.

Choose the FareLock option on the payment page.

Pay any applicable fees to secure your fare.

Checking if Your United Reservation Has FareLock

Log In: Visit the United Airlines website or mobile app and log in to your account.

Check "My Trips": In your itinerary, look for a FareLock icon or label confirming FareLock protection.

Contact Customer Service: If you’re unsure, United’s customer service can help confirm your reservation details.

United FareLock: What if the Price Goes Down?

Price Drop: If the fare decreases during your FareLock period, you can rebook at the lower price.

Peace of Mind: If the fare increases, you can still book at the original locked-in rate.

United FareLock Pros & Cons

Pros:

Flexible Hold: Lock in a fare for up to 7 days, giving you time to finalize plans.

Reasonable Fee: A small fee ensures you don’t miss out on a great fare.
No Price Increases: FareLock guarantees that your price won’t go up during the hold.

Cons:

Non-Refundable Fee: The fee isn’t deducted from your ticket price.
Limited to United Flights: FareLock is not available for partner airlines or codeshare flights.

What if FareLock Isn't Working?

If your FareLock isn’t functioning, it could be due to:

Ineligible Flights: Ensure your itinerary qualifies for FareLock.

Technical Issues: System outages may disrupt the service. Try again later or contact United’s customer service for assistance.

Is United FareLock Worth It?

Yes, for a small fee, United FareLock gives you the flexibility to hold a great fare while finalizing your travel plans. You can also benefit from:

24-Hour Cancellation: Cancel without penalty within 24 hours of booking.
Freehold Option: If you book by phone, you may hold a reservation for free until midnight of the next day.

Final Thoughts

United FareLock offers a simple, flexible way to secure a flight while protecting against fare increases. If you have any questions or run into issues, United’s customer service is available 24/7 to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is United FareLock?

United FareLock allows you to hold a reservation for a few days, locking in the price while you decide to complete your purchase.

Q2: Is United FareLock worth it?

Yes, it’s worth it if you need time to make a decision and want to avoid fare increases.

Q3: How do I check if my reservation has FareLock?

Log into your account on United’s website and check your itinerary under “My Trips” for FareLock confirmation.