Ever wondered if you could hold flights on United Airlines? Well, you’re not alone. This question has been on the minds of many travelers. The good news is, United Airlines has a unique feature called “Fare Lock” that allows you to do just that!
Fare Lock is a service that lets you hold your flight and price for a certain period. It’s like a safety net, giving you time to finalize your plans without worrying about price hikes. In the next sections, you’ll learn more about how Fare Lock works and how you can take advantage of this service. So, buckle up and get ready for a smoother booking experience with United Airlines.
How Does Fare Lock Work?
Imagine you’ve found your perfect flight and you’re not yet ready to purchase it. Using Fare Lock, you will comfortably hold this spot without worrying about ticket availability or price hike struggles.
The process of using Fare Lock is rather simple:
- Choose your flight: After you’ve selected the perfect flight for your travel, you’ll check out as normal until you reach the purchase page.
- Select Fare Lock: Before final payment, you’ll see the Fare Lock option. You’re offered two extensions of time to lock your fare – a 3-day or a 7-day option.
- Pay the Fee: There’s a nominal non-refundable fee for using Fare Lock. The fee varies depending upon the duration you choose to lock your fare and the route. Generally, the 3-day Fare Lock fees range between $6.99 and $8.99 while the 7-day Fare Lock fees range between $8.99 and $10.99.
- Hold Your Price: Once your option is selected and the fee is paid, your spot and ticket price are held for you.
- Purchase Later: Purchase your flight ticket within your Fare Lock period to ensure you get the flight at the locked price.
| 3-Day Fare Lock | 7-Day Fare Lock | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Range | $6.99 – $8.99 | $8.99 – $10.99 |
Remember, the fee paid for the Fare Lock service is non-refundable, regardless of whether you decide to book the flight later or not. But, when you do decide to book the flight within your Fare Lock period, the service fee isn’t added to your flight cost – it’s a standalone cost for the service.
Whether you’re unsure about your plans, waiting for payday, or simply want a safety net against possible price increases, Fare Lock gives you the flexibility you need. You have up to seven days to confirm your plans and make your purchase, with the peace of mind that your chosen flight’s price and availability won’t change.
Benefits of Using Fare Lock
Deciding to use Fare Lock can add value to your travel experience. Leveraging Fare Lock allows you to hold flights without the immediate need for payment, offering a more flexible, user-friendly booking process. Here’s why you should consider using the feature:
Assured Price and Ticket Availability: Once you lock in your fare, you’re assured your ticket will remain available at that same price. It’s a major benefit given the often volatile nature of airline prices. This feature eliminates frantic last-minute bookings, as you’re secure knowing your ticket price is locked in and won’t change.
Important Decision-Making Time: A Fare Lock eliminates the urgency of spontaneous decision-making and the pressure associated with confirming your travel plans within minutes. With Fare Lock, you’re provided a lenient timeframe to rethink your plans, verify your itinerary, or get approval from others if necessary. Two options are available – a 3-day or 7-day period. Plus, let’s not forget, you don’t have to make an immediate payment for the flight ticket.
Non-Refundable Fee Cost: Though the Fare Lock comes with a non-refundable fee, when you weigh the pros, the cost becomes justifiable. The fee is not static and varies depending on the duration and route. Remember, it’s a separate cost from the flight ticket. Hence, consider it an insurance policy on your trip.
Peace of Mind: Fare Lock brings a sense of calm and security. For uncertain travel plans, the feature offers peace of mind, knowing your ideal flight is held for you until you’re ready to purchase.
In summation, Fare Lock by United Airlines meets the expectations of various types of travelers by offering a more relaxed, flexible booking experience. The fear of price surge or ticket unavailability can take a backseat. With Fare Lock, you’ve got time on your side, so make the most of it and plan your travels wisely.
How to Hold a Flight on United Airlines
Wondering how to secure your seats on United Airlines using Fare Lock? It’s a breeze. You’re just a few clicks away from sealing your deal with assured availability and a frozen fare – all without shelling out for the ticket upfront.
To start the process, you will search for flights as you typically would, selecting your destination, dates, and the number of travelers. While scanning through your flight options, look out for a page that mentions Fare Lock. This page usually shows up at the bottom of your flight details page.
Fare Lock is, but, not available for all flights. When you come across a flight that doesn’t have Fare Lock as an option, it doesn’t mean there’s an error – the flight you’re viewing probably just isn’t eligible for Fare Lock. When Fare Lock is an option, you’ll elongate your decision-making time without committing to a purchase immediately.
Once you’ve found the ideal flight with an available Fare Lock, it’s time to lock in your fare. Select the Fare Lock option and choose between a 3-day or 7-day hold. The cost for this service will be disclosed, and, while non-refundable, it grants you the peace of mind you need for your travel planning. Then, click on ‘proceed’ and enter your payment information for the Fare Lock fee. Now, your fare price and seat availability are safe and sound, allowing you ample time to finalize your travel plans.
With United Airlines’ Fare Lock, you’re no longer at the mercy of fluctuating prices or disappearing seats. It offers a beneficial buffer period – and potentially, valuable savings. While the Fare Lock feature does involve a negligible cost, the tranquility it provides for travelers is invaluable.
So that’s the gist of how you can use Fare Lock to secure your United Airlines flight booking without prompt payment. Choose Fare Lock, choose peace of mind; a scarcely congested booking experience is within your grasp. It’s an aspect of flight booking that offers you the luxury of time without the constant worry of changes.
So why wait? Kickstart your flexible booking experience with United Airlines’ Fare Lock.
Important Considerations
While Fare Lock is a feature that provides convenience and flexibility, it’s essential to weigh your options before jumping right in. Several critical considerations could directly impact your decision to use Fare Lock. Understanding these key points can empower you to make an informed choice about whether Fare Lock aligns with your travel needs and budget.
First on the list is cost. There’s a non-refundable fee to hold a booking using Fare Lock. You might view this fee as a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings. But, it’s crucial to note that these charges vary based on the duration of the hold — 3-day or 7-day — and the specifics of your flight. Remember, the fee is applicable whether or not you eventually book the flight.
Next, let’s highlight fare availability. United Airlines does not offer Fare Lock on all flights. You’ll promptly run into disappointment if you assume otherwise. As a result, Fare Lock’s unavailability might urge you to hasten your booking decisions on such flights, particularly for last-minute or popular routes. Hence, make sure to check the airfare page to confirm if Fare Lock is indeed an available option for your chosen flight.
Another essential point is how Fare Lock impacts your MileagePlus account. It’s important to be aware that while the cost of Fare Lock is separate from the flight fare, it does not contribute to your accumulated miles.
Regardless of these considerations, Fare Lock remains an admirable feature that gives you control over your flight booking process. It’s about understanding how it works, along with its implications, that makes you an informed traveler. So, weigh your options and decide whether Fare Lock’s benefits outweigh its cost for your specific travel requirements.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got the scoop on United Airlines’ Fare Lock. It’s a handy tool that gives you the power to secure your flight and price without immediate payment. Remember, the cost varies and is non-refundable. It’s not available for all flights, so always check before you bank on it. And while the cost doesn’t rack up MileagePlus miles, the control it offers over your booking is invaluable. With Fare Lock, you’re in the driver’s seat, making your travel planning a smoother ride. So go ahead, give Fare Lock a try on your next United Airlines booking. You might find it’s just the ticket to stress-free travel planning.
What is United Airlines’ Fare Lock?
Fare Lock is a feature from United Airlines that allows travelers to hold a flight and its price for a specific time period without immediate payment.
How much does Fare Lock cost?
Fare Lock’s cost varies based on the duration of the hold and specific details of the flight. The fee is non-refundable.
Is Fare Lock available for all flights?
No, Fare Lock is not available for all flights. It is recommended to check United Airlines’ airfare page to confirm its availability.
Does the fee for Fare Lock contribute to MileagePlus miles?
No, the cost of using Fare Lock does not contribute towards accumulating miles in the MileagePlus account.
What are the benefits of Fare Lock?
Fare Lock allows travelers to gain more control over their booking process. It removes the immediate requirement for payment, thus providing flexibility and time for decision-making.
