Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
FREQUENT FLYER GLOSSARY
What is a fare lock?
Fare lock is a term in this glossary.
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key points
- IATA's manuals page describes a Ticketing Handbook as the official guide to worldwide airline passenger ticketing. [2]
- IATA's manuals page describes a Reservations Handbook as a central source of reservations procedures and practices. [2]
- United's MileagePlus Rules state that after an award ticket or other award is issued, a service charge may be imposed for each change or cancellation requested by the member. [5]
- United's MileagePlus Rules state that award tickets may be subject to the taxes, fees, tariffs, Contract of Carriage, ticket terms, and re-accommodation policies of the carrier on which travel is scheduled. [5]
Ticketing and reservations
IATA's manuals page lists a Ticketing Handbook, described as the official guide to worldwide airline passenger ticketing. [2]
The same page lists a Reservations Handbook, described as a central source of reservations procedures and practices. It states that the handbook addresses reservations scenarios including internationally agreed rules and interline reservation procedures. [2]
Award pricing changes
United's MileagePlus Rules state that United may establish the amount, structure, availability, process and other criteria for award redemption, all subject to modification, cancellation or limitation at United's discretion, with or without notice. [5]
The rules also state that the amount of mileage required to redeem any award may be substantially increased or decreased, any award may be withdrawn, and restrictions on any award or its redemption may be imposed at any time. [5]
Award ticket changes and cancellations
United's MileagePlus Rules state that once an award ticket or other award is issued, a service charge may be imposed for each change or cancellation requested by the member. [5]
When an award is redeemed but subsequently cancelled or returned in accordance with the program's applicable rules and/or ticketed fare rules at that time (or, as applicable, the partner's rules), the member's award miles taken in connection with it will be redeposited into the member's account, subject to a service charge. Some awards may not be eligible for redeposit and will so state. [5]
Award ticket taxes and fees
United's MileagePlus Rules state that award tickets, awards, certificates and seat upgrades may be subject to applicable departure taxes, federal inspection fees, passenger facility charges and other fees, charges or taxes. The person utilizing the award ticket, award, certificate or seat upgrade is responsible for payment of any such items that may apply. [5]
Program changes and forfeiture
United's MileagePlus Rules state that mileage accrued in a member's account is maintained until redeemed for an award or otherwise forfeited pursuant to (a) the Rules, United's Contract of Carriage or United's fare rules, (b) Prohibited Conduct, (c) applicable laws or regulations, (d) member-requested account closure, (e) the death of a member, or (f) failure of a member to respond to repeated communication attempts regarding the status of the account. [5]
United may change the rules, benefits, conditions of participation, Premier (and/or Million Miler) qualification criteria or mileage levels, in whole or in part, at any time, with or without notice, even though changes may affect the value of status levels, benefits, mileage or certificates already accumulated. [5]
Frequently asked questions
Where does IATA describe passenger ticketing?
IATA's manuals page describes the Ticketing Handbook as the official guide to worldwide airline passenger ticketing. [2]
Where does IATA describe reservations procedures?
IATA's manuals page describes the Reservations Handbook as a central source of reservations procedures and practices, addressing reservations scenarios including internationally agreed rules and interline reservation procedures. [2]
What do United's rules say about changes to an issued award ticket?
A service charge may be imposed for each change or cancellation requested by the member after an award ticket or other award is issued. [5]
What do United's rules say about award ticket taxes and fees?
Award tickets, awards, certificates and seat upgrades may be subject to departure taxes, federal inspection fees, passenger facility charges and other fees, charges or taxes; the person using them is responsible for payment. [5]
Can United change MileagePlus rules?
Yes. United may change the rules, benefits, conditions of participation, qualification criteria or mileage levels at any time, with or without notice, even where changes may affect the value of status levels, benefits, mileage or certificates already accumulated. [5]
Sources
- IATA manuals, standards and regulations (Ticketing Handbook and Reservations Handbook), checked 18 October 2026
- United MileagePlus Rules, checked 18 October 2026