United FareLock has long been one of the more distinctive options among U.S. airline booking tools. For a small fee, it allows travelers to hold a fare for several days without committing to purchase. But in 2025, with so many changes in airfare pricing and flexibility, is FareLock still useful?
What Is United FareLock?
FareLock allows customers to reserve a fare on a specific itinerary for up to 7 days, depending on route and availability. Unlike the DOT-mandated 24-hour cancellation window for U.S. carriers, FareLock lets you hold a fare before purchase.
FareLock Details (as of 2025)
- Hold Duration: 3 or 7 days
- Cost: Varies—typically between $5 and $20 (nonrefundable)
- Availability: Only on select United and United Express flights booked on United.com
- Limitations: Not available on MileagePlus award tickets or basic economy fares
When Might It Be Useful?
- Booking for someone else and need time to confirm plans
- Coordinating with multiple travelers or work schedules
- Monitoring hotel or car rental availability before finalizing airfare
- Concerned about rapid fare increases for a high-demand route
Pros and Cons
? Pros
- Lock in a fare without immediate commitment
- Useful for complex or high-cost itineraries
- Peace of mind for minimal upfront cost
? Cons
- Fee is nonrefundable, even if you book later
- Not available on all routes or fare classes
- Limited to certain booking channels (United.com only)
24-Hour Rule vs. FareLock
All major U.S. airlines must allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking (if the flight is booked at least 7 days before departure). The key difference: with FareLock, you’re not booking the ticket at all—you’re just reserving the price. This can be useful if you’re not ready to commit even temporarily.
Is It Still Worth It in 2025?
Yes—if used strategically. FareLock isn’t for everyone, but it’s still a smart tool in certain situations. If you’re not quite ready to book or want to avoid sudden fare jumps, it’s a low-cost way to buy yourself time. Just remember that it doesn’t apply to all flights, and the fee is sunk regardless of whether you book.
FareLock Tips
- Always verify if FareLock is offered before clicking through to payment
- Screenshot your held itinerary in case of tech glitches
- Use it for peak-travel dates when fares are volatile