What is United Farelock, it is  is a unique service provided by United Airlines that allows passengers to temporarily hold a fare reservation for a set period before finalizing the purchase. This service is designed to offer flexibility and peace of mind to travelers who need additional time to make travel decisions while securing the current fare price.

How United FareLock Works

United FareLock enables passengers to lock in a fare for up to seven days without immediate payment. Here’s how the process works:

1. Flight Search: Start by searching for flights on United Airlines' official website or mobile app. Once you find the itinerary that fits your needs, proceed to the booking section.

2. Select FareLock Option: During the booking process, you’ll see an option to add FareLock. This option appears on the payment page, allowing you to choose it before entering payment details.

3. Choose Hold Duration: United offers different hold durations, typically 72 hours or 7 days. The length of the hold period can vary depending on factors such as the route and fare type.

4. Pay the FareLock Fee: Activating FareLock requires a non-refundable fee, which varies based on the hold duration and specific itinerary. After selecting the hold period, pay the FareLock fee to secure your fare.

5. Finalize Booking: You can complete your ticket purchase anytime within the hold period by returning to the United Airlines website and finalizing the payment. If you don’t complete the purchase within the hold period, the reservation will expire, and the fare will no longer be guaranteed.

Advantages of United FareLock

1. Fare Protection: One of the significant advantages of United FareLock is fare protection. Airfare prices can fluctuate due to various factors, and FareLock ensures that you lock in the current fare, protecting you from potential price increases during the hold period.

2. Decision Flexibility: FareLock provides the flexibility to finalize travel plans without the immediate pressure to purchase. This extra time can be valuable for coordinating with travel companions, securing accommodation, or arranging other trip details.

3. Stress Reduction: The ability to hold a fare reduces the stress associated with booking travel, especially during peak travel seasons or when planning complex itineraries. This peace of mind allows for a more relaxed travel planning experience.

Considerations and Limitations

While FareLock offers notable benefits, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Non-Refundable Fee: The FareLock fee is non-refundable. If you decide not to proceed with the booking or your travel plans change, you will not receive a refund for the FareLock fee.

2. Limited Availability: FareLock may not be available for all flights or fare types. Discount fares or special promotional rates might not qualify for the FareLock option.

3. Hold on Fare, Not Seat: FareLock holds the fare price but does not guarantee seat availability. While rare, there’s a possibility that the flight could sell out during the hold period.

Conclusion

United FareLock is a valuable service for travelers seeking flexibility and protection from fare fluctuations. By understanding how FareLock works and considering its benefits and limitations, you can make informed decisions about using this service for your travel needs. Whether you need time to coordinate travel plans or simply want to lock in a good fare, United FareLock provides a useful tool to enhance your travel booking experience.