United Airlines Cancellation Policy: A Complete Guide

Getting a sense of your airline’s cancellation policy is key when planning your flight. United Airlines Cancellation Policy are bit different compare to other airlines as they are flexible in services. In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about United Airlines’ cancellation policy, including eligibility for refund, fees, and how to cancel your flight.

United Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

United Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy, which means the airlines will give passengers a full refund should they decide to trip them for any of the following reasons:

The booking is done seven days prior to departure.
The cancellation happens within 24 hours of purchase.

Applicable for all fare types (Basic Economy, Economy and Premium), it gives passengers flexibility immediately after booking.

Cancellation Policy by Fare Type

United Airlines cancellation policies depends on the ticket type you buy. Below are the rules broken down by fare class:

1. Basic Economy Tickets

Non-refundable and non-changeable apart from the 24-hour risk-free space.
If you have to cancel more than 24 hours after booking, you’ll not get a refund or travel credit.

2. Non-Refundable Tickets (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class)

These tickets cannot be refunded after 24 hours but may be eligible toward credit for a future flight.
The cancellation fee varies with the route and ticket conditions.

3. Refundable Tickets

Completely refundable anytime before you leave.
Travelers are refunded in full to the original form of payment.
You can request refunds online or by calling customer service.

4. Award Tickets (MileagePlus)

Award flights booked with United Airlines can also be canceled with fees based on your status and how far out you cancel.
Elite members can enjoy lowered or waived fees.

United Airlines Cancellation Fees

United Airlines has done away with change fees for most Economic, Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class tickets on domestic, international, and some short-haul flights. Basic Economy tickets, however, are still non-changeable and non-refundable.

When you cancel a nonrefundable ticket, you’ll be issued a travel credit that does not expire (though you must use it to book a flight in the next year from the original date you booked your ticket) for another future United Airlines flight.

How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight

There are multiple methods by which United Airlines provides cancellation of a flight:

1. Online Cancellation

Go to the official website of United Airlines.
Simply click on ‘My Trips’ and enter your booking details.
Log into your flight and pick the cancellation option.
You’ll be refunded or given flight credit, as applicable.

2. Via Mobile App

Open the United Airlines app.
Navigate to My Trips.
Choose your flight, and cancel it as provided.

3. Over the Phone

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Share your booking details with the agent.
To ensure cancellation and an eligible for refund status.

4. At the Airport

Go to the nearest United Airlines ticket counter.
Contact an airline rep to have the cancellation processed.

Refund Policy

The refund policy for United Airlines varies by ticket type. Here’s how refunds work:

Refundable tickets: Full refund (to the original payment method).
Non-refundable tickets: No cash refund, but travelers may get credit toward a future flight.
Basic Economy tickets: Typically non-refundable (except during the 24-hour risk-free window).
Award tickets:Refunds vary based on the ticket type and the traveler's status.

Heading to United’s Refund Request Page on the official website can help you confirm if you’re eligible for a refund.

Flight Cancellations by United Airlines

Here’s what you could get if United Airlines cancels your flight for any reason — including weather delays or operational problems:

A full refund to the original payment method.
A rebooking on the next available flight at no extra charge.
A travel credit for future use.

Even passengers whose flights were canceled should look for rebooking options on their email or through United’s website.

Can I Cancel a United Airlines Flight Without a Fee?

Yes, there are situations in which you can cancel a United Airlines flight without paying a cancellation fee:

Within 24 hours of booking, provided flights are at least seven days away.
If United Airlines cancels or substantially changes your flight schedule.
If you have a refundable ticket.
If you hold elite status with United Airlines, as some cancellation fees may be waived.