United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Travel plans can change on a dime, and knowing an airline’s cancellation policy can save you time and money. If you’re traveling by United Airlines, you need to know their cancellation and refund rules so that you can manage your booking efficiently. In this guide, we will help you learn about United Airlines cancellation policy, refund eligibility, cancellation fees, and how to change or cancel your flight.

United Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

United Airlines has a 24-hour flexible booking policy, so if you booked a flight for at least seven days in the future, you can cancel without any penalty within that window. This includes all ticket types, even non-refundable fares.

Cancellation Policy for Different Ticket Types

1. Basic Economy Tickets

Basic Economy fares are usually nonrefundable and non-changeable, except when they’re canceled within the 24-hour risk-free window. After that date, you probably won’t get a refund or future travel credit.

2. Non-Refundable Tickets

Standard nonrefundable United Airlines tickets cannot be refunded after the 24-hour window. But if you cancel before departure, you’ll get a travel credit (less a cancellation fee) for future use.

• Domestic flights:  Cancellation fees can range from $0 to $200, depending on the fare class.
• International flights: Varies by destination, rules of the fare.

3. Refundable Tickets

Refundable tickets let you cancel any time prior to departure with no fee. You will receive a full refund to your original form of payment.

4. Award Tickets

If you booked your flight using United MileagePlus miles, you can cancel the ticket and have the miles redeposited back into your account. There are fees that depend on your MileagePlus status and proximity to departure when you cancel.

United Airlines Same-Day Cancellations and Changes

If your travel plans are to be adjusted on the day of departure, United Airlines provides options for same-day flight change or standby. Depending on your ticket type and MileagePlus membership status, fees may apply.

How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight

You can easily cancel your United Airlines ticket through various channels:

1. Online via United’s Website

• Go to United. Log in to your account at com.
• Tap “My Trips” and enter your booking information.
• Select the flight to cancel and follow the prompts.

2. Via United Airlines Mobile App

• Sign in to your United app.
• Go to “My Trips” and choose your flight.
• Your version can be a little more detailed: Follow cancellation steps.

3. By Phone

Contact United Airlines Customer Service via phone and ask them to help you with your booking. You might need to pay a fee for cancellation, depending on your ticket type.

4. At the Airport

For those already at the airport, visit a United Airlines ticket counter and ask for cancellation assistance.

United Airlines Refund Policy

• Refunds for refundable tickets will be refunded to the original form of payment after 7-10 business days (credit/debit cards) or within 20 days (cash/check payments).
• Survivor tickets can be used for future credits toward flights but not for cash refunds.
• If your flight disrupts due to United Airlines (e.g., cancellations, schedule changes, delays), you might be able to get a full refund or be rebooked free of charge.

Travel Insurance and United Airlines Cancellation

If you’re worried about surprise cancellations, you can buy travel insurance to cover your trip. Some credit cards provide trip cancellation coverage if you book through them.