United Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy: A Complete Guide

The best travel plans are always written in sand—you never forget that things can change, or even be canceled. Knowing what canceling a United Airlines flight will entail, including stress and surprise costs, is essential. Whether you buy a non-refundable ticket, a basic economy fare, or a fully flexible reservation, you should know your rights and what to do.

In this complete guide, we explain the United Airlines cancellation policy, how to get a refund, cancellation charges, and a step-by-step process to help you avoid hassle.

United Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

United Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. If you book a ticket and cancel within 24 hours of purchase, you receive a full refund with no fees for any fare type—provided the flight departs at least 7 days after booking.

Even Basic Economy fares, which are otherwise non-refundable and unchangeable after the 24-hour window, qualify for this policy.

Customer service number: 1-800-225-8612

Cancellation Policy for Non-Refundable Tickets

Non-refundable tickets generally cost less but cannot be redeemed for cash. United Airlines allows you to cancel these tickets and receive flight credit for future travel.

How it works:

The non-refundable ticket converts into flight credit upon cancellation.
Flight credit can be used within 12 months from the original ticket issuance date.
A cancellation charge may apply depending on the fare type or class.
Important: Basic Economy fares are excluded from receiving flight credits (except within the 24-hour cancellation window).

Cancellation Policy for Refundable Tickets

Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility. You get a full refund to your original payment method if canceled before departure.

Refundable tickets are pricier but beneficial if your travel plans are uncertain.

Refund processing times:

Credit card refunds: Typically within 7 business days.
Cash or check refunds: May take up to 20 business days.

Customer service number: 1-833-282-5490

United Airlines MileagePlus Ticket Cancellation

If you booked with MileagePlus miles:

You can cancel free of charge if done 72 hours or more before departure.
Mileage redeposit fee of $125 applies if canceled within 30 days (waived for elite members).
No-shows result in loss of miles if not reported in time.

United offers one of the more flexible mileage cancellation policies, especially for Premier elite members.

Customer service number: 1-833-282-5490

How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight

Visit United.com or open the United app.
Navigate to “My Trips.”
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Select the trip to cancel.
Click “Cancel Flight” and follow the prompts.

If eligible, you'll see refund or flight credit options and receive a cancellation summary by email.

Flight Cancellation by United Airlines

If United cancels your flight due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons, you have options:

Rebooking on the next United flight at no extra cost.
Full refund of all fare components if canceled before ticket expiry.
Lodging and meal vouchers if stranded overnight (subject to conditions).

These policies apply to domestic and international flights.

Customer service number: 1-833-282-5490

Same-Day Flight Changes vs. Cancellations

United allows same-day changes (for a fee) if:

Your original departure is within 24 hours.
Changes are between United or United Express flights with the same origin and destination.

Fee is $75, waived for Premier members.

Same-day changes can be a better option than full cancellation.

Customer service number: 1-833-282-5490

Flexible Cancellation Policies & Emergency Changes

United offers no-fee changes on many tickets issued through April 30 for travel within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Mexico. Fees apply for other categories, including miles-based Economy Saver.

Travel credits are available for canceled flights.

This flexibility extends to most international travel originating in the U.S.

United Airlines Refund Request Guide

To request a refund:

Fill out a refund request form at United.com/refund.
Contact United Airlines customer support for unusual cases or assistance.
Include confirmation number, ticket number, and cancellation reason.

Customer support number: 1-800-225-8612

Conclusion

United Airlines offers a variety of cancellation options depending on your fare type. The 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy allows cancellations with no penalty within one day of booking. Refundable tickets provide full refunds, while non-refundable tickets convert to flight credits. United generally waives change fees outside Basic Economy fares and offers easy online cancellation.

Always review fare rules at booking and contact United customer service for any questions.

Customer service number: 1-833-282-5490

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to cancel a United flight and get a refund?

Yes, refundable and 24-hour risk-free tickets are refundable. Non-refundable tickets are converted to flight credits.

How do I cancel a United flight online?

Visit United.com, go to “My Trips,” enter your information, select your flight, and click “Cancel Flight.”

Is United Basic Economy refundable?

No, unless canceled within 24 hours of booking.

Does United charge cancellation fees?

United has eliminated cancellation fees for most Economy and Premium tickets on domestic itineraries. Other fares may require fees.

How long does it take to get a refund from United Airlines?

Credit card refunds take about 7 business days; cash/check refunds may take up to 20 business days.

Can I cancel a United award ticket paid with miles?

Yes, but mileage redeposit fees may apply depending on timing and route.

What if United cancels my flight?

You are entitled to a full refund or rebooking, and may also receive compensation such as meal vouchers depending on the situation.

How do I cancel my United flight instead of changing it?

United allows same-day flight changes for a fee (free for Premier members), but you can also choose to cancel online or by contacting support.

Does United require calling to cancel a flight?

Most cancellations can be done online or via the app, but complex cases may require calling customer service.

What about international flight cancellations?

Policies are similar to domestic flights but cancellation fees vary by fare type and destination. Always check fare rules before booking.

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Air France Cancellation Policy:

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Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy:

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Allegiant Air Flight Cancellation Policy:

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Delta Airlines Cancellation Policy:

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EgyptAir Cancellation Policy:

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Emirates Airlines Cancellation Policy:

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Fiji Airways Cancellation Policy:

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French Bee Cancellation Policy:

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Frontier Airlines Cancellation Policy:

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Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy:

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Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy:

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