United Airlines Refund & Cancellation Policy: What You Need to Know Before Booking

United Airlines Cancellation Policy

United Airlines offers different cancellation policies depending on the type of ticket you purchase. Here’s a breakdown of the main rules:

24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy

United Airlines allows customers to cancel any ticket within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the ticket was booked at least 7 days before departure. This applies to all fare types, including basic economy, economy, and business class.

Basic Economy Tickets

• Non-refundable: Basic Economy tickets cannot be refunded after the 24-hour window.

• No changes allowed: United Airlines does not allow modifications or cancellations beyond the 24-hour grace period.

• Alternative option: If you need flexibility, consider booking a standard economy ticket instead.

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

• You can cancel your ticket, but you won’t get a cash refund.

• Instead, you will receive a travel credit that can be used for future United Airlines reservations.

• Change fees are waived for most domestic and international flights (except Basic Economy).

Refundable Tickets

• If you purchase a refundable ticket, you can cancel at any time and receive a full refund to your original payment method.

• These tickets cost more but offer the best flexibility.

Award Tickets (MileagePlus Redemption)

• United Airlines allows award ticket cancellations, but a fee may apply depending on your MileagePlus status and when you cancel.

• If you cancel at least 30 days before departure, there may be no fee for MileagePlus members.

United Airlines Refund Policy

If you’re eligible for a refund, United Airlines will process it based on your payment method:

• Credit/Debit Card Payments: Refunds are usually processed within 7 business days.

• Cash Payments: Refunds can take up to 20 business days.

• MileagePlus Award Tickets: If you cancel a flight booked with miles, the miles will be redeposited into your account, but fees may apply.

Refunds are issued to the original payment method. If you used travel credit for your United Airlines tickets, your refund will be in the form of travel credit.

How to Cancel Your United Airlines Flight

Canceling a flight with United Airlines is simple and can be done in a few steps:

1. Visit the United Airlines Website

   • Go to United.com and log in to your account.

   • Navigate to “My Trips” and select the flight you want to cancel.

2. Use the United Airlines Mobile App

   • Open the app, sign in, and find your reservation.

   • Click on “Cancel Flight” and follow the instructions.

3. Call United Airlines Customer Service

   • If you need assistance, you can call United Airlines reservations at their customer service number.

4. Visit a United Airlines Ticket Office

   • You can also visit a United Airlines ticket counter at the airport for in-person support.

Tips to Avoid Cancellation Fees

Here are some tips to help you avoid unnecessary fees:

• Book refundable tickets if you think your plans might change.

• Cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.

• Check your travel insurance policy for coverage on trip cancellations.

• Use travel credits wisely before they expire.

• Monitor United Airlines’ travel advisories, as they sometimes offer free cancellations due to disruptions.

Conclusion

Understanding United Airlines’ refund and cancellation policy can help you make informed decisions when booking flights. Whether you're booking United Airlines flights, purchasing United Airlines tickets, or making United Airlines reservations, knowing your options for cancellations and refunds can save you time and money.

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