United Airlines offers a variety of options for customers who need to cancel or modify their travel plans. Understanding the airline's cancellation policy is essential to avoid unnecessary fees and ensure that you are aware of the terms that apply to your specific ticket. Below is a comprehensive overview of United Airlines' cancellation policy, covering different ticket types, refund processes, and important rules that travelers should know.
United Airlines provides a 24-hour cancellation window for most tickets, which allows passengers to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets, as long as:
You cancel within 24 hours of booking.
Your scheduled departure is at least 7 days away.
For example, if you book a flight on Monday, you have until 11:59 PM on Tuesday to cancel it without any penalty. This policy applies to flights booked directly through United Airlines, whether through their website, mobile app, or customer service.
Refund Process:
If you cancel within 24 hours, you will receive a refund to the original form of payment. If you booked through a travel agency, you may need to reach out to them directly for cancellation assistance.
Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility in terms of cancellations. If you purchase a refundable ticket with United Airlines, you can cancel it at any time before your flight's scheduled departure and receive a full refund. The amount refunded will be credited back to your original payment method.
Refund Processing:
Refundable tickets are generally refunded within 7 business days if you paid by credit card. For other payment methods, refunds may take up to 20 business days to process. If you need to request a refund, you can do so online through your United account or by calling their customer service.
Non-refundable tickets are the most common fare option for economy class passengers. While these tickets are typically not eligible for a full refund if you cancel, United Airlines offers several alternatives, including:
Flight Credit: If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you may receive a flight credit for the value of your ticket. This credit can be used toward the purchase of a future flight with United Airlines, though it is typically valid for one year from the date of the original booking.
Change Fees: Non-refundable tickets may allow you to make changes to your flight for a fee. The fee depends on the type of ticket and the specific circumstances. Additionally, the fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket must be paid.
Exceptions: In some circumstances, you may be eligible for a refund even on a non-refundable ticket. Examples include:
Significant schedule changes (usually more than 2 hours).
Cancellations due to extraordinary events, such as the death of the passenger or a traveling companion, or serious medical emergencies.
For these exceptions, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation (e.g., death certificate, hospital records, etc.) to qualify for a refund.
Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive fares United offers. They come with several limitations, including the inability to make changes to your flight or receive a refund unless you meet specific conditions:
No Changes: Once you book a Basic Economy ticket, you cannot make changes to the flight without incurring a fee.
Cancellation: If you cancel your Basic Economy ticket, you will not receive a refund, but you can receive a travel credit for future flights, which will be valid for one year from the original booking date.
Exceptions: In certain cases (like a schedule change), you may be eligible for a full refund or a free change to your booking, but this is rare.
If you book your flight using United MileagePlus miles (frequent flyer miles), the airline has a specific cancellation policy for award tickets:
No Fee for Cancellation: If you cancel an award ticket, the miles used for booking will be redeposited into your MileagePlus account.
Cancellation Window: You can cancel an award ticket without a fee as long as you do so before the flight’s scheduled departure time. However, if you cancel within 30 days of your departure, you may be subject to a redeposit fee (typically $125, but the fee may vary based on your MileagePlus status).
There are several ways to cancel a United Airlines flight, depending on how you booked it:
Online: The most convenient method is to visit the United Airlines website. Log into your account, go to “My Trips,” select your reservation, and choose the cancel option.
Mobile App: You can also cancel your flight using the United Airlines mobile app by navigating to your bookings and selecting the cancellation option.
Customer Service: If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call United Airlines customer service. They are available 24/7 to assist with cancellations and refunds.
When you cancel a non-refundable ticket with United Airlines, you may receive a travel credit for the value of the flight. This credit can be applied to a future United Airlines booking, but it typically must be used within one year of the original ticket's issue date.
Eligibility: If your ticket is eligible for a credit, you will receive a credit code via email. This credit can be applied at the time of booking.
Vouchers: United Airlines may also issue travel vouchers in some cases, which function similarly to flight credits but may have additional terms and conditions attached (such as expiration dates).
Consider Travel Insurance: One way to avoid significant losses in case of unforeseen circumstances is to purchase travel insurance. This coverage can protect you from unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, and other travel disruptions.
Flexible Tickets: If you expect your plans to change, consider purchasing flexible tickets or refundable fares. While these tickets are generally more expensive than non-refundable options, they provide greater peace of mind and flexibility.
Monitor Your Flight: If United Airlines makes any significant schedule changes or cancellations, you may be eligible for a full refund or a free rebooking option. Keep an eye on your flight status and reach out to customer service if you think the changes entitle you to compensation.
For non-refundable tickets, United Airlines charges a cancellation fee that varies based on the type of ticket purchased, the fare class, and when the cancellation is made. The standard fee is typically around $200-$400 for domestic flights and higher for international routes.
Additionally, if you need to change your flight rather than cancel it entirely, the fare difference will apply, and you may be charged a change fee.
United Airlines' cancellation policy is flexible in certain situations. Examples include:
Medical Emergencies: If you cannot travel due to illness or medical reasons, United Airlines may allow you to cancel your flight without a fee. You will typically need to provide a doctor’s note or other documentation.
Military Orders: If you are a service member and need to cancel due to military deployment, you may be eligible for a refund or free change, even on non-refundable tickets.
Death of a Passenger or Immediate Family Member: In the unfortunate event of a death, you may be eligible for a full refund with appropriate documentation.
United Airlines offers a range of cancellation options depending on your ticket type and specific circumstances. The 24-hour cancellation policy is a great benefit for passengers who need to adjust their plans shortly after booking. Refundable tickets provide the greatest flexibility, while non-refundable and Basic Economy tickets have more restrictions. Always check the terms of your fare and consider purchasing travel insurance or flexible tickets to avoid cancellation fees and receive the most value for your booking.