When United Airlines cancels a flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund for the ticket price if they decide not to accept an alternative flight offered by the airline. This applies regardless of the fare type purchased, including refundable, non-refundable, or Basic Economy tickets. The refund policy complies with regulations that require airlines to reimburse customers if their flight is canceled and they do not agree to the substitute arrangements. To get a refund, travelers can submit a request on United’s website or mobile app. Typically, refunds to credit cards are processed within about seven business days, while other payment methods may take up to twenty days. It’s important to understand that the refund covers only the cost of the airline ticket. Expenses like hotel stays, meals, ground transportation, or other costs resulting from the cancellation are usually not reimbursed by United. Passengers may need to rely on travel insurance or credit card travel protection to recover these additional expenses. If a passenger accepts an alternative flight offered by United, no refund is generally given, unless the new flight involves a significant delay or a major change in schedule that the passenger finds unacceptable. In such cases, the passenger can request a refund. Award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles will have the miles redeposited free of charge if the airline cancels the flight, protecting frequent flyers from losing their miles. United encourages passengers to stay informed about their flight status and to act quickly if a cancellation occurs in order to arrange refunds or rebook flights. If the ticket was purchased through a third-party agency or website, refunds typically must be requested through the original booking source rather than United directly. Keeping documentation related to cancellations and refund requests is helpful for a smooth process. Passengers who cancel their flights voluntarily may only receive a refund if their ticket is refundable or if they qualify for special waivers. Refund processing times vary but usually fall within one to three weeks, depending on payment methods and processing times. Overall, United Airlines provides clear policies ensuring passengers receive full refunds when flights are canceled and alternatives are declined. While the airline does not cover extra costs caused by cancellations, travel insurance or credit card protections can help cover these. Being aware of your rights and responding promptly ensures you receive your refund when United cancels your flight.