United Airlines provides a clear and structured process for passengers who need to cancel their flights, supported by a cancellation policy designed to offer flexibility depending on the ticket type. If you need to cancel your United flight, the first step is to access your booking. This can be done easily through the United Airlines website or mobile app by logging into your MileagePlus account or by using the “My Trips” feature where you enter your confirmation number and last name. Once you locate your reservation, you can review your flight details and find the option to cancel your booking. The cancellation process is straightforward and allows you to cancel one or multiple flights on your itinerary if needed.

United Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window, which is one of the most important parts of its cancellation policy. If you cancel your booking within 24 hours of making the reservation, and the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of the fare type. This gives travelers the opportunity to change their minds or correct any booking errors without penalty. After the 24-hour period, the cancellation rules vary based on the fare purchased.

For Basic Economy tickets, which tend to be the most restrictive, cancellations beyond the 24-hour window usually do not qualify for a refund or travel credit. Passengers with Basic Economy tickets should carefully consider their travel plans before booking because once the 24-hour window passes, these tickets generally become non-refundable and non-changeable. In contrast, for other non-refundable ticket types, United allows cancellations but passengers receive a travel credit rather than a cash refund. This credit is typically equal to the amount paid for the ticket minus any cancellation fees and can be used towards future travel within 12 months from the date the original ticket was issued.

Passengers who purchased refundable tickets have greater flexibility. They can cancel their flights at any time before departure and receive a full refund back to their original payment method without incurring any fees. Refundable fares are ideal for travelers who anticipate possible changes to their travel schedule or want to ensure full refund protection.

If United cancels your flight due to operational reasons such as weather, technical issues, or other disruptions, you are eligible for a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost. United also offers refunds or rebooking options in cases where significant schedule changes occur or if delays are long enough that you choose not to travel.

To complete a cancellation, after locating your booking on the United website or app, simply select the cancellation option, confirm your decision, and follow the prompts. If your ticket is eligible for a refund, the amount will be returned to the original payment method. Otherwise, you will receive a travel credit that can be applied to future bookings. For additional help, customer service is available to assist with cancellations and refunds.

In summary, United Airlines’ flight cancellation process is user-friendly and supported by a clear policy that includes a 24-hour free cancellation window, varying refund options based on ticket type, and protections for passengers affected by flight disruptions. Knowing how to cancel and what to expect from the policy helps travelers make informed decisions and manage their bookings effectively.