United Airlines offers a flexible cancellation policy that provides passengers with options depending on the timing of cancellation, fare type, and booking method. One of the most notable features is United’s 24-hour risk-free cancellation window. If you book your flight at least seven days before departure and cancel within 24 hours of booking, you are eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment with no cancellation fees or penalties. This policy applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy, provided the booking was made directly with United via their website, app, airport ticket counters, or customer service. However, partial cancellations are not eligible; you must cancel all flights for all passengers on the reservation within that 24-hour window to qualify for the refund.
Beyond the 24-hour window, refund eligibility depends heavily on the fare purchased. Refundable tickets can be canceled at any time before departure for a full refund, though cancellation or processing fees may apply depending on the fare conditions. Non-refundable tickets, which constitute most United fares, generally do not qualify for cash refunds after the 24-hour period; instead, passengers may be eligible for travel credits or partial credits that can be used toward future travel on United. For Basic Economy tickets, cancellations beyond 24 hours are not allowed, but in some cases, a partial travel credit may be issued if canceled before the scheduled departure time. Award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles can be canceled at any time before departure, with miles redeposited to your account without fees unless you are a no-show, in which case a $125 redeposit fee applies.
United Airlines has eliminated change fees for most Economy, Economy Plus, and premium cabin tickets for travel originating in the U.S., though fare differences may apply when rebooking. However, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed after purchase and have stricter cancellation rules. If you cancel your flight after the first segment has departed, any remaining segments are automatically canceled, but no refund or credit is given for the used portion.
If United cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change—such as a delay of three or more hours on domestic itineraries or four or more hours internationally, changes in departure or destination airports, or cabin downgrades—you are entitled to a full refund if you do not accept the alternative arrangements. Refunds include all taxes and fees and can be requested through United’s website or customer service.
To cancel a United flight, you can log into your United account, navigate to “My Trips,” select your reservation, and follow the prompts to cancel. Alternatively, you can call United’s customer service line or contact your travel agent if you booked through one. Refund processing times vary by payment method but typically take 7 to 20 business days. If you believe you are entitled to a refund, you can also fill out a refund request form on United’s website to initiate the process.
In summary, United Airlines provides a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking for flights booked at least seven days in advance. Refundable tickets can be canceled anytime before departure for a full refund, while non-refundable tickets generally receive travel credits valid for future travel. Basic Economy tickets have more restrictive cancellation rules. Airline-initiated cancellations guarantee full refunds. Passengers are encouraged to use the online “My Trips” tool or customer service to manage cancellations and refunds efficiently, keeping in mind fare conditions and timing.