United Airlines provides a cancellation policy designed to offer flexibility and ease for travelers who need to adjust their plans. One of the main features of United's cancellation policy is the 24-hour flexible booking rule. This allows passengers to cancel any reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the ticket was purchased at least seven days before departure. This applies to all ticket types, including basic economy, non-refundable, and refundable fares. After the 24-hour window, the cancellation rules depend on the type of fare purchased. Refundable tickets can be canceled at any time before the flight, and the full amount will be returned to the original payment method without a cancellation fee. Non-refundable tickets, which are commonly purchased due to their lower price, can also be canceled, but instead of a refund, passengers receive a travel credit, often called a flight credit, which can be used for future United flights within a specific validity period.

United has removed change and cancellation fees for most standard economy and premium cabin tickets for flights within the U.S., or originating in the U.S., including international destinations. However, basic economy fares remain more restrictive. Typically, these cannot be changed or canceled after the 24-hour booking window unless United issues a travel waiver due to special circumstances such as severe weather or global events. If you cancel a non-refundable fare and receive a flight credit, you can use it to book a new flight, and the value must be applied before the credit expires. The expiration date usually depends on the date of cancellation or the original ticket purchase.

For award travel booked using United MileagePlus miles, cancellation and redeposit policies also offer flexibility. In many cases, miles can be redeposited and award tickets can be canceled without a fee, especially if the cancellation is made more than 30 days before departure. Elite status members often receive additional benefits, such as waived fees and extended flexibility. Travelers can cancel flights through several methods including the United website, mobile app, or customer service. Using the website or app is often the most efficient way, especially for those who already have a MileagePlus account.

If United Airlines cancels your flight or significantly changes your schedule, you are generally eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment, regardless of fare type. Refund requests can be submitted online, and the processing time may vary, typically taking seven to ten business days for credit card refunds. For other forms of payment, the time may be longer. It is always a good idea to keep records of your ticket number, confirmation email, and any communications with the airline. Understanding the terms at the time of booking can help you avoid surprises in case your plans change. In summary, United Airlines provides a range of options for canceling flights, with a strong focus on customer flexibility for most ticket types. From full refunds on refundable fares to flight credits for non-refundable ones, United makes it relatively simple to manage changes and cancellations.