United Airlines offers a cancellation policy that aims to provide flexibility and convenience for travelers dealing with changes in their plans. If you book a flight and need to cancel it within 24 hours, United allows you to do so without penalty, provided the reservation was made at least a week before the scheduled departure. This 24-hour risk-free cancellation applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy. After this period, the cancellation policy varies based on the fare class of the ticket. For non-refundable tickets, passengers are generally not eligible for a cash refund, but they can cancel the flight and receive a flight credit, which can be used toward a future trip. These flight credits are usually valid for 12 months from the original ticket issue date, though the expiration period may vary depending on specific circumstances. Refundable tickets offer more flexibility, allowing travelers to cancel at any time and receive a full refund to their original form of payment. United has eliminated change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for domestic flights and international flights departing from the United States, but this does not apply to Basic Economy tickets unless the airline cancels the flight or there is a significant change to the schedule. Basic Economy fares are generally not eligible for voluntary changes or cancellations. However, if the flight is significantly delayed, rescheduled, or canceled by United, passengers may be eligible for a refund or alternative travel arrangements. Cancellations and changes can be managed online through the United website or mobile app by logging into the "My Trips" section. It is recommended to have the confirmation number and traveler information ready for a smoother process. Refunds, if applicable, are usually processed within seven business days to the original method of payment. If a flight was booked using United MileagePlus miles, and the ticket is canceled, the miles are typically redeposited into the account, and any taxes or fees paid are refunded. For travelers who purchased extras such as seat upgrades or baggage allowances, refunds for these services depend on the fare conditions and whether the ticket itself is refundable. United also offers optional travel insurance which may cover cancellation for reasons such as illness, emergencies, or other unexpected events, based on the policy’s terms and conditions. In some cases, United issues travel waivers during weather disruptions or other extraordinary events, allowing passengers to cancel or rebook flights without penalties. Elite status members in the MileagePlus program may receive added flexibility, such as waived fees or extended credit expiration. For tickets involving codeshare or partner airlines, cancellation policies may differ and it is important to review specific fare rules at the time of booking. Understanding United’s cancellation policy in advance helps travelers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs. United encourages passengers to review their booking details and terms carefully, and to act promptly when changes to travel plans occur in order to maximize flexibility and minimize inconvenience.