United Airlines’ cancellation policy depends on the type of ticket you purchased. If you cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking and the departure is at least seven days away, you are eligible for a full refund for any ticket type. After this 24-hour window, Basic Economy tickets cannot be canceled or changed unless during that initial period. Non-refundable tickets can be canceled, but instead of a refund, you will receive a travel credit for the value of the ticket minus any applicable fees, which can be used toward a future United flight. Refundable tickets can be canceled at any time before departure for a full refund to the original form of payment. If United Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund no matter what kind of ticket you have. Award tickets booked using miles can be canceled without a fee in most cases, but if you do not show up for your flight and do not cancel, you may be charged a no-show fee. You can cancel your flight online through your United account or by contacting customer service. Refunds for credit card purchases usually take about seven business days, and other forms of payment may take up to 20 calendar days. In cases like illness or death, United may allow exceptions and issue a full refund with the proper documentation. Understanding the ticket rules and acting quickly helps avoid losing money. Always check the fare conditions when booking to know what kind of flexibility your ticket offers.