United Airlines has a clear and straightforward cancellation policy, but the specifics of how it works depend on several factors, such as the type of ticket you purchased and the circumstances surrounding your cancellation. Whether you need to cancel due to a change in your plans or a flight cancellation by the airline, understanding United’s policy can help you navigate the process smoothly.
United Airlines offers a 24-hour cancellation policy, which allows passengers to cancel their flight without a penalty if the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of booking. This applies to all fares, including both refundable and non-refundable tickets, as long as your flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later. If you cancel within this window, you will receive a full refund to your original form of payment, and there will be no cancellation fees involved. This policy is a great safety net for passengers who change their minds shortly after booking.
For non-refundable tickets, United Airlines has a specific approach to cancellations. If you cancel your flight after the 24-hour period and you have a non-refundable ticket, you won’t receive a cash refund. Instead, you may be eligible for a travel credit. This credit can be used for future travel with United Airlines, but it typically comes with an expiration date (usually one year from the date of purchase). The credit amount will usually be equal to the value of the original ticket, minus any cancellation fees that apply.
If your non-refundable ticket was booked as part of a special offer or promotion, the cancellation policies and travel credit rules may differ, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the terms at the time of booking.
If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight at any time and receive a full refund. There are no cancellation fees, and you are entitled to a refund regardless of when you cancel. Refundable tickets are more expensive than non-refundable tickets, but they offer much more flexibility if you need to change or cancel your travel plans. This is especially useful for travelers who have uncertain schedules or may need to cancel for personal reasons.
If you want to change your flight rather than cancel it outright, United Airlines allows you to do so, but there will likely be a change fee. The amount of the change fee depends on your fare class and the timing of the change. For example, if you change your flight far in advance, you may be able to avoid high fees. However, if you make changes closer to your departure date, the fees are usually higher, especially for basic fares. If your new flight costs more than the original one, you’ll need to pay the difference in fare as well.
For travelers who want flexibility, purchasing a premium fare (like United’s Flexible or Business Class) may reduce or eliminate change fees.
If United Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of the type of ticket you have. United typically offers passengers several options when the airline cancels a flight. You can either:
Request a full refund to your original payment method, or
Rebook on the next available flight without additional charges.
If your flight cancellation is due to reasons within United’s control, such as mechanical issues or crew shortages, the airline may also offer additional compensation like meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or other services, especially if the cancellation leads to significant delays.
In cases of weather-related cancellations or other events outside of the airline’s control, United Airlines is not required to offer a refund, though they may assist with rebooking. United often works with passengers to find alternative flights or accommodations, especially if the cancellation causes long delays.
United Airlines’ cancellation policy gives passengers flexibility, especially with the 24-hour cancellation window, where you can cancel without a fee. If you need to cancel a non-refundable ticket, you won’t get your money back, but you can use the value toward a future flight with a travel credit. Refundable tickets, on the other hand, offer full refunds with no penalties. Always review the terms and conditions of your ticket before booking to ensure you’re aware of your options if your plans change.