United Airlines has a clear and structured cancellation policy that helps travelers understand their options if plans change. One of the most helpful parts of the policy is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule. If you book a flight directly with United and your travel date is at least seven days away, you can cancel your reservation within 24 hours of purchase and get a full refund to your original form of payment. This rule applies to most tickets, including non-refundable ones, giving passengers peace of mind after booking. After the 24-hour period, the ability to cancel and receive a refund depends on the type of ticket you purchased. If you have a refundable ticket, you can cancel anytime before departure and receive a full refund with no cancellation fee. For non-refundable tickets, you will not receive a cash refund, but you can cancel your flight and get a travel credit, which can be used toward future travel with United. Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive and do not allow changes or cancellations after the 24-hour grace period. If your flight is canceled by United or if there is a significant schedule change—such as a delay of three hours or more for domestic flights or six hours or more for international flights—you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of the fare type. This refund includes the ticket cost, taxes, baggage fees, and any optional extras you paid for. Refunds are usually issued within seven business days for credit or debit card purchases and within twenty days for other payment types. If you booked using miles, United will return the miles to your account, though there may be a redeposit fee depending on when you cancel. Travelers can cancel their flights and request refunds by using the United Airlines website or mobile app under the Manage Trips section. It's important to understand that United typically does not reimburse costs like hotel stays, meals, or transportation related to delays or cancellations unless required by law. To get coverage for those types of expenses, passengers may consider travel insurance or credit card travel benefits. While United may offer flight credits or travel vouchers in some cases, passengers have the right to request a cash refund if the airline cancels the flight or makes major changes. Overall, United Airlines’ cancellation policy offers flexibility, especially with the 24-hour risk-free rule and the option to use travel credits on future bookings. Knowing your fare type and how it affects your refund or credit options is key to managing your travel plans smoothly. United’s policy is designed to provide fair options while encouraging travelers to book with confidence.