United Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flights and possibly receive a refund, but whether you get one depends largely on the type of ticket purchased and the timing of your cancellation. The airline has a clear policy that permits customers to cancel their reservation within 24 hours of booking without any penalty, provided that the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days after the booking date. If you cancel within this 24-hour window, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of the fare type or class. This is a standard policy that applies to tickets bought directly from United Airlines, and it offers travelers some flexibility in case their plans change shortly after booking. If you purchased your ticket through a third party, however, you will need to contact the agency directly, as United’s policy may not apply.

If you decide to cancel your flight after the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, the chances of getting a refund vary depending on the ticket class. Refundable tickets are the easiest to manage in this case since they allow you to cancel at any time and receive your money back without any cancellation fees. These tickets are typically more expensive but provide maximum flexibility. For non-refundable tickets, the rules are more restrictive. While you cannot usually get a cash refund for these tickets once the cancellation window has passed, United often offers travel credit for future flights equal to the unused ticket’s value minus any applicable cancellation fees. These fees typically range from $200 for domestic flights to as much as $400 for international routes, but the exact amount can vary depending on the specific fare class and route.

Basic Economy tickets come with the strictest rules. These tickets generally cannot be canceled or changed after the initial 24-hour period, and no refunds or credits are given if you miss your flight or decide to cancel. This ticket type is the most budget-friendly but is designed for travelers who are certain of their plans. It’s important to know these conditions before purchasing Basic Economy fares, as the restrictions are quite firm.

In cases where United Airlines cancels a flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund no matter what kind of ticket they hold. This is in line with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations that require airlines to refund passengers when the carrier cancels a flight or makes significant schedule changes. Likewise, if your flight is delayed significantly—generally more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international flights—you may also be eligible for a refund, depending on the circumstances.

To cancel a flight, you can use United’s official website or mobile app by logging into your account and managing your trips. The cancellation process is straightforward and usually allows you to see any penalties or credits associated with your ticket. Alternatively, you can call United’s customer service for help with cancellations and refunds.

Refunds generally take some time to process. If you paid with a credit card, the refund is typically issued within seven business days but may take a few billing cycles to appear on your statement. Other forms of payment, such as debit cards, PayPal, or vouchers, might require up to 20 business days to complete the refund process.

Overall, United Airlines offers a clear cancellation and refund policy that favors flexibility within the first 24 hours and depends heavily on the ticket type afterward. Understanding these rules and acting quickly can help ensure you get the maximum refund or credit available. Always review the fare conditions at the time of purchase and make cancellations as soon as your plans change to avoid unnecessary fees.