United Airlines allows passengers to cancel flights and possibly receive a refund, but the specifics depend on the type of ticket purchased and when the cancellation occurs. One of the most important policies is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule. If you book a ticket directly through United and cancel within 24 hours of purchase, you are eligible for a full refund regardless of the ticket type, as long as the booking was made at least seven days before the flight’s departure date. This rule applies to all fare classes, including Basic Economy, which normally has strict no-refund and no-change restrictions. However, once the 24-hour window passes, the ability to get a refund changes significantly depending on the fare type. For Basic Economy tickets, cancellation and refunds are generally not allowed after the initial 24-hour period, so these tickets are essentially non-refundable. For standard non-refundable tickets, if you cancel after 24 hours, you will typically be charged a cancellation fee, which can vary based on whether the flight is domestic or international and the fare class. These fees usually range from around $200 for domestic flights to higher amounts for international ones. After paying the cancellation fee, the remaining value of the ticket is converted into a travel credit that can be used toward future travel with United, and this credit is valid for one year from the original ticket’s issue date. On the other hand, refundable tickets provide more flexibility. If you have purchased a refundable fare, you can cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund back to your original form of payment. The refund process typically takes several days, often up to a week for credit card payments, but it may take longer for other payment methods. Additionally, if you booked your flight using United’s MileagePlus miles, you can cancel and have your miles redeposited to your account. However, there are fees associated with canceling award tickets if you do not show up for your flight. United charges a redeposit fee in such cases, which is generally around $125. To cancel your flight, you can go to United Airlines’ official website and manage your booking online or contact United’s customer service directly. It is always recommended to review the specific fare rules that apply to your ticket before attempting to cancel because policies may vary slightly depending on the ticket conditions and any changes United may implement. In situations like flight disruptions or emergencies, United may offer additional options or waivers for cancellations and refunds. It is also important to note that if you booked your flight through a third-party website or travel agent, you will need to follow their cancellation policies, which might be different from United’s. Overall, understanding the type of ticket you have and the timing of your cancellation are key factors in determining whether you can get a refund or only receive travel credit when canceling a United Airlines flight.