Yes, you can cancel United Airlines flights and get a refund under certain conditions. United’s refund policy depends on the type of ticket purchased and when the cancellation is made. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and your flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later, you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method. This 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets. It offers flexibility for travelers who need to make quick changes after booking or who may have made an error during the reservation process.

Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility. If you purchased a refundable fare, you can cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund with no cancellation fees. The refund is returned to the original form of payment and typically processed within seven business days for credit card transactions. For other payment methods, it may take longer. Refundable fares are usually more expensive but provide peace of mind for travelers who expect their plans to change.

If you bought a non-refundable ticket and cancel after the 24-hour window, you are not eligible for a cash refund. However, United allows you to cancel and retain the ticket’s value as a travel credit, which can be used toward a future flight. The amount of the travel credit is equal to the original ticket price minus any applicable change or cancellation fees, depending on the fare rules at the time of booking. These credits are generally valid for 12 months from the date they were issued and can be applied to a new flight reservation.

For flights booked with United MileagePlus award miles, cancellation is also possible. If you cancel before departure, you can usually have your miles redeposited into your account. Depending on your MileagePlus status and the timing of the cancellation, a fee may apply. However, United has reduced or waived some redeposit fees in recent years, especially for changes made in advance. If you do not show up for your flight, you may forfeit your miles or incur a penalty for redepositing them.

If United cancels your flight due to operational issues, weather, or other reasons beyond your control, you are entitled to a full refund. In such cases, United typically offers passengers the choice between rebooking on a later flight or receiving a refund to the original payment method. This policy applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy, and protects passengers when disruptions occur.

To cancel a flight and request a refund, passengers can visit the United Airlines website or use the mobile app. By accessing the “My Trips” section, you can view your reservation and select the option to cancel. If your ticket is eligible for a refund, the system will provide instructions to complete the request. For non-refundable tickets, a travel credit will be automatically issued once the cancellation is processed.

In conclusion, United Airlines allows refunds in certain situations based on fare type, timing, and reason for cancellation. Passengers who understand these rules can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary losses when canceling their flights.