Yes, you can cancel United Airlines flights and receive a refund, but whether you get your money back depends on several factors, including the type of ticket you purchased, the timing of the cancellation, and the reason for canceling. United offers a 24-hour flexible cancellation policy that allows all customers to cancel their reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the ticket was purchased at least seven days before departure. This applies even to non-refundable fares, making it one of the most accessible ways to receive a full refund on any type of United ticket.

If you purchased a refundable ticket, canceling the flight is straightforward. You can cancel at any time before the flight’s departure and request a full refund to your original payment method. Refundable tickets are typically more expensive but offer the advantage of maximum flexibility. Once canceled, United processes the refund and it usually takes about seven business days to reflect on credit card statements, while other forms of payment may take up to twenty business days.

Non-refundable tickets are more limited in terms of refund eligibility. Outside the 24-hour window, canceling a non-refundable ticket does not qualify for a cash refund. Instead, United typically offers a travel credit for the unused value of the ticket, minus any applicable change or cancellation fees. This travel credit can be used toward future United flights and is generally valid for one year from the date the ticket was originally issued. In recent years, United has eliminated change fees for many types of non-refundable tickets on domestic and select international flights, but cancellation policies may still apply.

Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive fare type offered by United. These tickets are non-refundable and generally cannot be changed after the 24-hour grace period. If you cancel a Basic Economy ticket beyond that initial 24-hour period, you will not receive a refund or credit unless your flight is canceled by the airline or you qualify for an exception under a special circumstance.

If United Airlines cancels your flight or significantly changes your itinerary, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of your fare type. This includes Basic Economy and non-refundable tickets. In such cases, United may also offer the option to rebook on a different flight at no additional cost. This is considered an involuntary cancellation, and passengers have the right to choose between rebooking and receiving a full refund.

Special circumstances such as illness, jury duty, or a death in the family may also qualify for an exception to the refund policy. In these cases, United may require supporting documentation and will review requests on a case-by-case basis. To request a refund or cancel your flight, you can log into your United account on the website or app, go to “My Trips,” and follow the prompts to cancel your booking and check refund eligibility. You may also contact United’s customer service if you need help with the cancellation process.

In summary, canceling United flights and receiving a refund is possible under certain conditions. Refundable tickets and cancellations within 24 hours of booking are eligible for full refunds, while non-refundable and Basic Economy fares may be eligible for credits or refunds only under limited circumstances.