Welcome to the Airlines Policy Hub [email protected]

Do you need to cancel your United Airlines flight ticket? However, you may be getting stressed over the lost value of the ticket. Sometimes sudden situations may require you to cancel your flight tickets and that is completely fine. Therefore, United Airlines cancellation policy can help you find a better alternative. You may require to revoke your flight for various reasons. The airline will provide you a seat on another flight or refund if it satisfies with your reason.

United Airlines does not provide refunds in every situation. You can only get it if you meet the airline criterias. So, this article will help you recognize ways to make the cancellation fruitful for you. Here, you will get all the information on cancellation policies, process and fees related to it.

What is the Cancellation Policy for United Airlines?

United Airlines provides easy cancellation to its passengers. But, before that, you have to go through some important terms and conditions:

  • United Airlines allows free cancellation till 24-hour of booking the ticket. But at least 7 days must be there for flight departure. 
  • You can get the above free cancellation on all fare types.
  • United Airlines does not allow ticket cancellation on basic economy tickets after 24-hour window.

Non Refundable Ticket Cancellation:

  • The airline charges a cancellation fee for revoking a non refundable ticket after 24-hour of ticket reservation.

  • The charges differ with the flight type or travel class. 
  • The airline provides the remaining amount in the form of travel credit. 
  • The travel credit expires in one year. So, you must use that in the said time limit. 

Award Ticket Cancellation:

United Airlines always treats the award tickets differently. Therefore, whenever you cancel an award ticket, the cancellation fee depends on the membership status. 

Note: You will get compensation when the airline cancels your ticket.

What Does a 24-Hour Cancellation Policy on United Airlines Means?

Under United Airlines cancellation policy 24 hour, one can cancel their ticket in twenty four hour of purchase. The airline will not ask for a fee.  However, there are some rules for it:

  • You should reserve a ticket a minimum of seven days prior to flight departure. 
  • Cancel your ticket in 24-hour of completing the ticket booking. 
  • For Basic Economy ticket or flight booking using money and miles, you can not make the modifications. But you can revoke it for a full refund. 

Note: The above policy is not applicable to group tickets. It does not cover the ticket held and not purchased.

How to Cancel a Flight on United Airlines?

United Airlines provides multiple ways to cancel a ticket. Therefore, you can choose from the online and offline ways to do it. 

Via Website or United App

  • Visit United Airlines website
  • Provide the login information like PNR and last name. 
  • Search for “My Trips” option.
  • Select a flight for which you need cancellation.
  • Then, click on “Cancel flight” button.
  • Further,choose the “Confirm Cancellation” option.
  • Next, the airline gives you a refund in cash or travel credit. 

Via United Agent

You can also talk to a live agent at 1-800-864-8331 for flight cancellation. To connect, you can follow the below process. 

  • Dial the United Airlines phone number.
  • Listen to the IVR commands.
  • Press the key matching your requirement.
  • Press 1 for a refund .
  • Press 2 for latest flight deals.
  • Press 3 for flight cancellation.
  • Press 4 to get in touch with an executive.
  • Further, share your concern with the person. Provide the requested information to the person. 
  • The agent will complete the cancellation process for you and initiate the refund if eligible. 

At the Airport

  • You can also cancel your ticket on reaching the airport before check in. 
  • Go to the United Airlines helpdesk.
  • Share your concern with the agent.
  • The agent will help you cancel your ticket.
  • Provide him your ticket details.
  • The agent will check if you satisfy the requirements for refund or not. 
  • You will get the refund to the original payment source.

How Much Does United Charge to Cancel a Flight?

United Airlines does not charge for revoking ticket in 24-hour of reservation. But you may need to pay a United Airlines cancel flight fee if you cancel a ticket after 24-hour window.The fee differs with the fare types and timing of cancellation. 

Note: Check out the latest cancellation fee from the United Airlines website.

United Airlines Refund Policy

United Airlines has a very simple refund policy. The airline gives you a refund when you satisfy its conditions. Therefore, check out the below information for a refund from the airline:

  • United Airlines allows you full refund on all ticket types when you cancel it in 24 hours of itinerary booking. Also, seven days should be there on departure. 
  • The airline will not refund for basic economy tickets after a twenty-hour window.
  • You will get a full refund for all refundable tickets in all conditions.
  • The refund can take around seven days when payment is made through credit cards. However, for other forms of payments, it can take around twenty days. 
  • The airline will provide the travel credit as refund for non refundable tickets when cancelled after 24-hour. However, there is a cancellation fee for that. 

Note: United Airlines does not refund the FareLock fees that you may have paid to hold the ticket.

How to Get a Refund for Cancellation from United Airlines?

United Airlines provides you various ways to request a refund. Therefore, you can select any of them as per your comfort.

Through Website

  • Visit United website in the browser.
  • Go to “Manage Booking” section.
  • Enter the PNR or booking number and last name. 
  • Then, choose the flight that you want to cancel.
  • Click on “Cancel the Flight” option.
  • Next, choose from various ways to get the refund(in travel credit or to the original source)
  • Finally, click on “Get a Refund” button.
  • The airline will further check your eligibility and accordingly process the refund.

Through Refund Request Form

You can also claim the refund by filling out the form available on the United Airlines website. Therefore, check out the steps below:

  • Open United Airlines website
  • Go to the refund request form.
  • Select the flight you want a refund for.
  • Check the options that United Airlines offers. 
  • Provide the correct contact details. 
  • Click on “Confirm” button.
  • The airline will send you a notification on receiving your request. Further the airline will initiate the refund when you meet the requirements.

Contact an Agent

You can also call the United Airlines phone number and talk to an agent. The agent will help you understand all scenarios for the refund. Further, it processes the refund to the chosen source of payment.

What is United Fully Refundable?

A fully refundable ticket on United means those tickets that get you a full refund if unexpected changes in the plan occur. United Airlines may not provide a fully refundable feature for all fare types. Therefore, check those things in advance.   

Further, refundable tickets cost more than nonrefundable tickets. But they offer convenience. It provides you a full refund even if you cancel them after 24 hours after reservation. Therefore, you have the freedom to make changes to your plans till flight departure. 

Apart from that, it can take around seven days to process the refund by United Airlines credit/debit card payments. However, payment made through check or cash can take around 20 days. 

How do I Know If my United Ticket is Refundable?

Want to know if a United ticket is refundable or not? Then, check booking confirmation mail or call United Airlines at 1-800-864-8331.  
Alternatively, log in to your United MileagePlus account to check the booking information. 

Apart from that, United Airlines considers all tickets fully refundable if canceled inside 24 hours after reservation. But make sure that you have booked the ticket seven days before flight departure. 

Does United Pay You If They Cancel Your Flight?

Yes. United Airlines will pay you when they cancel your flight. Therefore, you can request for refund irrespective of the reason for cancellation.  The airline may also provide you the option to rebook. However, if you do not accept the offer, then refund is definitely an option for you. 

Beside that, United Airlines may not repay you for expenses like stay, meals, or other services. However, you can receive compensation if the airline does not inform you of the cancellation 14 days prior to the flight departure. 

Conclusion

Get an understanding of the above United Airlines cancellation policy to receive the full value of your ticket back. United Airlines makes its best efforts to help its passengers. Still, there may be times when the airline is unable to help you. So, try to avoid ticket cancellation as long as possible. You can also use different mediums to connect with an airline agent for your queries.

Read More Topics

United Airlines Missed Flight Policy
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors
United Airlines Cancellation Policy
United Airlines Baggage Policy
United Airlines Name Change Policy
United Airlines Seat Selection

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What is a Fully Refundable Ticket on United?

United fully refundable ticket means that you can cancel your flight for cash. You can buy fully refundable tickets on all fare classes except basic economy.

Is the Economy Plus Fully Refundable on United?

You can get full refund on united airlines only when you cancel it in 24-hour of reservation or bought a refundable ticket. The airline does not refund when you upgrade from basic economy to economy plus.

Can I Cancel My United Flight Without Penalty?

Yes. You can cancel your united flight without charges when you cancel it in 24-hour of completing the ticket booking.

Does United Pay You if They Cancel Your Flight?

Yes. United airlines at first tries to accommodate you on another flight. However, if you do not accept the option, the airline provides you a full refund.

How Late Can I Cancel My United Flight?

You can cancel a united flight anytime before check-in. However, a cancellation fee is applicable when you cancel it after 24 hour of ticket reservation.
Airlinepolicy.com is a third-party website that provides the details about the various Policies of the Airlines. Know, We are not affiliated with any airlines or other OTAs. By using our website, ensure that we are not answerable for any loss or damage incurred by contacting us. If you want to get any further details on our Privacy Policy or Disclaimer, Feel Free to contact us.