What Is United Airlines Cancellation Policy?

Understanding United Airlines’ cancellation policy is crucial for passengers who face sudden changes to their plans. This guide answers questions about canceling flights with United Airlines, covering everything in detail from fare-specific policy to refunds and international cancellation guidelines. 

What Is United Airlines’ Cancellation Policy for Basic Economy Fares?

United’s Basic Economy fares are the most restricted and the cheapest fare. Passengers who have booked a fare aren’t permitted to cancel. The only option is to cancel a flight and rebook a new flight schedule. Also,

• If you cancel within 24 hours of purchase, you can claim a full refund.
• After 24 hours, no refund can be claimed.
• Refunds are processed to the original method of payment within 7 business days.

Can I Get a Refund for My Economy Plus Seat Upgrade?

As per United Airlines’ cancellation policy, passengers will receive a refund in the following scenarios:

• Cancel within 1 day of booking to claim a full refund. 
• The reservation is eligible for a flight change as well as a seat upgrade.

What Does the United Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy Include?

United Airlines offers a 24-hour cancellation that offers a full refund of the booking value if these conditions are met: 

• The flight must be purchased at least 7 days before departure.
• The reservation must be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase.
• United Airlines 24 24-hour cancellation policy is applicable for flights booked through United’s official website, mobile app, ticket office, airport counter, and contact centre. 

The policy has certain limitations, such as:

• It does not allow partial cancellations.
• Group bookings are not permitted to cancel the flight within 24 hours.
• Add-ons like e-Certificates and FareLock® are non-refundable. 
• Any flight reservation that is on hold and has not yet been paid is not covered. 

How Much Are the United Airlines Cancellation Fees?

All passengers have the option to cancel the United flight booking within 24 hours of purchase; it must be booked at least 7 days in advance to avoid a penalty. 

After 24 hours, the United Airlines cancellation fee would be:

Ticket Type	Cancellation Fee
Basic Economy	Not permitted
Non-Refundable	Free– you’ll receive a future travel credit
Refundable	$0 – you’ll receive a full refund
Award Ticket	Free

Below is the United Airlines cancellation fee applicable for the reservation booked with Award Miles:

Tier	Canceling with Redeposit	No-Show Fee
General Member	Free	125 USD
Premier Silver	Free	125 USD
Premier Gold	Free	125 USD
Premier Platinum	Free	125 USD
Premier 1K	Free	125 USD

How To Cancel a United Flight?

You can cancel a United Airlines reservation online through the United Airlines’ official website or via Customer Support.

United flight cancellation online: Follow these steps:

• Go to the United Airlines’ home page and select “My Trips.”

• On the next page, enter the 6-character confirmation number and the passengers’ last name..

• Click on the Search button to continue.
• Once you retrieve your booking page, select the flight itinerary that needs to be canceled. 
• Select the flight segment. You will see the refund for the flight alongside the cancellation fee on the checkout page.
• Select the ‘Cancel flight’ button, and the confirmation will be sent to the passengers’ registered email. 

Flight cancellation over the phone: If you speak English, you can seek a flight cancellation by calling 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). And follow these steps:

• Follow the automated prompts and select the option related to existing reservations or cancellations.
• Have your confirmation number, full name, and flight details ready to offer to the United Airlines agent.
• Request that you would like to cancel the flight. The agent will check the fare rules for your reservation and inform you about any refunds.
• Ask the representative to confirm and email you a cancellation receipt. 
• Log in to your United account or check your email to track your refund with United Airlines. 

How Can I Request a Refund of a United Airlines Booking with Award Miles?

If you cancel a flight booked with award miles, you can request a redeposit of those redeemed miles back to your Award Miles account. Here’s how:

• Go to the My Trips section on United.com or the mobile app. 
• Alternatively, you can contact the MileagePlus Service Center for previously cancelled trips.

When booking a United through through Award Miles, here are the important points to consider:

• Miles would be redeposited back to your account from which it was originally redeemed.
• In case of a no-show, a 125 USD United Airlines cancellation fee would be applicable, and is non-refundable. 

What are my options if the United Airlines flight is delayed, canceled, or missed?

In case your flight is cancelled, delayed for over an hour, or a passenger misses a flight connection, here’s what you can do:

• Use the United app or website and log in with your booking reference via My Trips. Select the alternate flights.
• Speak to the United flight representative to have your checked baggage redirected to the new flight.
• Also, on the My Trips page, check your eligibility for a hotel and meal voucher. Also, check if you’re eligible for any compensation.
• You can contact United Airlines at the check-in counter at the airport, Customer Support number within 24 hours of departure.

Am I Eligible for a Refund If My Flight Is Delayed or Disrupted?

Yes, in a situation where your flight is delayed for 3 hours or more, or your flight is cancelled by the airlines within 2 weeks of scheduled departure, you can receive a refund:

• A full refund is entitled on the unused portion of the ticket if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel. 
• The waiver would be offered for the United Airlines change fee if the flights are disrupted.
• Refunds are also available if the international flights are delayed by 6 hours or more. 
• Full refunds if the originally booked class of service is downgraded or there are significant airport changes or additional stops. 

For passengers with disabilities: Refunds apply to the aircraft or airport that reduces the accessible facilities for disabled passengers.

Will I Be Refunded for Add-on Services Like Wi-Fi or Preferred Seating?

Yes, if passengers have paid for onboard services with United Airlines, like Wi-Fi or preferred seating, and didn’t receive them due to a flight disruption, passengers are eligible for a full refund. 

What is United Airlines’ Refund Policy?

United Airlines offers refunds only for the unused portion and credits back to the original method of payment. In addition:

• Credit card refunds are processed within 7 business days; other payment methods like cash or bank transfers may take up to 20 business days.
• If a United Airlines reservation qualifies for a refund within 24 hours, the full refund may apply.

What Are the General Rules for Canceling a United Airlines Flight?

United Airlines offers flexible cancellation with specific guidelines depending on when and how passengers book a flight ticket. The United Airlines 24-hour cancellation allows penalty-free cancellation. 

What Are the Refund Rules for United Airlines Flight Tickets Purchased in Other Countries?

United Airlines’ refund policy varies with the country where the ticket is purchased as well as the country is origin. For instance:

Argentina: Refunds are applicable for refundable fares only. 

Columbia: Passengers can cancel up to 24 hours before departure, with 10% of the booking value applied as United Airlines cancellation fees. In addition

• If passengers cancel within 5 days before departure, a full refund is offered. No camcellation fee is applied. 

France: Passengers need to fill out the refund request form. Refunds can only be claimed on the unused taxes and airport fees. Refunds are processed within 14 business days. 

Taiwan: Taiwan has a consumer protection law that gives its passengers 7 days to request a full refund. The 7-day refund does not apply to international travel. 

• So, if you’re booking an international flight from Taiwan (like Taipei to Los Angeles), you don’t get a guaranteed 7-day refund.

What Happens If I Cancel a United Flight Due to Unplanned Events?

Passengers who are unable to travel due to a sudden change in their travel plans within one year of flight booking, thet can claim a refund. However, a refund is eligible under the following circumstances:

• Death of the traveler, a companion, or an immediate family member.
• Jury duty clashes with the travel dates.
• Serious illness of the passengers or an immediate family member.
• Any military order that impacts travel.

As per United Airlines’ cancellation policy, refunds can only be claimed if the passenger submits one of the following documents:

• A death certificate or relationship proof in case of an immediate family member.
• Attested doctor’s letter on official letterhead.
• A copy of the summons.
• A copy of the official military orders.

Note: United Airlines flights booked with gift certificates will be refunded as travel credit. In such circumstances, the change fee may be waived.

Also Read: What is British Airways Cancellation Policy?

How Are Refunds Handled for Reissued or Partially Used United Airlines Tickets?

If you’ve some segments in a multi-city itinerary:

• Refund is calculated based on the original ticket price, United Airlines cancellation fees, and the cost of the flown flight segment.
• Passengers must submit the request via United Airlines’ website or United’s Customer Contact Centre.

Conclusion

United Airlines’ cancellation policy offers flexibility from 2424-hours cancellation to coverage under flight disruptions and other unplanned events. Whether you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, using award miles, or booking internationally, understanding these cancellation rules will empower you to make informed decisions. For personalised assistance, you can also contact United’s Customer Contact Center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)