Canceling a flight can be stressful — but if you’re a United Airlines flyer, knowing the airline’s cancellation policy can make it a breeze. Whether you unexpectedly changed plans or just want to reschedule, this post explains United’s rules simply and concisely so you can make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Can You Cancel a United Airlines Flight?
Yes, it is possible to cancel a flight on United Airlines. Both refundable and non-refundable fares are available, and what you can get back depends on whether you purchased a refundable or non-refundable ticket. But here’s the good news: even non-refundable tickets are usually cancellable under specific circumstances.
24-Hour Flexible Cancellation Policy
If you’ve already booked a flight and need to change your mind in a hurry, United’s 24-hour cancellation policy has got you covered. The carrier lets you cancel any ticket (yes, even a Basic Economy ticket) within 24 hours of booking — so long as the flight was bought at least 7 days prior to departure.
You’ll receive your full refund back to your original payment method. No fees, no hassle.
If You Cancel Within 24 Hours
This is where things get different based on your ticket type:
Non-Refundable Tickets
You will not receive cash back, but the value of your ticket gets saved as a flight credit. The credit can be utilized for future travel on United.
A change fee could apply based on your destination, but United has eliminated a lot of domestic change fees, so it’s more flexible than it used to be.
Refundable Tickets
You can get a full cash refund when you cancel prior to departure.
We refund to the original form of payment, normally within 7–10 business days.
How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight
It’s simple to cancel your flight and there are several ways to do it:
Online at united.com:
Sign in to your account or enter your confirmation number.
United app:
Go to “My Trips” and select cancel.
Customer service:
Call if you require assistance with rebooking or have an intricate itinerary.
Always ensure that you’re canceling within the 24-hour timeframe or applying a flight credit toward it.
How Refunds Are Issued
United normally issues refunds:
- To your initial form of payment (if qualified)
- Or as a flight credit or travel certificate If United cancels your flight or makes a significant change to your schedule, you’re eligible for a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets.
Cancellation of Award Tickets (MileagePlus)
You booked your flight with miles? Good news — cancellation of award tickets also remains flexible.
United waives redeposit fees on most award flights in the event of advance cancellation.
Miles are quickly returned to your MileagePlus account — usually within 48 hours.
When Will You Receive a Full Refund?
You’re eligible for a full refund if:
- You cancel within 24 hours of making the booking
- You bought a refundable ticket
- Your flight was canceled or re-scheduled by United
- You’re denied boarding by choice
Thoughts on Canceling Your United Flight
Learning the United Airlines policy of cancellations can save you time, stress, and money. No matter if you’re facing a change of plans or just need to have peace of mind, United provides more flexibility than most passengers anticipate — particularly with their no-change-fee policy on the majority of domestic flights.
So don’t panic yet; take a glance at your ticket type and discover what you can do. Most likely, you’ll be able to find a solution that fits.
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