United Airlines does reimburse passengers for canceled flights, with eligibility depending on the circumstances and fare type. If United initiates the cancellation or makes a significant change and you choose not to accept an alternative, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require a prompt cash refund—including all taxes, fees, and optional services—within seven business days for credit card payments (20 days for other methods) (the-sun.com). Similarly, for significant delays—three hours or more domestically and six hours for international travel—the same refund rights apply. United’s own policies align with these rules: its consumer protection plan affirms full refunds for canceled flights or major schedule changes and issues refunds (less any applicable change fees) within the DOT-mandated timelines . Passengers can cancel or refuse rerouting to receive a refund, and United will rebook or refund unused fare portions, including ancillary charges like seat fees or baggage—when requested (united.com).

However, reimbursement for out-of-pocket incidental expenses such as hotels, meals, car rentals, or alternate airline tickets is not guaranteed. United’s responsibility ends with fare-related refunds; passengers seeking compensation for additional expenses must rely on travel insurance, credit card protections, or DOT claims (flightodeals.com). Some passengers recount misleading advice from United agents, followed by denial of reimbursement. One user reported booking a replacement flight on another carrier as instructed, then receiving only partial reimbursement: “They refunded 162 for the cost of the RDU segment, but I’m out $500,” and the airline later refused the rest (reddit.com). Another shared that, after rental car reimbursement was verbally promised, United declined to honor it despite having recorded the conversation (reddit.com). Nevertheless, other travelers received positive outcomes: one received full ticket refunds plus a $200 flight credit when United canceled an international flight (reddit.com).

To improve success, documentation is key: screenshot booking status, record agent communications, file formal refund claims, and escalate to DOT complaints or credit-card chargebacks if necessary (travelsort.com). Frequent posters on r/unitedairlines recommend activism: “keep messaging them every day… shouldn’t take more than one minute per day”, and suggest attaching receipts and screen records. For cancellations within 24 hours of booking, United also provides a full refund regardless of fare type—if booked at least seven days ahead—including refundable and non-refundable Basic Economy fares .

United offers additional accommodations: for controllable cancellations, it will rebook passengers at no additional cost, provide meals if delays exceed three hours, and offer hotel and ground transportation for overnight disruptions (milepro.com). These fall under United’s contract of carriage and DOT-compliant commitments. Refund processing is automated via the website or app, but phone or email follow-up may be needed for incidental reimbursements .

In summary, United reimburses the full cost of canceled flights and significant schedule changes in accordance with DOT regulation, including taxes, fees, and optional services, with speedy refunds to the original payment method; it will not, however, cover incidental expenses unless it voluntarily does so or under specific compensation programs. Passengers are wise to document everything and escalate any refusals via DOT complaints or credit-card chargebacks.