United Airlines maintains a detailed cancellation and change policy designed to offer flexibility and clarity for travelers. The foundational element is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule, which applies to tickets purchased directly through United’s official channels—website, mobile app, contact center, or ticket counters—for travel originating in the United States or Canada and departing at least seven days later. Under this rule, all fare types—including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and premium cabins—qualify for a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, with credit card refunds typically processing within seven business days and other forms up to twenty days .
After the 24-hour window, cancellation policies vary by fare class:
Basic Economy tickets are completely non-refundable and non-changeable, except within the 24-hour grace period.
Main Cabin, Core, and higher non-refundable fares can be canceled after the window without a fee, but will receive travel credit for the unused ticket value, valid for future use, with cancellation typically resulting in an eCredit rather than a cash refund .
Refundable fares maintain full refund eligibility at any time prior to departure, with the full amount returned to the original payment method.
Award tickets (booked with MileagePlus miles) can be canceled at any time before departure with no redeposit fee; taxes and fees are refunded to the original payment form, but a $125 no-show redeposit fee applies if the passenger fails to check in or board.
United has eliminated change fees for nearly all tickets (excluding Basic Economy and some international fares). Passengers who change their flight receive the difference refunded or charged, with no additional fee . Same-day flight changes are often available, especially for elite members, typically without extra cost .
When United cancels or significantly changes a flight—for instance, delays of three hours or more domestically, six hours internationally, airport changes, or class downgrades—passengers are automatically eligible for a full refund to their original form of payment. This aligns with U.S. DOT requirements and United’s internal policy.
For Basic Economy tickets impacted by cancellation or schedule change initiated by the airline, U.S. DOT regulations mandate a refund if the passenger opts not to travel, though United has occasionally resisted acknowledging this for Basic Economy, requiring passengers to push their case (reddit.com).
Passengers seeking a refund can cancel online via the “My Trips” section, through the app, by calling customer service, or by submitting a refund request form. Any refunds or credits are processed automatically if eligibility is clear; otherwise, passengers may need to follow up .
In the event of missed flights or no-shows on award tickets, United charges a $125 redeposit fee, even for elite members .
United supports special circumstances such as illness, jury duty, or bereavement by offering refunds or waiving fees upon provision of documentation.
Passengers are encouraged to keep records of cancellation confirmations and monitor refund timing. If refunds are delayed or disputed, they may contact United customer service or escalate through official channels such as credit card chargebacks or DOT complaints (flyingdada.com).
In summary, United Airlines provides a clear and structured cancellation policy—full refunds within 24 hours, no change fees for most fare types, travel credits for non-refundable tickets, refund rights for significant changes, and award ticket flexibility—designed to balance customer flexibility with fare-type structure.