Can you cancel United flights and get a refund? Yes, United Airlines allows cancellations and refunds under specific conditions depending on the fare type, timing, and reason for cancellation. If a passenger books a ticket and cancels within 24 hours of purchase, United provides a full refund regardless of the fare type, as long as the booking was made at least seven days before the scheduled departure. This 24-hour flexible booking policy applies to all types of tickets, including non-refundable fares. Beyond this 24-hour window, the eligibility for a refund depends on the fare rules associated with the ticket.

Refundable tickets are eligible for a full refund at any time before departure. These fares are generally more expensive but provide flexibility for travelers who may need to change or cancel plans. To request a refund on a refundable fare, passengers can log in to their United Airlines account, visit the “My Trips” section, and follow the prompts to cancel and request a refund. The refund is usually processed back to the original payment method within seven business days if paid by credit card, or within 20 business days if paid by cash or check.

Non-refundable tickets are not eligible for a cash refund unless the flight is canceled by United, there is a significant schedule change, or there are special circumstances such as a medical emergency or the death of a passenger or immediate family member. In such cases, supporting documentation may be required to process the refund request. Otherwise, when canceling a non-refundable ticket, United typically issues a travel credit that can be used for future travel. The travel credit, known as a flight credit or electronic travel certificate, is valid for 12 months from the original issue date.

Basic Economy tickets, the most restrictive fare type, cannot be changed or canceled after the 24-hour booking window, unless covered under United’s travel waivers or in the case of extenuating circumstances. Passengers holding Basic Economy tickets should be aware that no refund or credit is issued for cancellations outside the 24-hour window.

United Airlines may cancel flights due to operational reasons such as weather, mechanical issues, or schedule changes. In these situations, affected passengers are entitled to a full refund if they choose not to be rebooked on another flight. United also provides compensation options such as meal vouchers or hotel accommodations for eligible customers experiencing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline.

To request a refund, passengers can use the “Request a refund” form on the United Airlines website. The form requires the ticket number and other booking details. Refund status can be tracked through the same online portal. Passengers can also contact United’s customer service for help with refund requests.

In summary, passengers can cancel United flights and receive a refund if they cancel within 24 hours of booking or hold a refundable ticket. Non-refundable ticket holders may receive travel credit unless a qualifying exception applies. Refund eligibility depends on the fare rules, timing, and reason for cancellation.