Confirmed or scheduled flights can be reversed with the United Airlines cancellation policy. It requires the application of certain rules to cancel different tickets, including refundable and non-refundable ones. Considering the ticket type, refunds can be accessed, under a certain eligibility criterion. For MileagePlus and such members, the rules and criteria may slightly vary.
What are the United Airlines Cancellation Policies?
In certain instances, the passengers may want to use United Airlines cancel flight service. For that reason, this policy plays a significant role. It provides travelers with a simple cancellation process by following its rules.
- United Cancellation policy only applies to flights that are purchased from:
- The website
- Ticket counter
- Customer help center
- When the ticket is booked by utilizing the United gift voucher, he/she may receive a digital travel coupon in exchange for money.
- Given that you don’t finish United check-in promptly, this carrier won’t be responsible for refunding payments.
- Whenever it comes to booking, the airline has separated tickets into 2 categories:
- Non-refundable tickets
- Refundable bookings
For United Airlines Fully Refundable Tickets
- You can cancel your flight at any time.
- In this case, you will receive a full refund too.
United Non Refundable Ticket Policy
- A flyer can only cancel these within 24 hours after purchasing them.
- You may not get the money back either.
- Nevertheless, you may use the money to reserve your new flight.
How does the United 24 Hour Cancellation Policy work?
United Airlines have 24 hour cancellation policy. It is for those travelers who do not intend their journey to proceed with the carrier due to varying reasons.
- It allows you to cancel your flight within 24 hours of your booking.
- When a flier purchases a ticket, the 24 hours duration will commence.
- It includes canceling your reservation.
- With this, it is easier to receive a full refund.
- Additionally, it gives you access to a risk-free period, suitable for most fliers.
- This policy can be applied when you have reserved your flight through the:
- Airport ticket kiosks
- Customer assistance center
- Official site of this operator
Note: All the money-back requests may be processed in the actual mode of payment except the ticket reserved with a United gift voucher.
For Basic Economy Fliers
- Cancel your trip within twenty-four hours.
- Ensure that a week is left before the departure time.
- You can get the entire refund.
United Airlines Cancellation Policy for Miles Members:
- Users of Money + Miles cannot use this policy.
- But those who have a membership of MileagePlus can cancel a trip and reserve a new one.
Limitations of this Feature:
- The tickets bought by passengers with e-certificates may not be eligible under this.
- Money and Miles flight tickets cannot be revoked.
What is the United Cancellation Policy for the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Sometimes, coronavirus regulations may affect the travel arrangements of flyers. It may lead to the revocation of their reservations too. To avoid such circumstances, the United Covid cancellation policy has been created. It assists travelers during their medical emergencies.
As a part of this framework:
- There may not be a cancellation fee for the flights reversed.
- A flyer can ask for a complete refund or money-back of the ticket.
- Or, the ticket can be used to travel in the future.
How to Cancel United Flight ticket?
Passengers have a number of approaches to using the cancel flight option provided by this carrier. They can cancel the flights by using the online process with ease. Or else, they can contact the airline. Additionally, they can also visit the airport counter and cancel the reservation.
Method 1: Cancel United Flight Via Website
As per the United flight cancellation policy, a passenger can revoke his or her flight by navigating to the airline’s site. By utilizing the My Trips option, you can easily cancel your flight with United. Post providing information to the operator, you can reverse your flight in some time.
The following are the detailed steps for using the canceled flight option:
- Login to the United Airlines website.
- Select the “My Trips” section.
- Then, Fill in the details:
- “Surname”
- “Confirmation Code”
- Click on the “Search” option.
- Now, Select the flight that you want to cancel.
- Further, you can reverse the flight by using the “Cancel” tab next to it.
- You will receive a confirmation message as soon as your booking is canceled on your registered email ID.
Note: Always check the information of the flight twice while deciding to cancel.
Method 2: Canceling a flight on United Through Calling
In a few situations, for some passengers, contacting the airline offline to revoke their reservations is preferable. By using this option, an agent will connect with you personally. Then you can ask for the flight cancellations service.
Tip: This option is helpful for the last-minute cancellation of a booking.
- Once you connect with the personnel via call, ask him/her to cancel your trip.
- Provide the details regarding your booking such as the:
- Entire name
- Confirmation code
- Flight number
- The flight reversal procedure should begin soon.
- You may need to pay a service fee when necessary.
- At last, you will receive a confirmation email regarding the cancellation of the booking.
When you have to reverse 1 booking in case of multiple reservations, you can choose only a single ticket.
Note: Additionally, a passenger can either request a refund or book a new trip when his/her flight has been reversed.
Method 3: Cancel United flight By Visiting the Airport
Under the United Airlines flight cancellation policy, the most simple way to revoke the booking is via the airport counter. While using this procedure, you can contact the officials of the operator.
- You will have to visit the ticket counter of this company at the airport.
- Meet the officials for your query.
- Inform one of them regarding the flight revocation request.
- Then she/he may ask you for the details of the reservation.
- The official will go ahead with the procedure.
- At last, you will be informed about the completion of the cancellation of the booking.
Sometimes, the carrier assistance desk may be closed for a variety of reasons. Similarly, you may not be able to cancel your United flight when flexibility is not available. Hence, arriving at the airport far before the departure time can be beneficial for a passenger.
What are the terms and conditions for a refund on a United Airlines flight?
The United Airlines refund policy may specify that when cancellations have been successfully done, a certain sum may be refunded. A passenger can ask for the amount usually on the refundable tickets. United Airlines Non-refundable tickets cannot be eligible for this in all instances.
Note: You can verify whether your flight ticket is non-refundable or refundable at the reservation time on the official website.
Please read more conditions of this feature to exercise it better:
- Ask for a refund if United Airlines changes flights or cancels tickets.
- A passenger may be provided the money or future travel credit.
- The money can be given to the actual source of payment.
- This source will depend on the:
- Ticket type
- Nature of the itinerary interruption
- You may have to fill out the form of refund when you are already done with the process or reversal.
- The carrier may contact you soon to inform you that your ticket is eligible for money-back.
- Usually, the credit card refund procedure can take around 7 working days.
- After receiving the receipt, your concern will be handled.
- All other requests can be processed within 20 days.
- Payouts for flight ticket in foreign places may take a longer period.
Note: A passenger can claim his or her money back through both online and offline processes.
- The rules of United refund policy can differ for the following regions:
- Taiwan
- Colombia
- France
- Argentina
Type of Ticket | Eligibility for Refunds | Requirements | Processing Period |
Refundable | Yes | Cancellation receipt | Around 7 business days in general, Nearly 14 working days during COVID-19 |
Non-refundable | No/Exceptional | Receipt/Supportive documents | As per the situation |
For Unforeseen Events
Due to the following reasons, you may undo your trip and seek a refund:
- Sickness
- Family member’s death
- Summons relating to jury duty
The carrier can assist you better and address your concerns during these times. Prior to submitting your request, collect the relevant documents.
Region-specific Assistance
When your canceled flight was departing from the following, you can seek assistance in compliance with EU Regulation 261/2004:
- Norway
- European Union
- Switzerland
- Iceland
How do I make a United Airlines Refund Request?
Passengers who have used the canceled flight service can obtain a refund. The online method can be used to submit a request for this. By visiting the site of the operator, you can request your money back.
The main steps for placing an online refund request are mentioned below:
- Sign in to the United Airlines website.
- Open this link “United Airlines Refund Form”
- You will find a form available for “Request a Refund”.
- Mention all the details asked in that form.
- The details may also include the “Contact Information”.
- Once you provide it, add the reason for your request.
- Post writing your reason and email from which the airline can get in touch with you.
- Click on the “Submit” option.
- When you are eligible for a flight refund, the Airline can notify you.
- A passenger may also view the status of his/her request on the refund form page.
- Later, you can wait for the airline to respond.
United cancellation policy indicates that a traveler can also make a request for money back by calling the airline officials. Or else, you can visit the airline’s office and claim your refund.
What is the United MileagePlus Cancellation Policy?
The following are the MileagePlus program’s rules and regulations. They govern the redemption and earning of the miles, advantage, prize, as well as million miler and premier advantages when canceling flights.
- By participating in the program, a flyer can acknowledge that she/he has:
- read and understood the regulations
- and agrees to follow them.
- A passenger can contact the MileagePlus customer help center for additional information on United Airlines flight cancellations.
- You may have to pay a charge to revoke an award booking less than 30 days before departure.
- Award tickets can invite fees, especially when miles have to be redeposited.
- You can receive a Miles refund.
- A person can cancel a flight when paid with MileagePlus miles.
- When you cancel your flight ticket a minimum of 31 days before departure, you may not have to pay a cost.
- You may receive the credits redeposited into your MileagePlus account.
How to cancel United flight booked with Miles?
A flyer can initiate canceling a flight by contacting the MileagePlus customer assistance center. You can get the contact numbers from the website of the carrier. You can follow simple steps to reverse the booking.
The detailed steps on how to cancel a ticket as per the United Cancellation policy are given below:
- Kindly, open the official site of the airline.
- On the homepage of the website, find the “MileagePlus Program” option.
- Select the “Contact MileagePlus” feature.
- On another page, look for the “Phone” tab.
- Below that option, you can get the details for contacting the officials.
- Once you call the agent, you will be guided through the whole process of cancellation.
- At last, you will receive a confirmation email of the flight’s reversal.
Note: To obtain a refund, you can remain signed in and apply for the same. Otherwise, you can ask for it on the phone.
What are the United Airlines cancellation fees?
When a flier decides to reverse a booking, he or she will not be charged a cancellation fee. The policy of this airline lets travelers cancel their trips for free. However, free reversals do not ensure guaranteed refunds.
What are the most common reasons for United flight cancellations?
Sometimes, United Airlines flights canceled by the airline itself. When United Airlines cancel flights, there can be several reasons for this. One of the reasons is that bad weather may cause issues with flying. The carrier will not endanger the life of its travelers in this scenario.
Some other possible reasons for canceling trips are as follows:
- Problems with take-off
- Issues with the mechanical system
- Computer-related errors
- Flights are overbooked
- Difficulties on the runway
- Flights may be excessively delayed
- COVID-19 rules may pose some limitations
- Natural disasters
- Air traffic
At times, not following the rules of the other policies set by the airline may result in cancellations too. Especially with respect to United Airlines baggage policy, abiding by its terms is more essential, failing which you may be denied boarding.
Can I get compensation for a Cancelled flight by United Airlines?
This airline can cancel and delay flights. Whatever the reason for the airline’s delay or cancellation of your reservation, you may get compensation. This can be given for adjusting the loss or inconvenience faced by the passengers.
The amount provided by United Airlines can depend on factors like location. At times, services can be given instead of money.
Note: Help in this scenario can be given in sync with the “Air Passenger Protection Regulations”.
- When a passenger arrives from the European Union or Canada, he or she can visit the customer help department to get:
- hotel stays
- complimentary food
- drink coupons
- You may be rescheduled on a new flight to your location. However, you may not get the above-mentioned facilities.
To choose this flight, prefer one of the following options:
- Airport kiosk
- Official mobile application (under “Check-in)
- Authorized website
Note: Please keep in mind that when you are eligible for this, the amount may vary as per the number of hours delayed or the reason why United Airlines is canceling flights.
When your flight originates in Canada, you may receive:
Amount Reimbursed | Hours that have been Pushed Back |
CAD $1000 | 9 hours and more |
CAD $400 | 3 to 6 hours |
CAD $700 | 6 to 9 hours |
Note: Within 12 hours, when you have been informed about the hindrances to your trip, you can get facilities like calling, refreshments, hotel stays, etc.
When you travel out of the EU, the compensation to cancel your flights can be as follows:
Hours Leading to Delay/Cancellation | Compensation |
3 hours or more/Boarding not allowed | €600Or, re-routing in 4 hours along with €300 |
5 or additional hours | Re-routing, Or, reimbursement in 7 days |
Additionally, you can get:
- Cash
- Amount via a prepaid card
- EFT
- Cheque
- Voucher
When is compensation not given by United Airlines?
A ticket that is not confirmed or unavailable to people in any way is not included in this policy. Hence, it cannot be reimbursed. There are more limitations that indicate when compensation can’t be given.
- The reversal was informed 15 days prior to the fixed departure.
- This airline had no control over the situation involving safety concerns.
- Compensation for denied boarding has been provided.
- You have been compensated as per some other rights.
- The request for the claim has been made after 1 year.
Regulation EC 261/2004 and Compensation
On the basis of this regulation, fliers are compensated under the subsections of “Your Rights”: A, B, and C. But United Airlines may not assist you when it has informed you in advance about discontinuation. You can go through EC 261/2004 to understand further.
Rebook Your United Flight
When possible, you can book a discontinued flight again. This method applies in case you have used My Trips to cancel your trip online. While you do so, you will find the option – Use Future Flight Credit. Then you can go through new flights and use this benefit during the process.
The United Airlines cancellation policy is a complete feature that provides for the requirement of different travelers around the world. It assists passengers with flight cancellations as well as offers refunds on revocations.
Frequently Ask Questions
How to cancel United flight?
Can I cancel United flight within 24 hours?
Does United charge cancellation fees?
Does United have 24 hour cancellation policy?
What happens if I cancel a non refundable flight on United?
Can I cancel my United flight without penalty?
Can you cancel United flight within 24 hours?
How to get reimbursed from United Airlines?
Can you cancel a flight after checking in United?
How do I get a refund from United Airlines?
Can you cancel a United flight within 24 hours?
Does United have a 24-hour cancellation policy?
Can I cancel my United flight within 24 hours of departure?
Does United offer free cancellations?
Can I cancel a United flight in 24 hours?
Will United charge me to cancel my flight?
How do I contact United Airlines for a refund?
How long does it take to get refunded by United?
How much is the cancellation fee for United Airlines?
What’s the latest you can cancel a United flight?
Is United’s Economy fare refundable?
Will United Airlines waive my cancellation fees?
Is United Airlines cancelling flights?
Can I cancel a Basic Economy ticket within 24 hours of booking?
Can I get a credit if I cancel my United Airlines flight?
How does United Airlines’ flight cancellations policy work?
How much does it cost to cancel a United Airlines flight?
Does United Airlines compensate for canceled flights?
How often does United Airlines cancel flights?
Can you cancel a flight on United Airlines?
What if United Airlines cancels my flight?
What is the United Airlines cancellation fee?
Can I cancel my United Airlines flight within 24 hours?
What will happen if I cancel a non-refundable ticket on United Airlines?
Can I get a credit if I cancel my United Airlines flight?
How can I use United Airlines credit for a canceled flight?
How does United Airlines COVID-19 cancellation policy work?
Does United Airlines allow free cancellations?
Is there a penalty under the United flight cancellation policy?
Can Basic Economy Travelers use United 24 hour cancellation policy?
What are the rules of the United Airlines cancellation policy?
Related Pages
Hannah G. says:
United Airlines offer different services to its passengers. When we want to cancel our booking, we can use the United 24 hour cancellation feature. In that feature, we get the complete payment back to our account. But can you please mention in exactly how many days, the refund will be received by us? Its been almost 4 days and ive not got mine!
M. David says:
I purchased a ticket a few months back. After a few days, I realized that I have booked the flight with the location that I don’t want to go to now. So for that reason, I had made the United Airlines cancellation. I don’t have knowledge of how to make it online. By reading this, the first time I tried the online procedure. It was done but it was a very long procedure with so many details asked. Next time if it happens I will prefer to go with the offline process.
Kristy D. says:
Booked my non-refundable ticket with United. In an emergency, I had to undo my booking. Nevertheless, I learned that the United airlines cancellation fees are high. So I changed my mind because I can’t afford the reversal charges of the airline. Could you please charge less for cancellation?
Alex Thomsan says:
The United covid refund policy seems to be fine. When one gets the refund based on the ticket type and price of the ticket that appears to be reasonable. During coronavirus, I had taken advantage of this refund policy. I have received my entire payment. Hence I hope I will travel with this airline without any trouble in the future also.
George Tin says:
Booked my non-refundable ticket with United. In an emergency, I had to undo my booking. Nevertheless, I learned that the United airlines cancellation fees are high. So I changed my mind because I can’t afford the reversal charges of the airline. Could you please charge less for cancellation?