United Airlines, one of the leading full-service carriers in the United States,1_83 38 45 1858 offers a well-defined cancellation policy that aims to balance flexibility with the structure needed for operational efficiency. Over the years—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic United has made significant adjustments to make its policies more passenger friendly. Whether you're traveling on a budget, using frequent flyer miles, or flying internationally in premium cabins, understanding the nuances of United's cancellation rules can help you avoid unnecessary costs and manage your travel plans with greater ease.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
At the core of United’s cancellation policy is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule, a requirement enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you book a flight directly with United through its website, mobile app, or customer service and the reservation is made at least seven days prior to the departure, you can cancel it within 24 hours at no charge. 1_83 38 45 1858 This applies to all fare types, including the usually rigid Basic Economy fares. In such cases, United provides a full refund to the original form of payment, offering a crucial safety net for travelers who might change their minds shortly after booking.
Cancellation Policy by Fare Type
Once the 24-hour window has passed, your options largely depend on the fare class you selected:
Basic Economy
United's Basic Economy fares are the least flexible. These tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable beyond the 24-hour risk-free period. If you cancel after that, you're not eligible for a refund or even a travel credit unless United cancels the flight or makes a substantial schedule change. In rare circumstances such as bereavement or medical emergencies, United may offer flexibility, but this is determined case-by-case and typically requires documentation.
Non-Refundable Standard Fares (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First)
For most non-refundable fare classes excluding Basic Economy United does not impose a change or cancellation fee anymore. Instead, when you cancel, the value of your ticket is returned as a travel credit (often referred to as an eCredit) that can be used for future travel. These credits are generally valid for 12 months from the date of original purchase. While you won’t receive a refund in cash, you retain the full value of your booking as long as it’s used within the time limit.
Refundable Fares
If you paid extra for a refundable fare, you’re entitled to a cash refund if you cancel, regardless of when you do so before departure. These refunds are processed back to your original method of payment and are usually completed within 7–10 business days for credit card transactions. These fare types are popular among business travelers and those seeking maximum flexibility, albeit at a premium price.
Award Tickets (MileagePlus Members)
For those redeeming MileagePlus miles, United allows free cancellations and redeposit of miles in most scenarios, provided the change is made before the flight departs. If you fail to cancel and miss the flight, United may charge a $125 redeposit fee to restore your miles. However, elite status members (Premier Silver and above) may receive waived or reduced fees, making the program more forgiving for frequent flyers. Any taxes or fees paid in cash at the time of booking are refundable as long as the ticket is canceled in compliance with United’s policies.
Involuntary Cancellations and Major Schedule Changes
If United cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of fare class. You also have the option to rebook on the next available flight at no additional cost. According to United’s policy and U.S. DOT regulations, if a flight schedule changes significantly typically defined as a delay of more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international travel you may request a refund if the new itinerary no longer works for you. This applies to all fares, including Basic Economy, and can be handled online or via customer service.
Special Considerations for Emergencies
United recognizes that sometimes plans change due to extraordinary circumstances. If a traveler or an immediate family member experiences a serious medical emergency or passes away, United may issue a refund or waive cancellation penalties for non-refundable tickets. You’ll need to provide documentation such as a hospital note or death certificate, and approval is subject to review. Likewise, individuals summoned for jury duty may be eligible for refund consideration with proper proof.
Ancillary Service Refunds
If you’ve paid for optional services like upgraded seating, checked baggage, or inflight Wi-Fi you may be eligible for a refund if United fails to deliver those services. For example, if you paid for an Economy Plus seat but were reassigned due to an aircraft change, you can submit a refund request through United’s customer service portal.
How to Cancel a Flight with United
Canceling a flight with United is a simple online process:
Visit united.com or open the United mobile app.
Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Select the trip you want to cancel.
Choose whether to receive a refund or a travel credit, based on eligibility.
If you booked through a third-party site (like Expedia or Priceline), you’ll need to handle cancellations through that platform.
No-Show Policy
If you don’t cancel and simply fail to show up, United will likely forfeit the value of the ticket, especially for non-refundable and Basic Economy fares. It’s crucial to cancel your booking in advance, even if you know you can’t travel. Doing so might preserve your ability to receive a credit or refund depending on your fare rules.
Conclusion: What Travelers Should Know
United Airlines offers a well-rounded and largely customer-friendly cancellation policy. From the 24-hour risk-free grace period to the elimination of change fees on most fare types, United has made strides in simplifying the cancellation process. While Basic Economy remains rigid, other fare classes offer credit flexibility, and refundable tickets provide maximum freedom for travelers.
Understanding these fare differences and acting within the allowed timeframes—can help you make smarter booking decisions and avoid surprise costs. If you’re unsure about future plans, consider booking refundable or flexible fares, especially when traveling during unpredictable seasons or long-haul routes.
Whether you're a casual traveler or frequent flier, being familiar with United’s cancellation policy can save both money and stress when plans change.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
At the core of United’s cancellation policy is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule, a requirement enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you book a flight directly with United through its website, mobile app, or customer service and the reservation is made at least seven days prior to the departure, you can cancel it within 24 hours at no charge. 1_83 38 45 1858 This applies to all fare types, including the usually rigid Basic Economy fares. In such cases, United provides a full refund to the original form of payment, offering a crucial safety net for travelers who might change their minds shortly after booking.
Cancellation Policy by Fare Type
Once the 24-hour window has passed, your options largely depend on the fare class you selected:
Basic Economy
United's Basic Economy fares are the least flexible. These tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable beyond the 24-hour risk-free period. If you cancel after that, you're not eligible for a refund or even a travel credit unless United cancels the flight or makes a substantial schedule change. In rare circumstances such as bereavement or medical emergencies, United may offer flexibility, but this is determined case-by-case and typically requires documentation.
Non-Refundable Standard Fares (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First)
For most non-refundable fare classes excluding Basic Economy United does not impose a change or cancellation fee anymore. Instead, when you cancel, the value of your ticket is returned as a travel credit (often referred to as an eCredit) that can be used for future travel. These credits are generally valid for 12 months from the date of original purchase. While you won’t receive a refund in cash, you retain the full value of your booking as long as it’s used within the time limit.
Refundable Fares
If you paid extra for a refundable fare, you’re entitled to a cash refund if you cancel, regardless of when you do so before departure. These refunds are processed back to your original method of payment and are usually completed within 7–10 business days for credit card transactions. These fare types are popular among business travelers and those seeking maximum flexibility, albeit at a premium price.
Award Tickets (MileagePlus Members)
For those redeeming MileagePlus miles, United allows free cancellations and redeposit of miles in most scenarios, provided the change is made before the flight departs. If you fail to cancel and miss the flight, United may charge a $125 redeposit fee to restore your miles. However, elite status members (Premier Silver and above) may receive waived or reduced fees, making the program more forgiving for frequent flyers. Any taxes or fees paid in cash at the time of booking are refundable as long as the ticket is canceled in compliance with United’s policies.
Involuntary Cancellations and Major Schedule Changes
If United cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of fare class. You also have the option to rebook on the next available flight at no additional cost. According to United’s policy and U.S. DOT regulations, if a flight schedule changes significantly typically defined as a delay of more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international travel you may request a refund if the new itinerary no longer works for you. This applies to all fares, including Basic Economy, and can be handled online or via customer service.
Special Considerations for Emergencies
United recognizes that sometimes plans change due to extraordinary circumstances. If a traveler or an immediate family member experiences a serious medical emergency or passes away, United may issue a refund or waive cancellation penalties for non-refundable tickets. You’ll need to provide documentation such as a hospital note or death certificate, and approval is subject to review. Likewise, individuals summoned for jury duty may be eligible for refund consideration with proper proof.
Ancillary Service Refunds
If you’ve paid for optional services like upgraded seating, checked baggage, or inflight Wi-Fi you may be eligible for a refund if United fails to deliver those services. For example, if you paid for an Economy Plus seat but were reassigned due to an aircraft change, you can submit a refund request through United’s customer service portal.
How to Cancel a Flight with United
Canceling a flight with United is a simple online process:
Visit united.com or open the United mobile app.
Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Select the trip you want to cancel.
Choose whether to receive a refund or a travel credit, based on eligibility.
If you booked through a third-party site (like Expedia or Priceline), you’ll need to handle cancellations through that platform.
No-Show Policy
If you don’t cancel and simply fail to show up, United will likely forfeit the value of the ticket, especially for non-refundable and Basic Economy fares. It’s crucial to cancel your booking in advance, even if you know you can’t travel. Doing so might preserve your ability to receive a credit or refund depending on your fare rules.
Conclusion: What Travelers Should Know
United Airlines offers a well-rounded and largely customer-friendly cancellation policy. From the 24-hour risk-free grace period to the elimination of change fees on most fare types, United has made strides in simplifying the cancellation process. While Basic Economy remains rigid, other fare classes offer credit flexibility, and refundable tickets provide maximum freedom for travelers.
Understanding these fare differences and acting within the allowed timeframes—can help you make smarter booking decisions and avoid surprise costs. If you’re unsure about future plans, consider booking refundable or flexible fares, especially when traveling during unpredictable seasons or long-haul routes.
Whether you're a casual traveler or frequent flier, being familiar with United’s cancellation policy can save both money and stress when plans change.