Cancel a United Flight: Policy, Fees & Refund Info

Can You Cancel United Flights And Get A Refund?

Yes, United Airlines allows passengers to request a flight cancellation before departure and receive a refund. However, the airline will deduct the cancellation charges from the ticket price before processing the refund to the passenger?s account. On the other hand, there are certain instances when a passenger is not liable to pay the cancellation fee to the airline. To determine if you are eligible for a full refund, review the airline?s policies briefly. 

Does United Cover Cancellations?

Yes, under the United Airlines 24-hour Cancellation Policy, passengers enjoy the flexibility of canceling their flight within the first 24 hours of booking and get a full refund regardless of their fare type. However, the passenger's flight cancellation request must be made at least seven days before the scheduled departure date to be eligible for a full refund. If these criteria are not met, the passengers will be liable to pay the cancellation charges.  

How Much Is A Cancellation Fee At United? 

Passengers with non-refundable tickets are liable to pay the United Airlines Cancellation Fee. The airline typically charges a fee of $200 for canceling a domestic flight. These charges can rise to $400 or more for international flights. However, if the cancellation request is made within 24 hours of the booking, the charges will not apply upon flight cancellation.

What Is The Cancellation Policy Of United Airlines? 

With United Airlines, passengers can submit a cancellation request up to 3 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart for an international flight. The airline accepts flight cancellation requests up to 2 hours before the scheduled flight time for domestic routes. To learn more about the United Airlines Cancellation Policy, you should read the points below: 

  • Refundable tickets are more flexible and do not require a cancellation fee. 
  • Non-refundable tickets are subject to a cancellation fee. 
  • The airline does not offer refunds for missed flights. If the passenger fails to arrive at the airport before departure, their ticket will be forfeited. 
  • When United Airlines cancels a flight, the passenger is not required to pay cancellation charges. The airline will provide them with an alternative flight to the same destination. However, if the passenger refuses the alternative flight, they will receive the ticket price without a deduction. 
  • According to the United Airlines 24 hrs Cancellation Policy, passengers will not be liable to pay the cancellation fee if the ticket is canceled within 24 hours of the booking and there are seven days remaining before the flight departure. 

What Is The Refund Policy Of United Airlines? 

Once the passengers have canceled the flight, they are now eligible to request a refund from the airline. However, the airline may apply the charges before processing the refund amount. To understand the charges and other details, you must review the United Airlines Refund Policy listed below: 

  • The airline will refund the full price of the ticket if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of booking, given that the departure has seven or more days remaining. 
  • Refundable tickets are fully refundable upon cancellation. 
  • Non-refundable tickets are subject to a cancellation fee. 
  • If the passenger booked through a travel website, they should contact their travel partner for any refund-related questions. 
  • When a passenger requests cancellation due to a medical reason, they can submit the relevant medical reports to the airline and receive a full refund. 

When Will I Receive A Refund For A Canceled Flight? 

According to the United Airlines Refund Policy, the refund processing time may vary from passenger to passenger, depending on the mode of payment selected. To understand this better, read the points below: 

  • Credit Card: Those who have paid for the ticket using a credit card will receive their refund within seven business days.
  • Other Mode of Payment: When any other mode of transaction other than a credit card is used, the refund will be credited to the passenger?s account within 20 to 25 working days.  

How Do I Cancel My Flight And Get A Refund?

United Airlines permits passengers to request cancellation before the flight departs and to apply for a refund if the flight is canceled. According to the United Airlines Cancellation Policy, cancellation requests can be made through the airline?s official website or by contacting their agent by phone. 

Via Official Website: 

  • Visit the official website of United Airlines. 
  • Locate the ?Manage My Booking? option. 
  • Enter the last name of the passenger along with the booking reference code. 
  • Tap on the ?Continue? and access the booking page. 
  • Select the ticket you wish to cancel and select the related option from the menu tab. 
  • Proceed with the on-screen instructions, and your flight will be canceled. 
  • Return to the booking page and get the refund option below the canceled ticket. 
  • Tap on the refund, and a form will appear on the screen. 
  • Fill out the form and specify your reason for canceling the ticket in the comment box. 
  • Attach the related files and submit the form. 

The airline will cancel your booking and send you the confirmation email. 

Via Phone: 

  • Go to the United Airlines official page. 
  • Find the ?Contact Us? option. 
  • Select the calling option, and a number will appear on the screen. 
  • Dial the number 1 (800) 864-8331 and follow the IVR. 
  • Press 1 to make a reservation with United Airlines. 
  • Press 2 to inquire. 
  • Press 3 to cancel and apply for a refund. 
  • Wait until a person from the associated department joins you over the phone. 
  • Share your booking details with the agent and locate your ticket. 
  • Ask the agent to cancel your ticket, learn the United Airlines Cancellation Policy, and continue. 
  • Now, follow the agent?s direction to cancel your booking. 
  • Continue with the agent on the phone and apply for a refund. 

The agent will apply for a refund on your behalf and send you the details via email.

Conclusion

United Airlines has a gentle regulation on cancellation and refund policies for passengers, where they can cancel flights a few hours in advance. Non-refundable tickets are charged unless cancelled within 24 hours of purchase, whereas in case of refundable tickets, one is refunded all the money without incurring any refund charges. The passengers will be able to demand the refunds at the website of the airline or through its customer service, and the time the process will require will depend on the method of payment.

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Frequently Asked Questions?

What is United Airlines' economy cancellation policy?

Cancel Basic Economy trip and book new ones. If you cancel within 24 hours of purchase, you'll get a full refund. After 24 hours, you'll get a partial travel credit. Refunds may take up to seven business days to process.

Is United Airlines actually give you a fully refundable?

Yes, United Economy Fully Refundable offers flexibility to cancel your flight and get a refund to your original payment method, instead of flight credits.