United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Fee and Process

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Rick Spiegel

Canceling a flight used to be a big deal on airlines. However, it is a very usual situation that flyers may face at times. There could be multiple reasons why passengers have to cancel their flight all of a sudden or their plan changes and they want to modify their flight. Airlines understand the condition of the flyers and to avoid any confusion and disturbance at the last minute, they design policies. In the same way, United Airlines also follows some policies for cancellation. If you are going to reserve your ticket on United Airlines but are not sure and feel that you may have to change or cancel the reservation, do not forget to check out the United Airlines Cancellation Policy. This smart step will help you avoid any unnecessary fees and make you aware of the refunds and more. 

United Airlines Cancellation Policy within 24-Hours 

According to United Airlines’ cancellation policy, passengers are allowed to cancel their reservation anytime. They will just have to pay a cancellation fee as per the fare type. But apart from this, if you want to cancel your flight without paying a cancellation fee, here is an excellent solution that is to cancel your flight within 24 hours of the booking. Yes, United Airlines offers a 24-hour grace period to cancel the ticket in which passengers do not need to pay any fee. Just make sure that the flight is at least 7 days after the cancellation time. It does not matter which fare you have purchased, you can apply for the cancellation within 24 hours of the booking and can receive a complete refund of the ticket as per United Airlines’ refund policy. So, whenever you need to cancel the ticket, decide it at least 7 days before the flight departure and take a step within 24 hours of the booking. 

What is the United Airlines Cancellation Policy After 24 Hours?

Although 24 hours is the best time to cancel the flight because you can save your money this way yet sometimes it is not possible to decide at once. That is why the airline allows cancellation of the flights even after the 24 hours of the booking anytime but the passengers will have to pay the cancellation fee which is applicable according to United Airlines Cancellation Policy. The amount of the fee depends on the type of ticket you have purchased and the destination. For some fares, such as Basic Economy, the ticket may be non-refundable, or a cancellation fee may be deducted from the refund amount.

It’s essential to review the specific terms and conditions associated with your ticket or contact United Airlines directly for accurate information regarding your cancellation options and any applicable fees.

Rules After 24 Hours Under the United Airlines Cancellation Policy

After 24 hours cancellation comes up with some rules and regulations under United Airlines cancellation policy. Take a look.

• You can not cancel the Basic Economy fare after 24 hours of the booking. 
• On United Airlines most of the tickets are nonrefundable. You will not get the cash back on those tickets after the cancellation. But you may apply your ticket value toward the new ticket price with its travel credits. So, check before the booking whether your ticket is nonrefundable or not.  
• If you have purchased the refundable ticket and want to cancel it, you can easily ask for the refund in cash back to your original form of payment before flight departure. But it depends on the fare type and destination. United Airlines imposes a cancellation fee according to their policy.  
• Additionally, if you want to cancel the reward tickets for instance you have redeemed MileagePlus miles for your flight and now want to cancel, then there are two options for you. You can use the miles for your other trip in the future or redeposit the miles. 
• There is no refund for tickets booked with e-certificates.

So, once you have missed canceling your ticket within the grace period, check out the fare type and the applicable fee before starting the process. 

How to Cancel the Ticket on United Airlines?

Now you are completely aware of the United Airlines cancelation policy, and you know when is the best time to cancel the reservation. Still, if you have missed it, you can make the cancellation later by paying a fee. Before all this, you must know the process of how to request United Airlines cancellation. 

Check out the methods through which you can cancel your ticket.

Cancel Your Reservation Online 

To cancel your United Airlines ticket, you do not need to go to the airport. You can cancel the reservation just by sitting at your home. Online is the best way to complete the ticket cancellation by knowing the United Airlines cancellation policy. Follow the step-by-step process to cancel the ticket in a few minutes.

• Go to the United Airlines official website.
• Check out the “My Trip” option.
• Fill out the details of your booking that you want to cancel.
• The ticket will display on your screen.
• After that, select the “Manage Booking” option.
• Check out the cancellation fee if applicable.
• Now click on the “Cancel.” 
• Complete the payment.
• Your ticket is canceled now. Check out once for the satisfaction.

Call the Airlines For Ticket Cancellation

If you are not comfortable with the online process of ticket cancellation, you can also call the United Airlines customer care number directly and ask them to cancel your reservation. Dial 800-864-8331 and the airline representative will pick up the phone. You will have to provide the reason for the cancellation. If you cancel the ticket within 24 hours, no fee will be charged, but if you miss the grace period, they will inform you of the cancellation fee. Complete the payment and you will receive a mail of the ticket cancellation. Once you dial the number, make sure you have your flight details in your hand, and pay attention to the guidance they are providing.

These are the most comfortable methods to cancel the reservation on United Airlines but if both methods do not work for you, then go to the United Airport and connect with the customer care center. They will listen to your issue and guide you to cancel the reservation.

How Much is United Airlines Cancellation Fee for a Flight?

If you are canceling a non-refundable ticket, the United Airlines cancellation fee for a domestic flight is $200, and for an international flight is $400. This will depend on your travel class. There’s no redeposit fee unless you are a no-show. You will have to pay a flat fee of $125 to redeposit your award miles, regardless of your status level. Check out the United Airlines cancellation fee for award tickets.

Can I Get a Refund on the Ticket Cancellation?

United Airlines provides refunds to its passengers on the cancellation of the reservation. Cancel your reservation within 24 hours and at least seven days before the flight departure and you will receive the full refund within 2-3 weeks in the original form of payment. Besides this, take a look at the refund policy of United Airlines.

• If the airlines themselves cancel the flight due to any serious reason such as weather, government order, or any technical issue, they will provide a complete refund to the flyer.
• In some circumstances such as the death of passengers or a relative, serious illness, as well as in the jury duty, flyers are entitled to get a full refund according to the United Airlines cancellation policy regardless of fare type.

• As per the United Airlines refund policy, Basic Economy tickets cannot be refunded unless they are canceled within the 24-hour window, and the purchase was made a week or more before departure.
• Ticket booked with the United gift certificate will be refunded in the form of an electronic travel certificate 
• You will not get a refund if your reservation is held with FareLock 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is the cancellation policy for United Airlines?

According to United Airlines cancellation policy, you can cancel your reservation anytime but you will have to pay the cancellation charges for it. To avoid any fees and extra charges, make sure you cancel the reservation within 24 hours or 7 days before the flight departure.

Can I get a refund from United Airlines?

Yes, if you are canceling your ticket within the 24-hour grace period, you will get the complete refund back into your account. If you have made the payment from a credit card, you will receive the refund within seven business days. Other refunds will take around 20 business days.    

Can I get a credit if I cancel my United flight?

If you are going to cancel your ticket on United Airlines, you must know that most United Airlines tickets are nonrefundable which means you can not get the cashback but the credit that you can use for your further reservation.  

Is Economy Plus fully refundable on United?

If you have purchased the economy plus ticket from the airline and now want to cancel it then you can get a refund if you have completed the cancellation within 24 hours of the booking. Those economy plus tickets that have been unfunded from the economy and basic economy are nonrefundable. 

Can I cancel a United flight booked with miles?

Yes, United Airlines allows every passenger to cancel their flight in any condition. If you have booked with miles you can proceed with the cancellation and ask for the reward miles put back into your account.  

How do I know if my United Airlines ticket is refundable?

If you are confused about if your ticket is refundable or non-refundable, you can find the answer through the following ways.

• Check out the flight ticket confirmation email, you will receive after the reservation is confirmed.
• Call the united airlines’ customer care.
• Log in to your United account to check your booking.

Can I cancel a United flight same day?

Yes, on United Airlines, you can cancel your ticket within 24 hours same day. This is the grace period for the flight change or cancel the flight on United Airlines. You will not be charged any fee for it. 

Is it better to cancel or change a flight?

However, changing a flight is cheaper than canceling it if we talk about which is better. But, it is normal when passengers do not want to travel right now they will prefer to cancel the flight. Just make sure to complete the cancellation within 24 hours of the booking.   

Can I cancel a United Basic Economy ticket?

If  Basic Economy tickets are canceled or not used, they are useless. If canceled before departure, they might be qualified for a portion of the trip credit. Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable unless our 24-hour flexible booking policy permits it. 

How late can I cancel a flight?

Make sure you cancel your flight within 24 hours of the booking. Also, your flight should be after seven days from the date of the cancellation. If you cancel your flight during this period, you do not need to pay a cancellation fee.    

How do I file a claim with United Airlines?

If are you confused about how to claim with United Airlines, follow the steps.

• You will have to provide a valid ID along with a copy of a driver’s license or other ID.
• Upload receipts for your interim expense as proof.
• Get your compensation.
• You will receive the claim within 4-6 weeks.

How to get a refund from United Airlines?

Once you go to My Trips to cancel your reservation, you will also claim the refund. You will have to submit the receipt details that you have purchased. The amount of the refund will be based on the situation. 

Can I cancel my flight and get a refund?

Yes, while traveling on United Airlines, you can cancel your ticket and get a full refund if you have made the cancellation within 24 hours of the booking. You will receive the refund at least within 2-3 weeks from the cancellation.  

How much money is refunded on the cancellation of the flight ticket?

Once you cancel your ticket on United Airlines, you will receive only the ticket price as a refund according to the United Airlines cancellation policy. If you have paid any amount for the free cancellation along with the applicable convenience fee then you can not get the refund.  

What is a fully refundable ticket on United?

Most of the fares on United Airlines are fully refundable once you are canceling it within the grace period. That means you will receive the full amount back in the form of a credit or debit card or in the original form of payment.