United Airlines Cancellation Policy

A passenger always worries when it comes to canceling a flight. The reasons for flight cancellation can vary from person to person. But the hassle travelers faces during cancellation is primarily chaotic. However, it is not the case with United Airlines.

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The United 24 hour cancellation policy is flexible and helps a passenger to cancel the flight without hassle. Let’s understand how this airline's cancellation policy is helpful for you while canceling flights. 

What is A United Cancellation Policy?

The United Airlines cancellation policy delivers its flyers with a 24 hour risk-free window, under which passengers can cancel their bookings for free and will be eligible for a complete refund, regardless of fare type. However, if you cancel your flight after 24 hours, then you have to pay a certain amount as a United Airlines cancel flight fee. 

United Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy: Highlights

As per United cancellation policy, a traveler can request flight cancellation 3 hours before the scheduled departure for international flights. Similarly, in the case of domestic flights, a passenger can cancel United flight before 2 hours.

You should know about the following other flight-related cancellation policies:

  • The United cancel flight request is subject to some fees. The amount may vary depending on the trip type, fare rule associated with the reservation, and cabin class. 
  • As per the United Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy, economy flight reservations are non-refundable and non-changeable after 24 hours of purchase.
  • If a passenger is marked a no-show for a flight, the value of the reservation may be forfeited.
  • If United Airlines has canceled the flight, the traveler would not need to pay any cancellation fee. Besides, if you deny taking the alternative flight, you will get a refund on the unused portion of the ticket. 
  • In the event of the death of a traveler, immediate family member, or traveling companion, United will waive the cancellation fee. In that case, you will get a refund amount on the unflown flight segment. 

United Airlines Covid Cancellation Policy

According to the United cancellation policy, a passenger has to take note of the following travel requirement and restrictions:

  • Your airline ticket may get cancelled if the government or local public health department has ordered you to quarantine. 
  • If you have been denied boarding on international airlines, you cannot rebook.
  • A medical statement declaring that you don’t have Covid-19 is a must for traveling. 
  • As per the United Covid-19 policy, a vaccination certificate for international travel is mandatory. 
  • A passenger with Covid symptoms will not be allowed to board the flight.
  • The traveler with health issues or covid related symptoms will require to submit a health declaration, medical certificate, or a doctor’s note. 
  • Flyers may not be allowed to board if they are not wearing a mask or covering their face while traveling to or from United Airlines. 

United Airlines 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

As per the United Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy, You can receive a full refund with no fees if you cancel the flight ticket within 24 hours of booking. However, some banks may temporarily hold your funds on your card. In this situation, get in touch with the bank to learn about their rules. 

Following are the terms and conditions of United Airlines 24 hours cancellation policy:

  • The 24-hour applies from the time you have reserved the flight.
  • All the refund amount will go to your original form of payment except for the booking made with a United gift certificate. 
  • United 24 hour cancellation policy is applicable on all basic economy fares unless you cancel within the timeframe. 
  • If you cancel United flight after 24 hours, then a fee of $200 will apply to you.
  • The 24 hours will begin from the moment your ticket number generates. 
  • If your PNR consists of more than nine members, the 24-hour cancellation policy will not be applicable. 
  • The tickets purchased with e-certificates are not acceptable under United Airlines 24 hour cancellation.
  • The bookings held but not yet purchased are not eligible under this United cancellation. 

How to Cancel United Airlines Reservation?

Apart from the flexible United Airlines reservation policy, a passenger also gets various modes of cancelling a United airline ticket. You can use any of these methods to cancel United flight at your convenience. Now, let’s go through the following ways to call off the flight ticket:

1. Cancel Flight United Via the Website

A customer can cancel a united airlines ticket online with the help of a website. For ticket cancellation, you need to follow a few steps. You can cancel the ticket by following the below-mentioned steps:

  • Go to the website of United Airlines.
  • Find the My Trips tab.
  • Submit the booking reference number and the passenger’s last name.
  • Choose the flight segment that you would like to cancel.
  • After selecting the segment, pay the necessary United Airlines cancel flight fees to complete the request.
  • Lastly, you will get a confirmation mail on your email ID.

2. Cancel Flight United Via Phone Number

If you want to cancel United flight ticket due to an unforeseen circumstance, you can reach out to a United Airlines executive via call. Under this United 24 hour cancellation method, you can dial the customer service number and connect with the agent. Once you connect with the executive, you can request them to cancel your ticket. Then, they will ask you to provide the ticket number or booking confirmation. 

After the necessary details, they will ask you to pay the United cancellation fee and any other charges over the phone. Later, the agent will cancel your ticket and confirm the same in the email. 

3. Cancel Flight United by Visiting Airport

Cancelling a flight by visiting the airport is an offline method. In this, you can go to the departure airport and request flight cancellation up to 3 hours before the departure time. If you have checked in for the airlines, you must cancel the check-in first to claim the refund on your booking. It is one of the most feasible methods to cancel United flight tickets offline.

In some cases, it is not necessary to cancel your United flight when you have the option to change or rebook. In accordance with United Airlines flight change policy, you are free to reschedule your flight. You will not be charged for this service. However, you will need to pay a fare difference in case your new flight costs more than your original United reservation.

If you are confused about the cancellation process and don’t know how to do it, we are here to help. Contact us at +1-800-865-1848

United Airlines Flight Cancellation Rules by Ticket Type

In order to experience the flexibility of United Airlines 24-hour cancellation and avoid cancellation charges, passengers have 24 hours from the time of their initial booking to revoke as long as the ticket was bought at least a week before their scheduled departure.
The terms and limitations of United Airlines cancellation differ depending on your fare category. Take a look at the information listed below to understand more. 

United Flight Cancellation Policy for Basic Economy Ticket

United Airlines doesn’t permit its passengers to cancel their basic economy tickets unless they cancel them within 24 hours of purchasing the ticket. Moreover, the ticket must have been purchased at least a week prior to departure. 
In case you decide to cancel your ticket, you are eligible for getting a complete refund for your unused Basic Economy ticket within 24 hours of purchase. This rule is applicable to all United-operated domestic as well as international. 

United Airlines Cancellation Policy for Non-Refundable Ticket 

When you cancel your United airline with a non-refundable ticket, you’ll not be eligible for a refund. Moreover, in the event that you revoke your itinerary after 24 hours of purchasing the ticket, you will be liable for paying a flight cancellation fee of USD 200 on a domestic flight as per United Airlines 24 hour cancellation rules. For international flight cancellations, the charges can reach up to USD 400. Basically, it depends on your travel class. 

United Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy For A Refundable Ticket 

As per the United Airlines 24 hour cancellation processes, United refundable ticket passengers can cancel their flight anytime before departure and request a refund. Your reimbursement will be processed to the initial mode of payment. As per the United Airlines cancel flight rules, If a credit card was used to make the reservation payment, the refund will normally be granted within seven business days. However, other methods of payment may take up to 20 business days.

United Airlines Cancellation Policy For Award Ticket

United 24 hour cancellation fee completely depends on your award ticket membership status. For a No-show United cancellation, the fee would be USD 125, regardless of your membership status. However, if you revoke your flight 61 days or prior to the departure date, the fees of United Airlines cancel flight would be USD 75 for general members, USD 50 for silver members, USD 25 for gold members, and 0 charges for platinum and 1K members. 

United Airlines Policy on Cancelled Flights

A flight is not only called off by the passenger but also by the airline. Although United Airlines works hard to take care of its customers and bring them to their destinations, it sometimes fails. Usually, it happens due to unpredicted circumstances. In that case, United Airlines do its best to assist travelers in the best possible way. 

Here are some types of cancelled flights under the United Airlines flight cancellation policy:

1. Delayed Flights

If you have booked your ticket with United Airlines, they will notify you via email or text message on your number. You will get a new departure time. With the United Airlines app, you can get up-to-date flight details. You can also check the website for flight status updates or real-time updates. 

If your flight gets delayed for more than three hours, the airline will provide you with an alternate flight and a service voucher for a meal. 

2. Missed Connecting Flights

Sometimes, a passenger may miss a connecting flight. It may happen when you assume that you have a single flight for all the routes. However, it can also happen when your existing flight is held back, because of which you miss your subsequent flight. In such cases, the airline will ensure that the passengers arrive at their final destination. 

Here’s what will happen if you miss a United Airlines flight:

  • United Airlines will reroute your flight. It may take some time due to the lack of alternative flights. 
  • Airlines will constantly update you about any modifications to your connecting flights.
  • If your reservation includes a flight from another airline, it will require a separate ticket. In this case, you will need to contact the issuing agency to make modifications. 

3. Cancelled Flights

Often, flights get cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The reasons for booking cancellations can be bad weather, technical problems, or others. In the event of United cancellation, United Airlines will contact you via message or email. 

In the case of United cancel flight, a passenger gets the following three choices:

  • A customer can modify the travel date to 7 days in either direction. In this case, no additional cost will be applicable.
  • Under the United 24 hour cancellation, the airline will reroute your ticket to the final destination. It is necessary to know that rerouting may take some time. 
  • If you don’t want an alternate flight, you can claim a refund for the unused portion of the booking. 

4. Overbooked Flights

At times, the airlines accept more reservations than the usual capacity of aircraft to accommodate people. It is because not every passenger board the flight. 

If something like this occurs, the following things will happen:

  • The airlines will transfer you to a different flight.
  • According to the United Airlines 24 hour cancellation, The Airline will help you make a new reservation and receive payment. After  
  • United Airlines will accommodate you with the new alternative flight to your destination. Also, they will compensate you for delays and inconveniences. 

United Airlines Ticket Cancellation Compensation

A passenger will be entitled to compensation if the flight has been cancelled, delayed, or denied boarding. Under the United Airlines Cancellation Policy, the compensation depends on several factors like length of delay, cause, and flight destination.

The compensation for delayed flights will be:

New Flight Arrival Time Compensation(% of Ticket fare) Maximum Payout (USD)
Within one hour of original arrival time None None
Between 1-3 hours after original arrival time 200% $675
More than 3 hours after original arrival time 400% $1350

In the case of denied boarding, the airline will offer the following compensation:

Flight Distance Maximum Compensation (USD)
Below 1500 Km 150
Between 1500 Km and 3500 Km 200
More than 3500 Km 300

As per the United Airlines flight cancellation policy, if your flight gets cancelled, you will get the following compensation:

Flight Distance Maximum Compensation (USD)
Below 1500 Km 300
Between 1500 Km and 3500 Km 400
More than 3500 Km 600

United Airlines Refund Policy

United Airlines cancellation policy allows refund requests for only unused/unflown portions of the ticket. For this, there are several guidelines that a passenger should consider before requesting a refund for a reservation:

  • A passenger who purchased a ticket one week before and cancelled it within 24 hours of purchase will be eligible for a refund. In addition, no cancellation fee will be applicable. 
  • Basic Economy tickets cannot be refunded if United cancel within 24 hours policy does not apply. That means you will get a refund only if you have cancelled it within 24 hours of purchase.
  • According to the United flight cancellation policy, the fee will depend on the fare rules of your ticket.
  • A person may not qualify for a voluntary refund for non-refundable fares, but the ticket’s fare value will get converted into a Future Flight Credit. 
  • Generally, flight tickets have 12-month viability from the day of issue. However, the tickets purchased on or before December 31, 2023, have validity up to December 31, 2023. It means your travel must not begin after December 31, 2023, and must complete within a year from the outbound travel date. 
  • The refund amount depends on several factors. For example, the refund for partially used tickets will be calculated on a prorated basis. Other tax and cancellation fees will be applicable as per the rules. 
  • A passenger who purchased the air ticket by credit card will get the refund within 7 days. On the other hand, all other passengers will get the cancellation refund within 20 business days. 
  • The customer will get the refund back to the original form of payment. 

How To Use United Future Flight Credits from Canceled Flights?

United Airlines now lists future travel credits on the “My Account” page. You can access this page by logging into your MileagePlus account. 
However, if you are unaware of the procedure to use the United travel credit, follow the simple steps mentioned below - 

  • First - open the official United Airlines website. 
  • Second - enter your email address and password and access your account.
  • Third - navigate to the Manage Booking section and select a cancelled flight. (make sure the cancellation is confirmed)
  • Fourth - Go to the My Trip option and follow the instructions to redeem future flight credit. 
  • Fifth - Enter your flight reservation and cancellation details along with other credentials and click on the “apply” button.
  • Sixth - choose the future credit card to use. Now you may proceed with the new booking. 

United Airlines Cancellation Fee

United Airlines will not charge any cancellation fee if it happens due to covid-19 restrictions. Other than that, a passenger will have to pay a cancellation fee. As per United Airlines cancellation policy, a customer with a basic economy ticket will not have to pay any cancellation fee. 

If the passenger has non-refundable and refundable airline tickets, the fee will be $200 for domestic and $400 for international flights. With United Airlines, you will get ease in handling the cancellation process. 

Besides the Flight cancellation, if you want to make certain alterations to your existing flight ticket, check United Airlines name change policy. Additionally, while booking passengers must know all the terms and conditions associated with the name change policy. 

How To Avoid United Airlines Flight Cancellation Fees?

If you are a frequent United passenger looking to avoid unexpected and hefty cancellation charges, here are some things to consider - 

  • Purchase a fully refundable ticket.
  • Try to cancel your ticket within the 24-hour grace period of the United Cancellation Policy. If your ticket was booked 7 days or more before the scheduled departure and you cancel it within 24 hours, there will be no penalty.
  • In the event that your flight is delayed by 6 hours or more, you may be eligible to claim a full United Airlines cancel flight refund in the form of travel credits for future booking usage. 
  • If your flight is cancelled due to low demand, weather, or other issues, you may qualify for a full refund. 
  • In case of unavoidable emergencies such as a co-passengers death, passengers may qualify for a refund.     

How To Talk To a Live Agent at United Airlines for Flight Cancellation? 

United Airlines offers a wide range of in-flight and onboard services, as well as a professional customer service department. No matter if you require assistance with reservations or know more about United Flight Cancellation Policy, the Airline has a qualified team to assist you.

1 - Cancel United Flight Via Phone

In order to speak to a live person at the United Airlines customer support department, passengers may freely call 1-800-864-8331. However, if you are notably searching for the United Airlines ticket cancellation phone number. Call +1-800-865-1848 for instant support and get all doubts clear regarding United Airlines cancellation Policy within a matter of minutes.  

2 - Cancel United Flight Via Chat

When you are not in a situation to talk to the representative, there are some other options too you may go with. Through the chat option, passengers may overcome the language barrier. Flyers are free to ask any questions to the representative in any language regarding the United Cancellation Policy and other policies. The staff will provide you with the most appropriate solution in your language. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I cancel my flight within 24 hours of purchase?

Yes. According to United Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy, If a ticket is purchased one week prior to the departure, the traveler may cancel their flight within 24 hours of the time of purchase. In this case, you will get a full refund on your reservation.

Q2. How can I cancel the reservation of a United Airlines flight?

There are three different ways of canceling the air ticket. Such as canceling flights via the website, phone number, and at the airport.

Q3. Can I cancel my United Airlines flight without a fee?

Yes. You can cancel the ticket without paying a cancellation fee. If you cancel the ticket within 24 hours of purchase, no cancellation fee will apply to you. Additionally, you don’t have to pay if your flight is delayed by three or more hours and you have canceled that flight.

Q4. How much do I have to pay for my flight cancellation?

In the case of refundable and non-refundable tickets, you will pay a United cancel flight fee of $200 for domestic and $400 for international flights.

Q5. Does the United Flight Cancellation Policy pay compensation for canceled flights?

Yes. United Airlines pays compensation to passengers if their flights get canceled. The compensation amount for the United cancel flight will depend on the time, cause of delay, and location.

Q6. Do United Airlines cancel flights often?

No. United Airlines doesn’t cancel flights often. They cancel the flights only when there is some unprecedented reason. The purpose of cancellation can be anything like a natural disaster, a weather issue, covid-19 restrictions, etc.

Q7. When do United Airlines pay compensation?

United Airlines pays compensation when there is a flight delay or cancellation due to any reason. In such cases, the passenger will either get compensation or an alternative flight.

Q8. Is United basic economy ticket cancellation possible according to 24 hours United cancellation policy?

Tickets purchased directly from United Airlines including basic economy fares are included in the 24-hour risk-free United cancellation policy. That means passengers have 24 hours after booking to revoke their ticket and get a full refund.

Q9. Will I still get a refund if United canceled my basic economy flight?

Under United cancellation official guidelines, if the airline cancels your flight whether it is associated with basic economy or any other ticket, you may get a full refund.

Q10. How do I cancel a non refundable flight and get a refund under the United flight cancellation policy?

Although non-refundable tickets are never eligible for a full refund. However, In case of an emergency like death, you can contact United Airlines customer service and request for free flight cancellation process. To avoid any hurdles, read United flight cancellation policy.

Q11. Is United Airlines cancel flight process possible after check-in?

Yes. According to the United Flight Cancellation Policy, You can cancel your United flight after check-in or at any time before the flight.

Q12. I received United flights cancelled today message from United Airlines. What should I do?

If you receive a text message or an alert from United Airlines about a flight cancellation, it is possible that you will receive a link to choose an alternate flight. In the event that you do not rebook, the airline will refund you in full.

Q13. How do I contact United about a Cancelled flight compensation?

To claim your United flight cancellation compensation, you have to request a refund by completing the travel disruption form on the official website or the My Trips option. It depends on the situation.

Q14. Does United give compensation for delayed flights under United Airlines cancellation policy?

As per United cancellation policy guidelines, passengers may be able to claim a refund if their flight is 3 hours or more late.

Q15. Can I cancel my United flight without being charged?

Yes, under the policy of United cancel within 24 hours you can cancel your ticket. However, If you cancel your ticket after a 24-hour risk-free period, there is a specific United cancellation fee in place.

Q16. What is the United customer service phone number for flight cancellation?

To speak with United representatives about flight cancellation, you may call the official United Airlines cancellation number stated on the website. Alternatively, call +1-800-865-1848 for prompt support regarding United Airlines cancel flight policy.

Q17. Is the United Airlines cancellation phone number always available?

Yes, you may call anytime on the official United Airlines ticket cancellation phone number.

Q18. How long before can we cancel the United flight ticket?

United cancel within 24 hours, rules allow passengers to cancel their ticket for free, without any extra charges.

Q19. What happens if you cancel a United basic economy flight?

United basic economic tickets are nonrefundable and non-changeable as well (except United 24-hour cancellation). Your basic economy tickets may be eligible for partial travel credits if revoked before departure.

Q20. Can United waive the cancellation fee?

Yes, under United cancel within 24 hours policy, if you cancel your ticket within 24 hours risk-free period, there will be no United Airlines cancellation fee.

Leave a Reply

  1. Flying rules Logo
    Jorado
    July 6, 2023

    I often prefer purchasing non-refundable tickets since they are less expensive, and I only make reservations when certain. The one time I couldn't fly was that. I was unable to obtain a complete refund, leaving me with no choice but to forfeit my money. Should I buy a refundable ticket from now onwards?

  2. Admin
    July 6, 2023

    If you have a refundable ticket and decide to cancel your flight, United Airlines will return the full cost of your ticket. Refundable tickets, as opposed to non-refundable ones, do not include penalties or cancellation costs, regardless of when you decide to cancel. Therefore, only refundable tickets should be purchased when traveling.

  3. Flying rules Logo
    David
    July 26, 2023

    Does United Airlines notify its customers by SMS or email when a flight is delayed or when there are other changes to the flight status? Or what can I do to cancel my flight with United Airlines?

  4. Admin
    July 26, 2023

    Yes, United Airlines will notify you of the delay in their flight through email, SMS alerts, and the United app. With the most recent United Airlines flight status information and updates, the United app assists you in planning your trip effectively. You may cancel your flight through the airline's official website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service line.

  5. Flying rules Logo
    Richard Smith
    August 3, 2023

    I am stuck in my brother's wedding, and I have to cancel a United Airlines flight close to the departure date. Can you guide me through the procedure, as I have purchased a non-refundable ticket?

  6. Admin
    August 3, 2023

    If you need to cancel a non-refundable United Airlines flight close to departure, visit the United Airlines website or contact their customer service as soon as possible. They may offer options like flight credits or fee waivers for rescheduling. Keep in mind that policies can vary, so act promptly and inquire about your specific situation.

  7. Flying rules Logo
    Alex Morgan
    September 26, 2023

    I want to go on a family vacation to New York, but the dates are not sure. Can you tell me the procedure from where I can easily understand the terms and conditions of United Airlines' cancellation policy before booking my ticket?

  8. Admin
    September 26, 2023

    Before booking a ticket with United Airlines, visit their official website. Look for the "Terms and Conditions" or "Cancellation Policy" sections, usually found under "Booking Information" or "Customer Service." Carefully read through these sections to understand the airline's cancellation policies, fees, and any flexibility options, helping you plan your trip with confidence.

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!

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