Can I Cancel My United Flight and Get a Refund? Everything You Need to Know Before You Cancel
Travel plans don’t always go as expected. From last-minute emergencies to unexpected schedule changes, you may find yourself asking, “Can I cancel my United flight and get a refund?” United Airlines offers several options based on your ticket type, when you cancel, and the reason for cancellation. Knowing your rights as a traveler and how United’s refund process works can save you time and money.
This comprehensive guide explains United Airlines’ refund and cancellation policy in detail, helping you determine if you’re eligible for a refund—and how to claim it if you are.
United’s refund eligibility depends largely on the type of ticket purchased. Tickets are categorized into refundable, non-refundable, and Basic Economy. Additionally, award travel and airline-initiated cancellations fall under separate guidelines.
Let’s break it down by scenario to help you understand what applies to your booking.
One of the easiest ways to secure a refund from United Airlines is through the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule. According to U.S. regulations, if you book your flight at least seven days before departure, you’re allowed to cancel within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund—no matter what fare type you chose.
This applies to Basic Economy, non-refundable, and refundable fares.
How to cancel within 24 hours:
Select “My Trips”
Enter your booking confirmation number and last name
Choose your itinerary and hit “Cancel”
Your full refund will be processed to your original form of payment, usually within 7–10 business days.
If flexibility is important to you, refundable fares offer the most straightforward cancellation and refund option. While they tend to cost more, they allow you to cancel at any point before departure and receive a full refund—without penalties or complex processes.
Canceling a refundable ticket:
Log in to your MileagePlus account (if applicable)
Go to “My Trips”
Select your flight and choose “Cancel”
Refunds are processed automatically, or you may be directed to submit a short request form
Always double-check if your fare is labeled as refundable when booking, especially for premium cabin or international flights.
If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you likely won’t receive a monetary refund unless you cancel within the 24-hour risk-free period. However, you’re not completely out of luck—United allows cancellations in exchange for future flight credits.
Key points about canceling non-refundable fares:
Cancellation must be done before departure
You may be subject to a cancellation fee on select international routes
The remaining ticket value will be issued as a flight credit
Flight credits are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issue
This option is useful if you’re planning to rebook another United flight in the future.
Basic Economy is United’s most restrictive fare class. Once booked, these tickets cannot be changed or canceled after the 24-hour window expires—except in rare exceptions.
The only time you may qualify for a refund on a Basic Economy ticket (outside of the 24-hour period) is if:
United cancels your flight
There is a significant schedule change
You qualify under a special exception policy (more on this below)
If you anticipate the need to change or cancel, Basic Economy is not your best option.
If United Airlines cancels your flight or significantly changes your itinerary (e.g., long delays, missed connections), you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of ticket type.
In this case, you’ll be given the choice to:
Receive a full cash refund
Rebook another flight at no additional charge
Accept a travel credit for future use
This policy applies to all passengers, even those holding Basic Economy tickets.
Award tickets booked through United’s MileagePlus program come with customer-friendly cancellation terms. If your travel plans change, you can cancel and redeposit your miles with ease.
MileagePlus refund benefits:
Miles are returned to your account
Any taxes and fees paid are refunded
No redeposit or cancellation fees apply if canceled before departure
This policy gives frequent flyers added flexibility when booking with miles.
United Airlines provides multiple methods for canceling your flight:
1. Online:
Navigate to “My Trips”
Enter your confirmation number and last name
Select the flight and click “Cancel”
2. United Mobile App:
Open the app and log in
Go to “Trips”
Select your flight
Tap “Cancel Flight”
3. Phone:
Call United Airlines at +1-833-845-1858
Speak to a customer service agent for help with your cancellation and refund
4. At the Airport:
Visit a United Airlines help desk or kiosk if you need in-person assistance
Even if your ticket is non-refundable, there are certain situations where United may approve a refund. These include:
Medical emergencies (must provide documentation)
Death of a traveler or immediate family member
Military deployment (official orders required)
Visa denial for international trips
To request a refund under one of these exceptions, contact United directly and submit all supporting documentation for review.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United made some changes that benefit passengers long-term. Most notably, change fees have been permanently eliminated for the following:
Domestic U.S. flights
Flights between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean
Select international itineraries
Even non-refundable ticket holders can now modify travel plans more freely without paying hefty penalties.
Here’s the bottom line:
✅ Yes, if you cancel within 24 hours of booking
✅ Yes, if you purchased a refundable ticket
✅ Yes, if United cancels your flight or makes major schedule changes
❌ No, for most non-refundable and Basic Economy tickets—unless you qualify under a special exemption or use travel credits
For added protection, consider refundable fares or travel insurance when booking with United. Always check the fare conditions before confirming your reservation to avoid surprises later.