United Airlines Cancellation Policy: What You Should Know Before You Cancel Your Flight
Planning a trip can be exciting, but unexpected changes often lead to canceled flights. Fortunately, United Airlines offers a cancellation policy that’s both comprehensive and customer-focused. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden emergency or simply need to adjust your itinerary, it’s essential to understand how United Airlines handles cancellations, refunds, and travel credits.
United Airlines ’s cancellation terms are mainly influenced by the fare you purchase. Tickets are divided into categories like Economy Light, Economy Classic, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Each fare type offers varying levels of flexibility when it comes to refunds or changes.
Refundable tickets (such as Economy Flex or Business Flex) offer full refunds for cancellations made anytime before departure.
Non-refundable tickets, typically the lower-cost options, may not be eligible for a direct refund but might qualify for a travel voucher after deducting fees.
United Airlines follows international aviation standards by offering a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your flight is more than 7 days away, you are eligible for a full refund. This applies to all fare types booked directly through United Airlines .
Most budget travelers opt for non-refundable fares. Although you won’t get your money back, United Airlines may issue a travel credit for future use. You’ll typically pay a cancellation fee, which varies based on the route and fare, and receive the remaining value as a voucher.
Additionally, airport taxes and fees on unused flights are generally refundable, even on non-refundable tickets.
If flexibility is important to you, refundable tickets are the best choice. United Airlines allows full cancellations without penalty. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method within 7–10 business days. These tickets can be canceled easily via the website or app.
Miles & More members can cancel award flights and typically have their miles returned for a small fee (around €50). Taxes and surcharges paid are also refunded. Documentation may be required for special waivers in emergency cases.
Here’s how you can cancel your United Airlines booking:
Online: Use the "My Bookings" section on United Airlines .com.
Mobile App: Navigate to “Bookings” and follow prompts to cancel.
Customer Service: Call United Airlines for help with complex reservations.
Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agent or platform where you booked.
United Airlines may waive fees for cancellations due to illness, family death, or other emergencies—just be prepared to submit proof like a medical certificate or obituary notice.
United Airlines introduced flexible booking options during the pandemic, many of which still apply. Most notably:
No change fees for most fare types
Flexible rebooking with no penalty (fare difference may apply)
Travel vouchers for pandemic-related disruptions
While United Airlines offers fair policies, certain charges are typically non-refundable:
Service fees
Travel insurance add-ons
Seat upgrades or lounge access (unless canceled within a certain window)