United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Everything You Need to Know Before You Cancel
Travel plans can change unexpectedly, which is why understanding the United Airlines cancellation policy is essential for every traveler. Whether you're facing a last-minute emergency, rescheduling for convenience, or dealing with flight disruptions, knowing your cancellation rights can save you both time and money. United Airlines offers one of the more flexible cancellation policies among major U.S. carriers, but there are still rules, exceptions, and fees you should be aware of before making any changes to your itinerary.
United Airlines provides a comprehensive cancellation policy that varies depending on the type of fare purchased, the timing of the cancellation, and whether the ticket is refundable or non-refundable. The airline has adopted more flexible rules in recent years, including eliminating change fees for many domestic and short-haul international flights.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Most tickets can be canceled within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
Refundable fares offer full reimbursement.
Non-refundable fares may be eligible for credit toward future travel.
Special conditions apply for Basic Economy, award tickets, and international travel.
Under United Airlines ’ 24-hour cancellation rule, passengers can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking without incurring a fee—as long as the reservation was made at least two days before departure. This policy applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy, and offers peace of mind for travelers who need to adjust their plans shortly after booking.
To take advantage of this, cancel your flight via the United Airlines website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service team. The full amount paid will be refunded to your original form of payment.
If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel at any time before the flight’s scheduled departure and receive a full refund. These types of fares are typically more expensive, but they provide the highest level of flexibility.
To cancel a refundable ticket:
Go to the United Airlines website or app.
Log in and navigate to “My Trips.”
Select your flight and click “Cancel.”
Submit a refund request, if not automatically processed.
Refunds are generally returned to your original form of payment within 7 business days.
Most travelers book non-refundable tickets due to their lower cost. While these tickets don’t qualify for a cash refund, United Airlines allows you to cancel them and receive a trip credit for the value of your ticket (minus any applicable fees). This credit can be used toward future travel with United Airlines .
Here’s how it works:
You must cancel before the flight departs.
A cancellation fee may apply for some international flights.
The remaining balance becomes a travel credit.
Credits are typically valid for one year from the original ticket issue date.
Important note: If you don’t show up for your flight and fail to cancel in advance, your ticket becomes void and you may forfeit its entire value.
Basic Economy fares are the least flexible and most restrictive option. These tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, meaning you cannot cancel or change your flight unless you do so within the 24-hour cancellation window.
However, if you are unable to travel due to a medical emergency or other extenuating circumstance, United Airlines may issue a trip credit or partial refund on a case-by-case basis.
For flights booked with AAdvantage miles, United Airlines allows free cancellations and redeposit of miles as long as the cancellation is made before the flight’s departure. There are no fees to cancel award travel anymore, which adds flexibility for loyalty program members.
To cancel an award ticket:
Go to “My Trips” and select your reservation.
Click on “Cancel Trip.”
Miles will be returned to your AAdvantage account, and any taxes or fees paid will be refunded to your credit card.
If your travel plans change on the day of departure, United Airlines offers same-day flight change and standby options:
Same-day confirmed change is available for a fee (waived for certain fare classes and elite members).
Same-day standby is free for AAdvantage elite members and available to other passengers on select routes.
While this isn’t technically a “cancellation,” it’s a useful option for those who want to fly earlier or later on the same day.
Canceling your flight is simple and can be done in multiple ways:
Visit aa.com.
Navigate to “My Trips.”
Log in and find your flight.
Click “Cancel” and follow the prompts.
Use the United Airlines mobile app to view your trips.
Select the flight you wish to cancel.
Tap “Cancel Flight.”
Call United Airlines customer service at +1-833-845-1858.
An agent can help cancel your flight and discuss refund eligibility.
For last-minute cancellations, visit an United Airlines help desk at the airport.
Certain situations may qualify for exceptions to standard policies:
Medical emergencies: Documentation may allow for fee waivers.
Military personnel: Active-duty members may be eligible for additional flexibility.
Flight cancellations by the airline: You are entitled to a full refund if United Airlines cancels your flight or significantly delays it.
United Airlines updated many of its policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some temporary changes have been rolled back, key elements remain:
No change fees for most domestic, short-haul international, and certain long-haul routes.
Trip credits are now easier to use and apply during checkout online.