For non-refundable tickets, United allows a full refund only if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and at least seven days before departure. If you cancel after that window, you won’t get a refund but may receive a travel credit that you can use for future flights with United. The value of the credit depends on the fare rules and if you cancel before your flight departs.
Refundable tickets give you more flexibility. You can cancel any time before the flight and get a full refund without any cancellation fees. The refund will be returned to the original form of payment. Credit card refunds usually take about 7 business days to process and show up within one or two billing cycles. Other payment methods might take longer, up to 20 business days.
If you booked your ticket using MileagePlus award miles, you can cancel and redeposit the miles back into your account. There is no redeposit fee unless you are a no-show for the flight. If you don’t show up and want to redeposit your miles, United charges a $125 fee regardless of your MileagePlus status.
Same-day cancellations can come with a fee depending on your fare class and your status with United’s loyalty program. For example, general members might have to pay a cancellation fee, while Premier Gold members or higher may have the fee waived.
United Airlines has adjusted some cancellation policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many travelers are now allowed to cancel or reschedule flights with little or no fees depending on the ticket type and situation. However, these policies can change, so it is best to check United’s official website or contact customer service for the most current information.
If United cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. The refund will be made to the original payment method. Additionally, if you paid for services such as Wi-Fi or checked baggage and those services were not provided because of the cancellation, you can request a refund for those fees.
In summary, the cancellation fee depends on the ticket type and when you cancel. Basic Economy is the most restrictive with little or no refund except for the 24-hour window after booking. Non-refundable tickets allow refunds only if canceled quickly, otherwise you get travel credit. Refundable tickets can be canceled at any time with a full refund. Award tickets have fees only if you are a no-show. Same-day cancellations might have fees unless you have elite status. Always review your ticket’s fare rules and check the latest updates on United’s website to avoid surprises when canceling a flight.