United Airlines has varying cancellation fees depending on the type of ticket you have purchased and the timing of your cancellation. For travelers with Basic Economy tickets, the rules are the strictest. Basic Economy tickets are typically non-refundable and do not allow changes. However, if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and the cancellation is made at least seven days before your flight, you are eligible for a full refund. If you miss this window, no refund or travel credit will be given.

Non-refundable tickets offer a bit more flexibility but still come with restrictions. If you cancel within 24 hours of purchase and at least seven days before your scheduled departure, you can get a full refund. After that period, cancellations do not result in a refund, but you may receive a travel credit to use for future travel on United Airlines. This credit usually has an expiration date and is subject to certain conditions based on your fare.

Refundable tickets are the most flexible type. With refundable tickets, you can cancel your flight at any time before departure without paying any cancellation fees. The amount you paid will be fully refunded to your original payment method. Credit card refunds typically take about seven business days to process and appear on your statement within one or two billing cycles. Refunds made through other payment methods may take longer, sometimes up to 20 business days.

If you booked your flight using MileagePlus award miles, you can cancel and have your miles redeposited back into your account without a fee, provided you cancel before the flight. However, if you are a no-show and did not cancel your reservation, a redeposit fee of $125 will be charged regardless of your elite status in the MileagePlus program.

Same-day cancellations might carry a fee depending on your fare class and your status with United Airlines. General members might be charged a cancellation fee, while Premier Gold members and those with higher status might have the fee waived. It is best to check your ticket and status for specific details if you need to cancel on the day of travel.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Airlines adjusted its cancellation and change policies to be more flexible. Many travelers can now cancel or reschedule their flights with little or no fees depending on the ticket type and situation. These policies are subject to change, so it’s important to review the latest updates on the United Airlines website or contact customer service for current information.

If United cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, no matter what type of ticket you purchased. The refund will be processed back to your original form of payment. Additionally, any fees paid for services such as checked baggage or in-flight Wi-Fi that were not used because of the cancellation can be refunded.

In summary, United Airlines’ cancellation fees depend on your ticket type and when you cancel. Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive, with refunds only allowed within 24 hours of booking. Non-refundable tickets can be refunded if canceled quickly, otherwise you receive travel credit. Refundable tickets can be canceled anytime with a full refund. Award ticket cancellations are free unless you are a no-show, which results in a redeposit fee. Same-day cancellations may have fees based on your loyalty status. Always check your ticket’s terms and current United policies to avoid unexpected fees when canceling your flight.