United Airlines' cancellation policy
United Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
United Airlines flight cancellation policy
United Airlines Flight Change Policy 2025
Meta Title: United Airlines Cancellation and Flight Change Policy
Meta Description: Learn everything you need to know about United Airlines' cancellation policy, such as the 24-hour rule, who can get a refund, and how to change your trip.
United Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025: What Travelers Must Know
Traveling with United Airlines in 2025? If you're wondering about flight changes, refunds, or cancellations, you're not alone. This blog addresses the most common questions travelers ask about the United Airlines cancellation policy, including the United Airlines 24-hour cancellation policy, the United Airlines flight cancellation policy, and the United Airlines flight change policy 2025
Can I cancel a United Airlines flight within 24 hours of booking?
Yes! United Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. If you change your mind and book a flight within 24 hours, as long as the booking was made at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel for a full refund with no penalty.
Applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy.
This offer is only valid if you book through United's website, app, or customer service.
By using the original form of payment, refunds are processed.
If a traveler mistakenly chooses the wrong flight or encounters a booking mistake, then this policy is an excellent choice to book spontaneously and finalize their travel arrangements.
What is the United Airlines flight cancellation policy for 2025?
Depending on the fare type, United Airlines 24-hour cancellation policy offers flexible cancellation options. To avoid maximizing refund potential and unexpected fees, travelers must understand the rules for each fare class.
Refundable Tickets:
Cancel anytime before departure.
Full refund to the original payment method.
No cancellation fee.
Non-Refundable Tickets:
No cash refunds are given if the ticket is canceled after 24 hours.
The ticket's value will be refunded as future flight credit, excluding any applicable cancellation fees.
Flight credits typically expire 12 months after issuance.
Basic Economy Tickets:
Only refundable within 24 hours of booking.
After that period, cancellations are not allowed unless United cancels or significantly modifies the flight.
This structure encourages passengers to carefully select a fare class that aligns with their travel certainty and needs for flexibility.
What happens if United Airlines cancels my flight?
On the basis of United Airlines flight cancellation policy, if United Airlines cancels your flight or makes significant changes to your itinerary (such as a long delay or rescheduled departure), you have options.
Full Refund: Even for non-refundable tickets.
Rebooking: You can choose to be rebooked on a different United flight.
Travel Credit: If preferred, you can accept travel credit for future flights.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, passengers are entitled to refunds if the airline cancels their flight and the passenger chooses not to travel.
How do I cancel a United Airlines flight Online?
Cancelling a flight with United is easy if you follow these steps:
Visit United.com or open the United mobile app.
Sign in or access your trip under "My Trips."
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Select the flight you want to cancel.
Click "Cancel Reservation" and follow the instructions.
Review the refund or credit details.
Confirm the cancellation.
You'll receive a confirmation email with the cancellation status and next steps, such as refund processing or credit information.
How does the United Airlines flight change policy work in 2025?
For both domestic and international flights starting from the United States, United Airlines has removed change fees for most fares, including Economy, Economy Plus, First, Business, and United Premium Plus in 2025. With few exceptions, basic economy rates are not changeable, though.
What are United Airlines' policies for awarding travel or MileagePlus points?
Award travel using MileagePlus points also follows specific cancellation and change rules:
MileagePlus members can cancel award tickets and redeposit miles.
Fees may apply for redepositing miles unless you have Premier Elite status.
Changes to award flights may result in fare differences.
Tip: Always review the MileagePlus terms before booking an award ticket to understand any redeposit or change fees.
What's United Airlines refund policy after a cancellation?
The refund policy depends on several factors:
Refundable Tickets:
Full refund to the original payment method.
No fees or deductions.
Non-Refundable Tickets:
Receive travel credits for the ticket's value minus any applicable fees.
Credits can be used for future United Airlines bookings.
Basic Economy:
Only refundable during the 24-hour grace period.
Refund Timeline:
Credit card refunds usually take 7–10 business days.
A debit card or cash purchases may take longer.
If you requested a refund and haven't received it within the standard time, contact United's customer service for updates.
Are there any exceptions to United Airlines' cancellation rules?
Yes, United Airlines may waive fees or offer full refunds in specific scenarios:
Medical Emergencies: Provide documentation and request an exception.
Military Orders: Active-duty personnel may be eligible for free changes or cancellations.
Death in the Family: United may offer compassionate waivers; proof required.
Flight Disruptions: Delays, cancellations, or misconnects initiated by the airline. It's always worth reaching out to customer service if your situation is unique or unavoidable.
How can I use or redeem United Airlines flight credits?
If you receive a flight credit due to a cancellation or change, here's how to redeem it:
Go to United's website.
Choose a new flight.
At checkout, select "Use Travel Credit."
Please enter your credit details or log in to your account to retrieve it automatically.
Flight credits typically expire 12 months after the date of issuance, so mark your calendar and plan.
Did United Airlines charge any cancellation fees?
United cancellation fees depend upon ticket category and flight departure time. Basic economy flight fares are nonrefundable. Before and after flight departure, ordinary economy and premium cabin tickets include cancellation fees.
Airlines charge $200 USD for domestic flight cancellations.
The airline charges $400 USD for international flight cancellations.
What customer service options are available for cancellations and changes?
United offers several support channels:
Customer Service Phone: Available 24/7 for urgent issues.
Live Chat: Accessible via the mobile app.
Twitter/X & Facebook: Social media support teams respond quickly.
Airport Help Desks: Staff available for in-person assistance.
Conclusion
Navigating flight cancellations, changes, and refunds can be frustrating, but United Airlines has made significant improvements to ease this process in 2025. Whether you're canceling under the United Airlines 24-hour cancellation policy, exploring
rebooking options through the United Airlines flight change policy 2025, or managing travel credits from a previous trip, United offers flexible and traveler-focused solutions. Understanding the United Airlines cancellation policy empowers you to make confident travel decisions. If you have any queries, call +1-855-570-0146 and bookmark this guide to always verify terms on United's website for the most accurate, updated information.
Safe travels, and may your journey be smooth and stress-free!
