United's cancellation policy varies depending on when the ticket was purchased and the type of ticket. Generally, most tickets are eligible for a full refund within 24 hours of booking if purchased at least a week before departure. After that 24-hour window, nonrefundable tickets will receive a future flight credit, while Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for refunds or credits.
United Airlines Cancellation Policy
United Airlines has a 24-hour flexible booking policy where you can cancel a flight for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase, as long as the purchase was made at least one week before the original departure date. After that period, cancellation policies vary depending on the type of ticket purchased.
When planning a trip with United Airlines, understanding their cancellation policy can give you peace of mind in case your travel plans change unexpectedly. United Airlines has designed a customer-focused cancellation policy that provides flexibility and clarity, with the goal of reducing stress and financial penalties for travelers. Whether you’ve booked a domestic flight or an international journey, United’s policy outlines specific guidelines based on the fare type and timing of cancellation. To start, all passengers—regardless of the fare type—are eligible for a full refund if they cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase, as long as the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later. This 24-hour grace period is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and applies to all ticket classes, including Basic Economy. However, if you need to cancel after this grace window closes, the refund and fees will depend heavily on the fare category you originally purchased.
Basic Economy fares, while often the most affordable, come with the most restrictions. Once the 24-hour cancellation window has passed, Basic Economy tickets become non-refundable and non-changeable. That means if your travel plans change or you simply decide not to fly, you will not be eligible for a refund or even a flight credit. United does not allow changes to Basic Economy tickets except under rare circumstances, such as significant schedule changes initiated by the airline or if travel waivers are in place due to emergencies or severe weather. As a result, passengers purchasing Basic Economy tickets should be very confident in their travel plans or consider adding trip protection at checkout.
For travelers who book non-refundable Main Cabin, Economy Plus, Premium, Business, or First-Class fares, United Airlines allows cancellations without a traditional cancellation fee. Instead of receiving cash back, passengers are issued a flight credit—also known as an eCredit—for the full value of the unused ticket. This credit can be applied toward future United Airlines flights and typically remains valid for 12 months from the original issue date. This policy gives travelers the opportunity to reschedule without losing the full value of their ticket. However, if the new flight costs more than the credit amount, passengers will need to pay the fare difference. On the other hand, if the new flight is cheaper, the remaining credit is retained for future use. It's important to note that while change fees have been eliminated on most domestic flights and select international itineraries originating in the U.S., certain international or complex itineraries may still carry additional rules or fare differences.
For those who prefer more flexibility, refundable fares are the most accommodating option. Passengers holding refundable tickets can cancel their flights at any time before departure and receive a full refund back to their original form of payment. These fares are ideal for travelers with uncertain schedules or business passengers who need the freedom to adjust their travel at a moment’s notice. While refundable tickets generally come at a higher upfront cost, they eliminate the stress and potential loss associated with last-minute cancellations.
In addition to paid fares, United Airlines also offers a generous cancellation policy for award tickets booked using MileagePlus miles. If you cancel an award flight before departure, your miles will be redeposited into your MileagePlus account and any taxes or fees paid will be refunded, with no cancellation fee. This applies to most award ticket types, though there may be a $125 redeposit fee if you are a no-show and fail to cancel before the flight’s departure. This flexibility makes booking with miles even more appealing for frequent flyers who want to retain control over their travel plans.
If United Airlines initiates a cancellation or significantly alters your itinerary—such as changing your departure time by more than two hours or modifying a connection—you are typically entitled to a full refund, regardless of fare type. This includes Basic Economy and non-refundable tickets. In such cases, United will notify you of the changes and provide options to accept the new itinerary, rebook without additional cost, or cancel for a full refund. This policy ensures that passengers are not penalized for disruptions outside their control.
For added convenience, cancellations can be easily made through United’s official website or mobile app by accessing the “My Trips” section. From there, travelers can cancel upcoming flights, request refunds if eligible, or manage flight credits. If a refund is approved, United processes it back to the original payment method within 7 to 10 business days for credit card transactions. Refunds for other payment methods may take up to 20 business days. United also offers customer support through its reservation team for passengers who need help with complex itineraries, award bookings, or changes involving partner airlines.
It’s also worth noting that United allows passengers to add Trip Protection insurance to their reservation during the booking process. This optional coverage can provide reimbursement for cancellations due to covered reasons such as medical emergencies, accidents, or severe weather. While not necessary for all travelers, it can offer added peace of mind, especially for expensive or international trips.
To summarize, United Airlines' cancellation policy is built on flexibility, especially for travelers flying on non-Basic Economy fares. The 24-hour full refund window gives every traveler a no-risk opportunity to cancel right after booking. While Basic Economy remains the most restrictive and does not offer refunds or credits after 24 hours, other fare types—including Main Cabin, Premium, and award tickets—offer more lenient terms. Non-refundable tickets provide full value in the form of flight credits, and refundable tickets allow for direct cash refunds with no fees. Award miles can be redeposited without penalties if canceled in advance. And if the airline causes any major disruption to your itinerary, you’re always entitled to a full refund. With these policies, United Airlines has taken major steps to align with modern travel needs, giving passengers the flexibility to adapt without hefty cancellation penalties.[1_83 38 45 18 58