United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Overview of United Airlines Cancellation Policy

Passenger cancellation of United Airlines flights is flexible, but only to a certain degree, based on the ticket purchased. Finally, the airline has had numerous shifts in its cancellation policy in the last few years, in order to ensure that its travelers can cancel without losing out big. Perhaps most significant is that United has completely discarded change fees on many ticket types, so modifying or canceling flights will no longer cost any extra.

24-Hour Cancellation Policy

According to the United Airlines cancellation policy, travelers can cancel any flight ticket with no cancellation fee within the first 24 hours after book, provided their ticket was made at least seven days in advance of the departure date. This will apply to all types of tickets which includes but is not limited to: basic economy, economy, premium economy, business, first class. Cancellations made within this time period will be refunded to the original payment method.

Basic Economy Tickets

United's standard fare rules dictate that basic economy tickets are generally non-refundable and non-changeable. Passengers who cancel within the 24-hour window can still receive a full refund, however. Then, during the next 24 hours, basic economy tickets are nonrefundable and nonchangeable unless the passenger upgrades to another fare type with more flexibility.

Non-Refundable Tickets

The most purchased fares are non-refundable tickets on United Airlines. When you have to cancel a nonrefundable ticket, you won’t get a cash refund, but a travel credit for future use instead. The travel credit should be valid for 12 months from date of issue. You'll still be eligible for a full refund if you cancel a non-refundable ticket within 24 hours of booking.

Refundable Tickets

Under the United Airlines cancellation policy, refundable tickets offer the greatest flexibility. If you cancel a refundable ticket, you are entitled to a full cash refund to your original method of payment. Refundable tickets are costlier than no-refund alternatives but offer peace of mind for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight

1. United Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy: United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Cancelling a flight with United Airlines is easy and can be done through various ways:

2. Online: Go to united.com, or download the United mobile app. Sign in to your account and click on “My Trips” and follow the prompts to cancel your booking.

3. Customer Service: If you need help with cancellations, you can call United’s customer service. If you have your booking reference number ready, you can receive a quicker service.

4. Airport counter: For those who want to cancel their flights in person, simply visit a United Airlines service desk at the airport.

Travel Credits and Rebooking

If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you’ll receive a travel credit in the amount of your ticket value. United Airlines Travel Credits Allowance But you have to spend the credit within its validity period (typically 12 months from the date of issue). Travel credits are not transferable, and only the original ticket holder can use them.

Special Considerations

• COVID-19 Policy: United Airlines has implemented more relaxed cancellation and change policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of these policies have remained in place, including the cancellation of change fees on most domestic and international flights (excluding basic economy).

• Award tickets: United lets you cancel award tickets (those booked with miles) for a small fee. After you cancel, the miles will be redeposited into your account.

Also Read:- Alaska Airlines cancellation policy

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Also Read:- Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy

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