United Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025

Flight Cancellation can be a bit tricky and costly, but sometimes you go through some sudden incidents that have to cancel your travelling plans. These reasons can be anything such as medical issues, events, family problems, schedule problems, etc. When you are planning to book a flight with United Airlines, then you better be aware of United Airlines Cancellation Policy. Knowledge can make your traveling smooth and there will not be any problems regarding flight cancellation. Let’s talk about these cancellation Policies in detail to ensure you a comfortable journey.

General Guidelines of United Airlines Cancellation Policy

United Airlines may have different charges according to different classes and fares.
There is no refund if you booked an Economy class.
If United Airlines cancelled its flight, then there are no cancellation fees, and if you don’t want any alternative flights, then you will be offered a refund.
If any passenger has passed away before the flight, then their family will receive some part of a refund with zero cancellation fees.

United Airlines 24 Hours Cancellation Policy

If you cancelled your booking for United Airlines within 24 hours of booking, then you will not have to pay any charges for this cancellation. There are some points to be remembered while cancelling within 24 hours.

When you book a 24-hour cancellation, then time will start from the minute you purchased your ticket.
Even Economy class is also allowed for 24 hours cancellation.
If you are eligible, then you will receive your refund in the same way as your payment method.
If you have a group booking, then your 24-hour cancellation policy will not apply.
In case you have made a reservation but haven’t purchased, then too the 24-hour cancellation Policy will not apply.

How to cancel United Airlines Flight Tickets?

There are several ways to cancel United Airlines Flight tickets mentioned below-

Online method

You can follow these steps to cancel your flights-

Visit the official website of United Airlines.
Go to my trip option.
Enter your 6 digit reference number and last name.
Choose the Airlines you need to cancel, then cancel your booking.
Check for refund if you are eligible for a refund.
Pay your cancellation fees if any.
You will receive your confirmation email.

Via Phone Call

You can cancel your flight through a phone call with the given steps-

Call the Airline customer service, and if you don’t have a number, you can always find it through the official website of United Airlines.
They may ask some questions to verify for security purposes.
You need to tell them some personal details like name, and booking confirmation code etc.
Request a cancellation.
You can pay cancellation fees if any.
Check if you are eligible for a refund, then request a refund too.
You will get a confirmation email.

At the Airport

In case you don’t know about the online method of cancellation, you can directly visit the airport for cancellation. Representative will be available to guide you through the cancellation procedure.

Visit the Airport.
Provide your details, such as the 6 digits booking confirmation code and the last name, etc.
Pay your cancellation fees if any.
Check for the eligibility if any and request a refund.
You will receive a confirmation email.

United Airlines Cancellation Refund

After cancelling your ticket, you must be thinking how you can check for a refund, then here are some steps you can follow to check your refund.

Visit the refund page.
Then you can click on the “Check Status” Tab.
You need to fill in your information like your Last name, ticket number or tracking number, etc.
You can press the “Check Status.”

United Airlines Refund Policy

If you booked a flight but cancelled your booking within 24 hours, then you will receive a full refund.
You can get a refund on basic economy under 24 cancellations, otherwise it is non-refundable.
You can request a refund through the phone after cancellation of your ticket if you have a refundable ticket.
It takes 7-14 business days to get a refund.

United Airlines Cancellation Fees

United Airlines always charges cancellation fees if you cancel your booking.

Basic Economy flight class is not refundable.
For all non-refundable classes, United Airlines will charge USD 200 for Domestic and USD 400 for International flights.
For all Refundable flights, United Airlines will charge the same USD 200 for Domestic and USD 400 for International flights.

How to Avoid Cancellation Fees on United Airlines?

You can buy a refundable plan to avoid cancellation fees.
Try to cancel your flight within 24 hours.
If your flight is delayed more than 6 hours, then you are eligible for a full refund.
If the flight is cancelled due to any weather reason, or other low-demand reasons, then you can request a refund.

United Airlines Compensation fees

When United Airlines cancels its flight due to any reason, or the flight gets delayed, then the airline offers some compensation.

Compensation due to the length of delay

New Flight Arrival Time	Compensation	Compensation (in USD)
Within 1 hour of original arrival	None	None
Between 1 and 3 hours after original arrival	200%	675
More than 3 hours after original arrival	400%	1350

Compensation due to denial of boarding

Flight Distance	Compensation (in USD)
Less than 1,500 km	150
Between 1500 km and 3500 km	200
Greater than 3500 Km	300

Compensation due to flight cancellation

Flight Distance	Compensation (in USD)
Less than 1,500 km	300
Between 1500 km and 3500 km	400
Greater than 3500 Km	600

Conclusion

Now whenever you book a ticket for United Airlines you don’t need to stress about any sudden cancellation. You have understood the method of cancellation through Official websites, via a phone or by paying a direct visit to the airport. If you have refundable tickets, then you will receive a refund of your cancellation, otherwise, you will have to pay some additional charges. United Airlines offers some compensations as well if the flight gets cancelled or delayed under the United Airlines Cancellation Policy.