Before you cancel, it’s important to know the type of fare you purchased. United Airlines offers several fare types, and your eligibility for a refund depends heavily on this.
Basic Economy: Typically non-refundable and non-changeable.
Standard Economy and above: Refundable or changeable for a fee or under specific conditions.
Premium, Business, and First-Class: Usually come with more flexible cancellation and refund options.
Understanding the policy tied to your fare class can prevent misunderstandings and ensure you take the right steps in securing a refund or flight credit.
United Airlines complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. This applies regardless of the fare type.
Applies only if the flight was booked at least 7 days before departure
Full refund to the original payment method
Can be canceled online or by contacting United’s customer service at +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162
Pro Tip: Even Basic Economy tickets are eligible under this 24-hour window.
Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility. You can cancel at any time before departure and receive a full refund to your original form of payment.
No cancellation fees
Ideal for uncertain travel plans
Refunds processed faster
Most travelers opt for non-refundable tickets due to the lower price. However, these come with stricter conditions.
A flight credit for future travel rather than a cash refund
Possible deduction of cancellation or change fees
Ineligible for a refund unless canceled within 24 hours or due to special circumstances
If you’re ready to cancel your flight, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process.
Visit United.com or open the United mobile app.
Log in with your MileagePlus account or enter your confirmation number.
Navigate to “My Trips.”
Select the flight you want to cancel.
Click “Cancel Flight.”
Review cancellation details and refund eligibility.
Submit your cancellation request.
If you encounter issues online, you can speak to a United representative directly by calling +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162 for personalized support.
Even with non-refundable tickets, United Airlines provides exceptions in certain cases.
If United cancels your flight for any reason and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to a full refund.
This applies to weather issues, crew shortages, or operational disruptions.
If your itinerary is modified significantly (more than 2 hours delay), you may request a refund instead of accepting the new flight.
With proper documentation (e.g., doctor's note, death certificate), United may issue a refund on compassionate grounds.
When a refund is not available, United offers Travel Credits or Electronic Travel Certificates.
Can be used toward future travel
Valid for 12 to 24 months depending on issue date
Non-transferable
May offer more flexibility
Can sometimes be used by another traveler (depends on terms)
Both options are accessible from your MileagePlus account.
While this guide is focused on United Airlines, many travelers consider Delta Airlines as an alternative. Let’s compare them briefly:
For flexible flight booking options and high customer satisfaction, both United and Delta Airlines have strong offerings. However, cancellation and refund rules can vary.
Refunds typically process within 7–20 business days depending on your payment method.
If you don’t cancel your ticket in advance and simply don’t show up, your ticket is considered a “no-show,” and you may lose the value entirely—especially with non-refundable fares.
Yes. Flights booked with United MileagePlus miles can be canceled, and your miles will be redeposited. Fees may apply depending on the fare and time of cancellation.
It depends. You’ll need to call +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162 to confirm the rules tied to your itinerary and fare class.
Not on most Standard Economy or higher tickets if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable outside of the 24-hour window.
Canceling a flight with United Airlines doesn’t have to be complicated—especially if you understand their fare structure and refund eligibility criteria. Whether you're dealing with a sudden change in plans, exploring flexible flight booking options, or comparing United to competitors like Delta Airlines, knowing how to manage cancellations can make your travel experience smoother.
For direct assistance or to confirm your refund eligibility, contact United Airlines customer service at +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162.