Yes, you can cancel United flights and, 1_877-827-8493 in many cases, receive a refund though the availability and type of refund largely depend on the type of fare you purchased, the timing of your cancellation, and the circumstances surrounding your change in plans. United Airlines, as one of the major legacy carriers in the United States, has developed a structured and relatively traveler-friendly cancellation and refund policy that accommodates a broad range of needs. Whether you’ve booked a refundable or non-refundable fare, United offers several options, and in certain cases, you may be eligible for a full refund even on tickets that are typically not refundable.
One of the most straightforward and widely applicable policies that United offers is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule. In accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines, United allows passengers to cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the flight was booked at least seven days prior to departure. This policy applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy, and gives passengers a useful window in which they can change their minds without financial penalty. The cancellation must be made either through the United website, mobile app, or customer service line (such as United’s dedicated support number 1-877-827-8493) to ensure compliance with the rule. It’s important to note that this rule is valid only for flights originating in the U.S., and bookings made through third-party sites may not always qualify unless the agency also honors the 24-hour rule.
Outside of this 24-hour grace period, the ability to receive a refund depends greatly on the fare type. United offers multiple classes of tickets, ranging from Basic Economy to First Class. Among these, refundable fares provide the greatest flexibility. If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight any time before departure and receive a full cash refund to your original form of payment. These tickets are usually more expensive and are preferred by business travelers or those with uncertain schedules. Cancellations for refundable tickets can be made through the "My Trips" section of United's website or mobile app, and once the refund is requested, the process typically takes between 7 to 10 business days, though it may vary depending on your financial institution.
Non-refundable tickets, on the other hand, are more restrictive but also more commonly purchased due to their lower prices. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket after the 24-hour cancellation period, you won't receive a cash refund. However, United does offer Travel Credits for the value of the unused ticket, minus any applicable cancellation fees. These credits are stored in your United TravelBank and are valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue. Travel Credits can be used for future United flights but are non-transferable. Notably, in recent years—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—United has eliminated many change fees for most domestic and short-haul international flights, allowing greater flexibility for travelers with non-refundable fares.
Basic Economy tickets, the lowest and most restrictive fare class, come with even tighter cancellation rules. After the 24-hour risk-free period, Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for refunds or flight changes. If you cancel this type of ticket, you typically forfeit its entire value. However, there are some limited exceptions. For instance, if your Basic Economy flight is canceled by United or there is a significant schedule change (typically a delay of four or more hours for domestic flights and six hours or more for international routes), you may be eligible for a full refund even on a non-refundable fare. United will usually notify you of such changes and provide rebooking or refund options within your online account or via email and SMS alerts.
In addition to fare-based policies, United does provide refund options for passengers who cancel due to exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency, death in the family, or military deployment. In such cases, United may make an exception and offer either a full refund or waive cancellation penalties. To qualify, travelers must present valid supporting documentation such as a doctor’s note, death certificate, or official military orders. These situations are reviewed individually by United’s customer service team, and passengers are encouraged to call 1-877-827-8493 to discuss their case directly with a representative. Although approval is not guaranteed, United generally aims to show flexibility and compassion in genuine hardship situations.
For those using award tickets (flights booked with United MileagePlus miles), United has policies that make cancellation relatively straightforward. If you cancel your award reservation in advance, the miles are usually redeposited into your MileagePlus account without penalty, especially if the cancellation is done online or well before the departure date. However, failing to cancel and simply not showing up for the flight can result in a $125 redeposit fee, unless you’re a Premier elite member, in which case the fee might be waived or reduced.
An important general rule across all fare types is that you must cancel your reservation before the scheduled departure time to preserve the value of your ticket. If you miss the flight without canceling referred to as a “no-show”—you typically forfeit the ticket entirely, especially in the case of non-refundable fares. Refundable fares may still be eligible for a refund post-departure, but the onus is on the traveler to contact United promptly to request it.
To request a refund, passengers can use United’s digital platforms. If you are eligible for a refund, log into your account, go to the “My Trips” section, locate the relevant reservation, and click on “Cancel” followed by “Request a Refund.” If your ticket meets the refund criteria, you’ll receive confirmation and the funds will be processed back to your original payment method. Travel Credits, by contrast, are usually made available within 24 hours and can be accessed through your TravelBank account.
If you booked your United ticket through a third-party travel agency or website, your refund or cancellation request must often be handled by the original source of purchase. This can complicate the process, as each agency may have its own terms and timelines. Booking directly with United—either via its website, app, or over the phone—provides more transparency and easier access to refunds and cancellations.
In conclusion, yes, you can cancel United flights and get a refund, but the outcome depends on several key factors: the fare class, timing of the cancellation, and whether the airline or passenger initiates the change. The 24-hour cancellation rule provides a valuable no-risk opportunity for all travelers, regardless of fare type. Refundable tickets offer full cash refunds anytime before departure, while non-refundable tickets are generally eligible for Travel Credits. Basic Economy fares have the least flexibility, though airline-initiated cancellations may still qualify for a refund. In special cases such as emergencies or military duty United may issue refunds on a case-by-case basis with appropriate documentation. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, and to speak with a live representative about your specific situation, contact United directly at 1-877-827-8493. By understanding these rules, you can make informed decisions, reduce financial risk, and ensure your travel plans remain as stress-free as possible.