1_877-827-8493 Filing a claim with United Airlines is an essential process for passengers who experience issues such as delayed or lost baggage, flight cancellations or delays, refund requests, or damaged items during their travel. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, it’s important to understand how United handles claims and what steps you need to take to ensure your complaint or request is processed efficiently. United Airlines provides multiple channels for customers to file claims, including online forms, phone assistance, and in-person airport support. The type of claim you're submitting will determine the best process to follow. Some common reasons for filing a claim include lost or damaged baggage, refunds for unused tickets, travel disruptions, compensation due to delays or cancellations, and special situations such as bereavement or medical emergencies. For each of these, United has specific procedures and requirements, and following them closely will improve the likelihood of receiving a favorable outcome.
If your issue involves baggage, such as a bag that was delayed, lost, or returned to you in damaged condition, your first action should be to report it immediately at the airport’s United Airlines baggage service office. A representative will help you complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and give you a case or reference number. This number is important for tracking your baggage claim. If your baggage is not found within five days, you’ll need to complete a more detailed claim online by visiting united.com/bagclaim. You’ll need to provide detailed descriptions of the bag, its contents, your flight and ticket information, and any receipts for high-value items you may be claiming. Damaged baggage must also be reported promptly within 24 hours for domestic flights and within seven days for international flights. United typically reviews these cases and may offer repair, replacement, or compensation, depending on the circumstances and evidence provided. Keep in mind that airlines do not usually compensate for minor cosmetic damage or pre-existing wear and tear. It's also wise to take photos of your baggage before checking it in, so you have visual proof of its condition before travel.
For flight disruptions such as cancellations or long delays, United’s policy varies based on the cause of the disruption and whether the flight is domestic or international. If United cancels your flight or causes a delay of more than a few hours (generally over four hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones), you may be eligible for a full refund or rebooking at no extra cost. The fastest way to file a claim in these situations is through United’s customer care page: united.com/customer-care. From there, select the appropriate issue—such as flight change or delay—and follow the instructions to file a compensation or refund request. You can also request meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or transportation if the delay or cancellation causes you to miss a connection or forces you to stay overnight. United will typically inform you of these options via email, text, or app notifications, but it’s important to proactively check your eligibility if you believe you’re entitled to compensation.
If you're seeking a refund, the best place to start is united.com/refunds, where you can input your ticket number and last name to begin the request. Refund eligibility depends on the fare class you purchased. Fully refundable fares can be canceled at any time before departure for a full refund. Non-refundable tickets, however, typically only qualify for refunds under specific conditions, such as if United cancels the flight, makes a significant schedule change, or if you qualify for an exception due to illness, military duty, or bereavement. Even if your fare is non-refundable, United often offers travel credits instead of cash refunds, allowing you to use the value of your canceled ticket toward a future flight. These credits are stored in your TravelBank account and usually remain valid for one year from the date of issue.
For special exceptions, like medical emergencies or bereavement, United may offer more flexible solutions on a case-by-case basis. You’ll need to provide supporting documentation, such as a death certificate, hospital records, or a letter from a healthcare provider, to support your claim. You can upload these documents directly through the claim form online or provide them to a customer service agent by phone. While these requests are not always guaranteed to be approved, United does consider them with compassion and may waive change or cancellation fees or issue a refund even on non-refundable fares.
Another key type of claim involves compensation for international travel under regulations such as EC 261/2004, which applies to flights departing from the European Union. Under this law, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 for delays of three or more hours, denied boarding, or cancellations. United Airlines honors these obligations, but passengers must file a claim through the customer care portal and provide detailed flight and personal information, along with an explanation of the situation. The process can take several weeks, and supporting documentation—such as boarding passes, proof of delay, and communication with the airline can help expedite the decision.
Regardless of the type of claim you're filing, it's essential to keep good records. Save all emails, boarding passes, baggage claim tags, and receipts. If you're submitting a claim related to expenses such as a hotel stay, meal, or alternate transportation due to a delay make sure your receipts are itemized and clearly show the amounts paid. You can upload these documents directly to your claim using the online form. Once submitted, you’ll receive a reference number, which you can use to track the status of your claim. Refunds and compensation payments, if approved, typically take between 7 and 20 business days to process, depending on the nature of the claim and your method of payment.
If you’d rather speak to a live representative, you can call United’s customer service line at 1_877-827-8493 (1-877-UNITED-1). Be prepared to wait during busy periods, but you can usually press “0” or say “representative” repeatedly to skip the automated menu and reach an agent faster. United also offers customer support through live chat on its mobile app and monitors social media accounts like Twitter (@united) and Facebook, where you can send direct messages. While these methods are effective for getting updates or submitting simple issues, complex claims involving compensation, lost items, or refunds are best handled through the official website.
In conclusion, filing a claim with United Airlines is a clear and structured process, but it requires organization and attention to detail. Whether you're seeking a refund, compensation for delays, or reimbursement for baggage issues, starting with the appropriate online form and including all required documentation will help ensure your case is handled promptly. United offers support 24/7 through multiple channels, including phone,1_877-827-8493 chat, and social media, giving you flexibility in how you choose to pursue your claim. Always act quickly, follow the specific procedures for your type of issue, and keep a record of all communications. This increases your chances of a successful resolution and ensures you receive any compensation or refund you're entitled to.