United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Basic Economy & Award Ticket

If you cannot travel on your United Airlines booking due to unforeseen circumstances, then you must cancel your flight reservation ASAP. Canceling the reservation before the flight departure helps you to get a refund value of your ticket. If you fail to cancel the United Airlines flight ticket before departure, the airline will mark you a no-show. There are many other essential points under the United Airlines Cancellation Policy that you must know to get a better refund value for your ticket. 

It does offer a risk-free cancellation period allowing you to get a full refund but United Airlines Cancellation Policy after 24 hours depends on the type of ticket you have. 

United Airlines Cancellation Policy Highlights

• The cancellation policy applies to flights operated by United Airlines. 
• Basic Economy and other tickets are eligible for risk-free cancellation. After the 24-hour booking period, Basic Economy tickets are non-cancellable. According to United Airlines Change Policy, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed. So, the risk-free period is the only time when passengers can modify their Basic Economy ticket. 
• Tickets purchased via third-party are not eligible for risk-free cancellation. 
• United Airlines will provide a refund only for the unused portion of the itinerary. 
• According to United Airlines Cancellation Policy, there will be no cancellation fee if travelers revoke their booking due to the death of a traveling companion or immediate family member. 
• If the passenger fails to cancel the booking and does not show up for the flight, the airline will mark it a no-show. United will forfeit the value of the ticket. 

United Airlines 24 Hour Flight Cancellation Policy 

According to United Airlines ‘ hour Cancellation Policy, travelers can cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase of the ticket for free. There will be no penalties. 

Passengers need to follow some conditions to take the benefit of the 24-hour cancellation policy.

• As soon as you purchase your ticket, the 24-hour period starts.
• The risk-free cancellation policy only applies to bookings that are seven days ahead. 
• Moreover, reservations made via the United Airlines Customer Contact Center, local city ticket offices, website, and the app are only eligible for risk-free cancellation. 
• The group bookings will have to abide by the group ticket conditions.
• E-certificate bookings are not eligible for 24-hour cancellation. 
• There is no reimbursement for any FareLock fees paid to secure a reservation.
• Ticket reservations via miles+cash are eligible for a full refund under the policy. 
• Also, the United Airlines 24-hour Cancellation Policy does not include reservations that are in process but not yet paid. 
• The policy also applies to Basic Economy tickets. 
• The refund will be in the form of the original payment method.

United Airlines Award Travel Cancellation

Passengers with award tickets can cancel their United Airlines booking. The airline will redeposit the miles back to the traveler’s account without any additional fee. However, the cancellation charges depend on the tier status in the MileagePlus membership. 

Canceling an award flight ticket 30 days before departure will incur no cancellation fee. On the other hand, if the passenger cancels the award booking within 30 days of departure, the general members will have to pay $75, silver members $50, and gold members $25 fee. Platinum members can cancel the ticket for free. 

According to United Airlines Cancellation Policy, if the passenger is marked as a no-show, they have to pay $125 to redeposit the miles. The miles will only be deposited back only to the passengers’s account. 

Cancellation Policy for Refundable and Non-Refundable Tickets 

United Airlines offers refundable and non-refundable fares. 

When a passenger cancels the non-refundable ticket, they will get a refund in the form of travel credits. The travel credits will be equivalent to the ticket value minus the cancellation fee. These credits will be valid for up to one year from the date of issue of the ticket or as per the fare conditions. Passengers can use these credits for future travel bookings. Basic Economy tickets do not get any future travel credits upon cancellation.

If the passenger cancels the refundable fare before the flight departure, United Airlines will refund the amount in the form of the original payment mode. The cancellation fee will depend on the type of fare. 

How to Cancel United Airlines Flight Ticket?

There are various modes that a passenger can take to revoke their United Airlines flight tickets. They can use the united.com or the mobile app. Passengers can also call the United reservation department or visit the airport counter. 

Use the Official Website

It is the most convenient way to cancel your booking on United Airlines. You have to take these easy steps. 

• Go to the official website.
• Navigate to the “My Trips” option at the top menu. 
• Now, find your trip using the confirmation number/MileagePlus number along with the last name. 
• The trip summary will reflect on your screen. 
• Select “Cancel Flight” from the option. 
• Now, choose the passenger from your booking. 
• Review the cancellation terms and conditions of your ticket. 
• Click on the confirm button and approve the cancellation.

Use the United Airlines Mobile App 

Travelers can also cancel their tickets on the go with the help of the United Mobile app. It allows passengers to cancel their tickets from the comfort of their homes.

• Download and launch the app. 
• Log in to your account. 
• Now, go to the “My Trips” section. 
• After that, choose the booking you want to cancel. 
• Choose the Cancel option. 
• Review the United Airlines Cancellation Policy and confirm the cancellation. 
• Passenger can check their reservation through My Trips and ensure that their booking is canceled. 

Request Cancellation Via Phone

If the passenger is unable to cancel their booking online, they can call the United reservation desk. The agents are well-trained and are available 24/7.

Travelers must make sure to keep the booking confirmation and other details handy. The executives will cancel the booking on your behalf. The refund will be as per the United Airlines Refund Policy. 

Cancel Flight at the Airport

You may have to cancel the ticket last minute at the airport. It can be easily done by going to the United reservation counter and request the agent to cancel their booking. 

You must cancel your international flight three hours before departure and domestic flights two hours before departure. However, according to United Airlines Check-in policy, if you have completed the check-in process, then you have to withdraw the check-in first before canceling the ticket. 

How Much is the United Airlines Flight Cancellation Charges?

A passenger who cancels their booking in the risk-free period (adhering to the terms and conditions) will not have to pay any cancellation charges. The rule also applies to Basic Economy tickets. 

In the case of domestic fares, travelers may have to pay up to $200 as a cancellation fee. On the other hand for United Airlines international fares, passengers may have to pay up to $400 cancellation fees. 

United Airlines Refund Policy 

Travelers have to fill out the refund form to get their money back from United Airlines. After investigating the fare conditions, United will refund the amount. 

• In case of cancellation within 24 hours of the booking, the airline will refund the full amount. 
• After 24 hours, the refund amount due to voluntary cancellation may vary depending on the fare type. 
• Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for a refund beyond the risk-free period. 
• The refund request must be made before the departure of the flight. 
• According to United Airlines Refund Policy, reservations through credit card payments will take up to seven business days to refund. On the other hand, all other payment modes will receive the refund in 20 business days. 
• Refunds for partially utilized or reissued tickets are computed by deducting any applicable fees from the initial ticket price.
• Passengers must contact the travel agent for a refund for purchases via them.
• For tickets purchased through an airline partner, travelers must contact the original airline for a refund. 
• According to United Airlines, if gift vouchers are used to purchase tickets, the refund will be sent as a travel certificate.
• You may request a refund using the original payment method for the following unforeseen situations. 
  • Death of the passenger, any traveling companions, or a member of their close family.
  • During the trip dates, one or more of the reservation’s passengers are serving on juries.
  • Illness.
  • U.S. military personnel serving overseas and their families, including parents, spouses, and kids, have to cancel or modify a reservation because of newly issued or modified military orders or directives that affect them.

Refund Policy for Delayed or Canceled Flight

If the weather, air traffic control, or mechanical issues cause a delay in your flight then you can request a refund. If United Airlines cancels your flight for any reason, you can seek a refund. 

You have the following choices. 

• Even if your fare is not eligible for change, United Airlines will waive any change fee if you decide to modify your travel schedule.
• You will be refunded or given a travel credit for the portion of your trip that you did not fly if you decide to cancel.
• In case of involuntary cancellation, you can ask for a full refund either as travel credit or to the original payment method. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the cancellation policy for United Airlines?

Ans. According to the United Airlines Cancellation Policy, travelers can cancel their tickets before flight departure by paying cancellation charges. They are eligible for a refund in the form of travel credits or the original payment method depending on the fare conditions.  

Q. What is the cancellation policy for United Airlines Basic Economy tickets?

Ans. Basic Economy tickets can be canceled within 24 hours of booking only. After the initial 24 hours, Basic Economy tickets are non-cancellable and United Airlines will not provide any refund. 

Q. What is United Airlines’ 24-hour booking policy?

Ans. As per the United Airlines 24-hour booking policy, travelers can change or cancel their booking for free within 24 hours of the booking confirmation. However, the free cancellation is only valid if a passenger books their flight at least one week in advance.

Q. Can I get a refund if United Canceled my flight?

Ans. If United Airlines cancels your flight due to weather, air traffic control, or mechanical problems, then you are eligible for a full refund. You can visit the official website and fill out the refund form to receive the reimbursement. 

Q. How much does it cost to cancel a flight on United?

Ans. Travelers will have to pay u to $200 to cancel a domestic United Airlines flight. On the other hand, canceling an international flight will cost up to $400. 

Q.  Can I cancel my United Airlines flight for free?

Ans. You can cancel your United Airlines flight for free under the risk-free cancellation period. There won’t be any cancellation charges if the passenger chooses to cancel their ticket within 24 hours of booking. 

Q. How do I know if my United ticket is refundable?

Ans. You can check the conditions of your fare to know the refundability and non-refundability of your ticket. You can log into your MileagePlus account or call the reservation department to check the conditions of your fare. 

Q. Is the Basic Economy ticket refundable?

Ans. The Basic Economy tickets are only refundable if the cancellation is done in the risk-free period. Beyond 24 hours, you will not receive any refund for canceling the Basic Economy ticket. 

Q. Is it better to cancel or change the flight?

Ans. United Airlines allows travelers to change or cancel their booking. It totally depends on the passenger’s condition. United Airlines has eliminated the change and cancellation fee on domestic flights. 

Q. Can I cancel a United flight booked with miles?

Ans. Yes, according to United Airlines cancellation policy travelers can cancel their flights booked with miles. The airline will redeposit the miles into the passenger’s account after cancellation. 

Q. How to cancel a United Airlines ticket online?

Ans. You have to go to the official website of United Airlines. Choose the “My Trips” option and enter the booking confirmation number and last name. After that, choose the “Cancel Flight” option from the list. Review the cancellation policy and confirm to proceed. 

Q. How to Cancel a ticket through the United mobile app?

Ans. You can quickly cancel your flight ticket through the United Airlines mobile app. You have to launch the app and log in to your account. After that, switch to the My Trips section. All the upcoming and previous trips will be reflected in your booking summary. No, choose the booking you want to cancel. 

Q. How much does United Airlines take to refund the amount?

Ans. United Airlines takes seven business days to refund the credit card payments. On the other hand, United Airlines takes twenty business days to refund the cash/debit card/check payments. 

Q. Does United Airlines pay compensation for canceled flights?

Ans. Yes, United Airlines pays compensation to their passengers for canceling the flight due to weather, air traffic control, or mechanical issues. The compensation amount will depend on the route and time of cancellation. 

Q. Will I get a refund if United Airlines cancels my Basic Economy flight ticket?

Ans. According to United Airlines Cancelled Flight Policy, all fares are eligible for compensation or refund in the event of involuntary cancellation. So, Basic Economy passengers will also get a refund for the unused portion of the reservation. 

Q. What is the United flight cancellation policy in case of death?

Ans. If the immediate family member or traveling companion of the passenger dies and the traveler is unable to fly during the validity period of the ticket, then they can seek a full refund from United Airlines. 

Q. What is the United Airlines cancellation policy for military members?

Ans. Reservations that need to be canceled due to military orders or directives that impact U.S. military members stationed overseas and their families are exempted from cancellation fees. 

Q. Will I get a refund if I cancel my ticket after the 24-hour window?

Ans. If you cancel the ticket after 24 hour window then for non-refundable tickets you will get travel credits as a refund. On the other hand, refundable ticket holders will get a refund in the original payment method. Basic Economy tickets won’t be eligible for a refund.