What Is the Cancellation Policy on United Airlines?

United Airlines recently announced system upgrades to make flight changes and cancellations smoother for travelers after a series of flight disruptions in mid-2025. The airline aims to enhance flexibility for passengers who might need to change or cancel their plans. This makes it an ideal time to understand how the United cancellation policy works in 2025.

Whether you’re flying in Basic Economy or Premium cabins, knowing the latest United Airlines cancellation policy, including rules for United economy cancellation policy, United flight cancellation policy, and United airline cancellation policy after 24 hours, can help you avoid unnecessary stress or fees.

Understanding the 24-Hour United Airlines Cancellation Policy

According to the official United Airlines website, all customers have the right to cancel their ticket within 24 hours of booking for a full refund — as long as the reservation was made at least one week (7 days) before the scheduled departure.

This rule applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy, Economy, Business, and First Class.

Important points:

• The ticket must be booked directly through United.com, the United mobile app, or United City Ticket Offices.

• The 24-hour period starts from the moment you complete your purchase.
  If you cancel within this timeframe, your entire payment, including taxes, will be automatically refunded to your original method of payment.

This flexible option gives passengers a full day to review their travel plans and make adjustments without worrying about penalties.

United Airlines Cancellation Policy After 24 Hours

Once the 24-hour grace period has passed, the United Airlines cancellation policy depends on the type of fare you purchased. Here’s how it works directly as per the airline’s official guidelines:

1. Non-Refundable Tickets

If your fare is non-refundable and you cancel after 24 hours, you will not receive a cash refund. Instead, United will issue a travel credit for the value of your unused ticket.

You can use this travel credit toward a future United flight within the validity period mentioned in your credit summary.

2. Refundable Tickets

If you purchased a refundable fare, you can cancel anytime before departure and request a full refund to your original payment method. Refunds are processed within:

• 7 business days for credit card payments

• Up to 20 calendar days for cash or other payment methods

3. Award Tickets

For MileagePlus award tickets, United allows free cancellations and mileage redeposit before departure. However, policies may vary based on your MileagePlus membership status and fare type.

4. United Economy Cancellation Policy

For standard economy fares, United generally provides flexibility similar to non-refundable fares: cancellations after 24 hours are eligible for a travel credit instead of a refund.

However, passengers who purchased “Economy (Refundable)” will receive a cash refund according to the original payment method.

5. United Basic Economy Cancellation Policy

Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive under United’s rules. After the 24-hour period, these fares typically cannot be refunded, but United now allows cancellation for a partial travel credit in select cases.

Always check your fare details at the time of booking to confirm if your Basic Economy ticket is eligible for credit.

Before canceling, review our detailed United Airlines baggage policy to understand refund eligibility for checked bags.

When United Airlines Cancels Your Flight

Sometimes, cancellations come from the airline itself due to weather, technical issues, or scheduling changes.

If United cancels your flight, you are entitled to one of the following options (as clearly stated on United’s “Missed, Delayed, or Canceled Flights” page):

1. Rebook on another United flight without any additional cost.

2. Receive a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket if you choose not to travel.

If your flight is cancelled and you no longer wish to continue your trip, you can easily request a refund using United’s online refund request form on united.com/refunds.

This part of the United flight cancellation policy ensures that passengers are protected even when the disruption is not their fault.

For travelers looking to modify rather than cancel, our United Airlines flight change policy explains how to reschedule your trip with minimal fees.

How to Cancel or Request a Refund on United Airlines

United provides a smooth process for cancelling or modifying your booking online.

Steps to cancel your United flight:

1. Visit united.com or open the United mobile app.

2. Navigate to “My Trips.”

3. Enter your confirmation number and last name to retrieve your booking.

4. Click on “Cancel Flight.”

5. Review the refund or credit details shown on the screen.

6. Confirm your cancellation request.

Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation about your cancellation or refund.

If you are eligible for a refund:

• Refunds for card payments are usually processed within 7 business days.

• Refunds for cash or check payments may take up to 20 calendar days.

Passengers can track their refund status anytime on United’s Refunds page using their ticket number.

“Learn refund rules and eligibility in Finnair’s cancellation policy.”

United Airlines Flight Credits

When you cancel a non-refundable ticket, United automatically issues a Flight Credit.
You can use this credit to book a new flight for yourself or another traveler (depending on eligibility).

To redeem your Flight Credit:

• Visit the “Flight Credits” section on your United account.

• Select your stored credit.

• Apply it toward your new booking at checkout.

Each travel credit has an expiration date, usually one year from the date of the original issue.

To ensure a smoother experience on your next trip, don’t miss our United Airlines check-in guide covering online, mobile, and airport options.

United Airline Cancellation Policy for Different Situations

Here are a few special cases covered under United’s official cancellation policy:

• Schedule Change by United: If United significantly changes your departure or arrival time and you decide not to travel, you can request a full refund.

• Illness or Bereavement: In certain cases, United may allow exceptions for serious medical or bereavement situations. Supporting documentation may be required.

• No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling in advance, your ticket value will be forfeited unless your fare includes flexibility options.

If you’re comparing airline flexibility, check out the Hawaiian Airlines online check-in guide to see how other carriers manage bookings

Fly Smart with Affluence Travels

Understanding the United Airlines cancellation policy gives you peace of mind before your next trip. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden plan change or a flight cancellation, knowing your options for refunds or credits ensures you’re never caught off guard.

For travelers looking for expert assistance with flight bookings, changes, or cancellations, Affluence Travels offers seamless booking support with United Airlines. Book your next United flight with Affluence Travels and enjoy reliable service, flexible options, and complete travel peace of mind