Do you want to cancel your flight without any hassles? The good news is now you can change or cancel your trip for free in some cases. With the change in United Airlines’ cancellation policy, there are many benefits for passengers. Now there is no need to pay a hefty fee as it used to be earlier.
Now how you can cancel your flight and avoid the airline’s penalty if flying with United Airlines:
United Airlines Cancellation Policy:
International passengers of United Airlines can cancel their flight up to 3 hours before the scheduled departure. For domestic travel, they can make a cancellation request for 2 hours for flights. Things you need to know:
- The cancellation request may cause you to pay a penalty in some situations. However, the fee may vary as per your trip, fare type, cabin class, and route.
- United Airlines’ flight cancellation policy for basic Economy bookings is non-refundable and non-changeable after 24 hours of purchase.
- In case of a no-show flight, the entire booking value may be forfeited in some fare type.
- In any case when United cancels the flight no cancellation fee would be applicable. If the passengers are provided with an alternate flight and they refuse to take it then a refund would be processed on the unused portion of the ticket.
- At the time of death of a traveler, traveling companion, or immediate family member, the airline can waive the cancellation fee if you show them the documented proof. A refund will be provided for the unused flight segment.
United Airlines 24 Hours Cancellation Policy
Once you make the booking you can cancel your flight in case your plan gets changed. United Airlines has a flexible policy and provide a full refund if the cancellation is done within 24 hours after booking the flight. United Airlines will process the refund if canceled within 24 hours of purchase. This refund will be credited to your original payment method. You also need to know that:
- For flights booked with a United Gift Certificate, the refund will be provided as an electronic travel certificate.
- Refunds will not be provided for tickets booked with e-certificates.
- If reservations are held with FareLock, then the fee will not be refunded.
- After 24 hours, a 200- 400 USD United cancellation fee will be applicable.
- Passengers can make a request for United Airlines flight change within 24 hours of purchase by paying the fare differences.
United Airlines Cancellation Fee for Basic Economy Tickets
Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for refund unless they are canceled within the 24-hour window, and the purchase was made a week or more before departure.
United Airlines Cancellation Fee for Non-Refundable Tickets
If you cancel a non-refundable ticket after 24 hours window then passengers have to pay a cancellation fee of USD 200 for a domestic flight and USD 400 for an international flight.
After your cancellation fee is deducted, the unused value of your ticket can be used for future travel, as long as:
- Flight is canceled before the first flight departs
- Within 1 year from the date of issue of the original ticket
- The death of traveler or their companion.
United Airlines Cancellation Fee for Refundable Tickets
A refundable ticket can be canceled any time before the flight departs. The refund will be credited to your original form of payment. For payments made by credit cards are processed within 7 business days and other payment methods can take up to 20 business days to refund.
How to Cancel United Flight Ticket?
To cancel a United flight ticket you can make a request online at the airline’s website. Give a ring to the customer service phone number, and through the airline’s check-in counter at the airport.
Online Process
You can cancel/change your United flight via the My Trip section. You have to pay the required fee and process the refund on your flight. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the official website of United Airlines
- Log in to United.com and go to My Trips.
- Now enter the six-digit booking reference and the passenger’s last name.
- Then select the flight segment that you want to cancel.
- You will be asked for a non-refundable cancellation fee.
- Pay the required amount and complete the request.
- You will be sent a confirmation email at your registered email address.
Cancellation via Phone Call
In case you want to cancel over a phone call then you can use this method. Call the airline’s customer care number and keep your ticket number or booking confirmation handy. You will be asked to pay the United Airlines cancellation fee and additional service charges over the phone.
Cancellation at the Airport
Flight of United Airlines can be canceled up to 3 hours before the scheduled departure. So, make sure you reach the airport on time. If you have already checked in for your flight, you need to cancel the check-in first and then request a refund on your booking.
United Policy on Cancelled Flights
Delayed Flights
If there is any flight delay the airline will notify you via SMS or email providing the information about the new departure time.
For up-to-date flight information download the United app and check the status of your flight.
For a significant delay of more than 3 hours, the airline will provide you with the option of an alternate flight as well as a service voucher for refreshments or a meal.
Missed Connecting Flights
In case you miss a connecting flight know what the airline’s responsibilities are:
- The airline will reroute you to your destination with an alternative flight.
- You can access your updated travel itinerary using United’s mobile app or from the website of United Airlines.
- If there is a separate flight from other airlines then you need to contact the issuing agency to make any changes.
Canceled Flights
In case your flight gets canceled there are three options for you; these are:
- No fee or additional cost would be applicable if you change your travel date to 7 days in either direction.
- The airlines will reroute you as soon as possible.
- If you do not opt for an alternate flight, you can claim a refund for the unused portion of the ticket.
Overbooked Flights
The airlines sometimes accept more bookings for the flights than the available seats. At such a situation:
- The airlines will transfer some volunteers to a different flight.
- The airlines will provide you with a new booking and compensation.
- Those passengers who volunteer to change their travel plans are accommodated with the best possible alternative flight.
United Airlines Refund Policy
For your flight cancellation, you can make a request for a refund. Here; is when you are eligible for a refund and how to claim it:
- You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of purchase when the scheduled departure date is at least seven days far.
- Basic Economy passengers are eligible for a full refund only when their flight is canceled within 24 hours of booking.
- Refund can be claimed online via the My Trip section of the website.
- For all non-refundable fares, passengers have to pay the per-person cancellation fees. However, the remaining balance will be issued as a travel credit.
- For all refundable fares, the cancellation is permitted for the full value of the fare minus the per-person cancellation fee.
- Requests for credit card refunds will take around seven business days. However, all other refund requests will be processed within 20 business days.
Some FAQ:
How Can I Avoid Cancellation Fee on United Airlines?
It is advised to book refundable tickets and avoid cancellation fees. Also, if you have purchased non-refundable tickets then you must cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking to avoid cancellation fees.
How can I get my money back after canceling the flight?
Always cancel your flight within 24 hours of the booking window to get your money back and avoid a cancellation fee. You are entitled to a full refund if the flight’s scheduled departure date is at least 7 days far.
What is the cancellation fee for united airlines?
For domestic routes, the cancellation fee is around 200 USD and for international routes, the cancellation fee is 400 USD.
Can I get a refund for my first-class flight ticket with United?
Yes, the First Class tickets are refundable but you have to cancel at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure.
How many kg baggage allowed in United Airlines?
United Airlines allows 50 lbs (23 kg), check out complete info on united airline baggage policy
