United Airlines
Flight Cancellation Policy (2025)

Flying with United Airlines connects you to a vast network, but we understand that plans can change. Whether you’re on a domestic hop or an international journey, United’s cancellation policy provides options for most situations. For immediate and personalized assistance, you can call our customer support number to get instant help with modifying or canceling your flight tickets.

Feature and Details:

24-Hour Cancellation:

Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking (if booked 2+ days before departure) 

Refundable Ticket Cancellation:

Full refund to original payment method at any time before departure 

Non-Refundable Ticket:

Receive a future flight credit for the ticket value, minus any fee.

Same-Day Flight Changes:

Available for a fee with same-day confirmed change or standby options .

Customer Support Number: +1 (866) 240-3931
24/7 Support Available: Toll-free & Online Support

Why Do You Need the United Airlines Cancellation Number?

While many changes can be made online, calling United Airlines customer support is essential for specific scenarios. Our agents are available 24/7 to provide support:

  •    A flight booked through a third-party travel site isn’t appearing in your United account.
  •    You’re experiencing technical issues with the online refund or credit system.
  •    You need to cancel a non-refundable ticket and want clarity on your future flight credit.
  •    You require rebooking after missing a flight or experiencing a significant delay.

Is There a 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation on United Airlines?

Yes. United Airlines’ 24-hour flexible booking policy allows you to cancel any ticket for a full refund, provided you meet the criteria.

  • Cancel any fare class within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund.
  • The booking must be made at least 2 days (48 hours) before the flight’s scheduled departure.
  • The refund will be processed back to your original form of payment, not as a credit.

United Airlines Cancellation Policy for Refundable Tickets

If you purchased a refundable ticket (typically Premium Plus or Polaris business class flexible fares, or full-fare economy), you have maximum flexibility.

  • Cancel your ticket for any reason up until departure for a full refund.
  • Applies to tickets explicitly sold as “Refundable.”
  • No cancellation fees apply.
  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7 business days (may vary by bank).

United Airlines Cancellation Policy for Non-Refundable Tickets

Most United tickets, including Basic Economy and standard economy fares, are non-refundable. However, canceling them provides value for future travel.

  • You will receive a future flight credit for the remaining value after any applicable cancellation fee is deducted.
  • This credit is valid for travel booked within 1 year from the original ticket issue date.
  • The credit is stored in your United TravelBank and is accessible via your MileagePlus® account.
  • Unused government taxes and fees are fully refundable.

What is the United Airlines Refund Policy?

After canceling an eligible ticket, United Airlines will automatically initiate the refund process. The timing depends on your original payment method.

Refund Type Processing Time
Credit/Debit Card 7-10 business days
Bank Transfer / Other Methods Up to 20 business days
Future Flight Credit Issued immediately to your United TravelBank

What is the Flight Change & Reschedule Policy on United Airlines?

United Airlines allows most tickets (except Basic Economy) to be changed online or via phone. Policies are fare-specific.

Basic Economy

Changes are not permitted after the 24-hour risk-free period.

Standard Economy & Above

Changes are permitted for a fee plus any fare difference. Change fees are waived for most domestic and international flights, but fare differences still apply.

Change requests can be made through ‘My Trips’ on united.com, the mobile app, or by calling customer service.

Same-Day Flight Change Policy on United Airlines

United offers a same-day change service for a fee, allowing you to move to an earlier or later flight on your day of travel.

  • Available for Elite members and most fare classes (excluding Basic Economy).
  • You must be changing to a flight on the same day and between the same origin and destination cities.
  • A fee applies for confirmed same-day changes.
  • You can request this change starting 24 hours before departure through ‘My Trips’.

How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight?

You can cancel your flight easily online or by phone for direct assistance. Our agents are available 24/7 to help.

Online
  1. Visit united.com and go to My Trips.
  2. Enter your confirmation number and last name.
  3. Select the trip you wish to cancel.
  4. Click Cancel flight and follow the prompts.
  5. Review the summary for your refund or future flight credit details.
  6. Confirm the cancellation.
By Phone
  1. Call: +1 (866) 240-3931
  2. Speak directly with a United customer service agent.
  3. Provide your booking confirmation and personal details.
  4. The agent will process the cancellation and explain your refund or credit options.

If United Airlines Cancels Your Flight

If United cancels your flight for any reason (e.g., weather, operational issues, scheduling), you are entitled to choose your option.

  • You can request a full refund to your original payment method, even if you had a non-refundable ticket.
  • You can be rebooked on the next available United or United Express flight at no extra cost.
  • In certain circumstances within the airline’s control, you may be eligible for additional compensation or amenities.

Yes, if you cancel within the 24-hour risk-free window or if you have a refundable fare. Non-refundable tickets may have a fee deducted from your future flight credit.

Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for a refund or a future flight credit after the 24-hour risk-free period.

Credits issued from canceling a ticket are typically valid for 1 year from the original date of issue.

No. After the 24-hour risk-free period, United Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed, canceled, or refunded.

You are always entitled to choose a full refund to your original payment method or to be rebooked on the next available flight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Need Help Canceling or Rebooking?

Call CheapFlyFinder at +1 (866) 240-3931. Our support team is available 24/7 to help you modify or cancel your flight quickly and easily.

Our travel experts are here to help.

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