When you fly with United Airlines, unexpected changes in plans can prompt you to cancel or modify your booking. In order to have a hassle-free experience while you travel, it’s best that you familiarize yourself with United Airlines Cancellation Policy. Either due to personal reasons, unforeseen circumstances, or altering the itinerary, in this blog we guide you through what you must know about their cancellation policy.
Key Features of United Airlines Cancellation Policy
United Airlines Cancellation Policy gives convenience and flexibility to travelers who would like to change their travel plans. The following are the major highlights to keep in mind while canceling.
1. 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
- Full Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours of booking tickets and your flight is booked seven days or more in advance, you are entitled to a full refund.
- No Fees: In all classes of tickets, Basic Economy, and with traveler flexibility.
2. Basic Economy Ticket Cancellation
- Non-Refundable: The Basic Economy tickets are not refundable after the 24-hour period lapses. However, if cancelled within 24 hours, you can get the full ticket refunded.
- Strict Rules: These do not allow you any flexibility if 24 hours have passed since booking, so make sure that you have agreed to travel first before booking them.
Types of Tickets and How They Can Be Cancelled
United Airlines sells several kinds of tickets, with varying cancellation policies:
Refundable Tickets
- Full Refund: You can cancel anytime before you depart and get a complete refund equal to your initial payment.
- No Penalties: Refundable tickets give you maximum freedom and are best suited for customers who might want to change their travel plans.
Non-Refundable Tickets
- Travel Credit: In the event that a non-refundable ticket is being canceled, there is no cash refund, but the unused ticket value can be transferred as a travel credit and used to buy future flights.
- Cancellation Fees: Domestic flights carry a $200 cancellation fee and international flights carry a $400 fee.
Award Tickets
- Free Cancellation: You can cancel your award ticket at any time prior to flight departure, and the miles will be credited back to your MileagePlus account.
- $125 Fee: If you fail to cancel in advance and miss the flight, there is a $125 fee to reclaim your miles.
Special Circumstances for Cancellation
1. Cancellations Due to Illness or Death
Medical Situations: When a member of an immediate family dies or an immediate family member is ill, United Airlines will provide a refund. A death certificate or a medical certificate should be provided for documentation purposes.
2. Weather and Flight Cancellations
Full Refund: In the case of your flight cancellation due to adverse weather conditions by United Airlines, you can receive a full refund or rebook.
3. Military Personnel Cancellations
No Fee: Active military personnel can cancel their flight without paying fees, as they present official military papers.
How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight
Cancellation of your United Airlines flight is easy. Here are the options:
- Online Cancellation: Go to the “My Trips” page at United Airlines’ website and cancel your booking and ask for a refund.
- Customer Support: In case you need help, United Airlines customer support is also at your service 24/7 to guide you through cancellations.
- Mobile App: You can even cancel via the United Airlines mobile app.
- No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without informing the airline in advance, your ticket will be treated as a no-show, and you will forfeit the value of your ticket.
- Schedule Changes: You are eligible for a refund if United Airlines changes your flight schedule by more than 3 hours.
- Refund Time: Credit card refunds usually take 7 business days or less, and others 20 days or less.
Conclusion
United Airlines provides various cancellation options, with a guarantee of flexibility for passengers in various situations. Should personal problems, medical emergencies, or a change of flight schedule occur, airline practices attempt to offer you the promise. Find out what kind of ticket you buy and under which circumstances you cancel, particularly if you buy an unrefundable ticket, to avoid being in the dark. With complete insight into the United Airlines Cancellation Policy, you will be able to make related travel decisions accordingly.
