Yes, you can cancel your United Airlines flight and potentially receive a refund, depending on the type of ticket you purchased and when you cancel.
United Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and your departure is at least 7 days away, you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method. This applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy. However, if you used a United Gift Certificate or MileagePlus miles to book, refunds may be issued as travel credits instead of cash. (lvmpd-portal.dynamics365portals.us, airlinesdetails.com)
Basic Economy: These tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. Cancellations are only allowed within the 24-hour window. After that, the ticket has no value.
Non-Refundable Tickets: If you cancel a non-refundable ticket after the 24-hour window, you will not receive a cash refund. Instead, you may receive a travel credit for the unused portion of your ticket. Cancellation fees may apply, typically around $200 for domestic flights and up to $400 for international flights, depending on the fare class. (sloan.ucr.edu, returnpolicyguide.com)
Refundable Tickets: These tickets allow for a full refund to your original payment method if canceled before departure. No cancellation fee applies. (returnpolicyguide.com)
Award Tickets (MileagePlus Miles): If you cancel an award ticket, your miles will be redeposited into your account. A redeposit fee may apply, which varies based on your MileagePlus status level. For example, General members may incur a $75 fee, while Premier 1K members may not be charged. (airlinesdetails.com, returnpolicyguide.com)
If you do not cancel your flight and fail to show up, you may be charged a $125 fee. This fee applies to all fare types and is assessed regardless of your MileagePlus status. (airlinespolicy.com)
Refunds are typically processed within 7 business days for credit card payments and up to 20 calendar days for other payment methods. The refund will be credited back to your original payment method unless you used a United Gift Certificate, in which case you may receive an electronic travel certificate. (nypost.com, airlinesdetails.com)
You can cancel your United Airlines flight online through the "Manage Reservations" section on the United website or mobile app. Alternatively, you can contact United Airlines customer service at +1-833-845-1858 for assistance.
United Airlines provides flexibility in canceling flights, with the possibility of receiving a refund depending on your ticket type and when you cancel. To maximize your chances of a refund, it's advisable to cancel within the 24-hour risk-free window or ensure you have a refundable ticket. Always review the specific terms and conditions associated with your fare type to understand any potential fees or restrictions.