So you had to cancel your United Airlines flight, and it’s time for the next step — getting a refund. The United Airlines refund policy varies depending on the airfare you booked.
But even if you’re not entitled to a full refund, you might be able to get a future flight credit, so you can apply that money to another flight on United. Just know that travel credits typically expire one year after the date they were issued.
If you are entitled to a refund, United has a simple online refund request form. Here’s how to know whether you’re entitled to a refund on United, and how to actually get it.
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Are United flights refundable? In some circumstances, yes. Your ability to get a refund with United hinges on a few factors, including when you choose to cancel it, the airfare type you purchased and whether United chose to cancel your flight or you chose to cancel it.
All United tickets — even the lowest-cost, basic economy seats — can be canceled for a full cash refund if your ticket was purchased within 24 hours and the purchase is at least a week before departure.
That’s helpful if you spot an airfare deal. With that kind of power, you might impulsively book, then take the day to mull over whether you’ll actually go through with the trip. Just make that cancellation before the 24 hour mark if you opt not to.
Outside of the 24 hour cancellation window, United basic economy airfares are not entitled to either a refund or a future flight credit.
Though, there is a hack of sorts that might be able to get you some money back for a canceled flight, and that’s by adding United economy benefits to a basic economy ticket.
If your airfare is eligible for an upgrade, head to the “Trip details” page on United’s website or navigate to “Reservation details” in the United mobile app. From there, you’ll be able to upgrade your basic economy airfare to a standard economy fare — though you’ll owe United money to do so, and the fee varies per flight.