Can I Cancel My United Flight Ticket After Booking?

Learn if you can cancel your United Airlines flight after booking, including rules, fees, and refund options in this helpful guide.

Jul 14, 2025 - 17:09
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Can I Cancel My United Flight Ticket After Booking?
Can I Cancel My United Flight Ticket After Booking

Unforeseen circumstances can happen to anyone at any time, and due to these circumstances, passengers may have to cancel their booked flight tickets. A traveler is always concerned about canceling a flight. The reasons for flight cancellations differ from person to person, but the inconvenience travelers suffer during cancellations may be more manageable.

However, if a passenger has booked a flight with United Airlines, then they will not have to worry about canceling their flight ticket. Keeping their passengers' comfort in mind, United Airlines has implemented aUnited 24 hour cancellationpolicy where passengers can cancel their flight tickets without any hassle. Read this blog till the end to learn more about the cancellation policy and its terms and conditions.

How Does United 24 Hour Cancellation Policy Work?

United Airlines allows you to cancel your flight for free within 24 hours of booking, no matter which fare you choose. If you change your mind during this risk-free window, you'll get a full refund with no questions asked. However, if you cancel after the 24-hour period, a cancellation fee will apply depending on your ticket type and route. This policy gives travelers a short grace period to adjust plans without penalty, but its essential to act quickly if you need to cancel. Always check the specific terms of your ticket to understand any fees or restrictions that may apply.

What Are The Different Cancellation Policies For Different Fare Types?

United Airlines cancellation policy differs according to the fare you paid. Here's what you should know:

  • Basic Economy Ticket

United Airlines limits the cancellation of basic economy tickets. If you bought it at least a week before the departure date, you can only cancel it within 24 hours of purchase.

  • Non-Refundable Ticket

If it has been more than 24 hours since you booked a non-refundable ticket, you can still cancel it. Instead of a cash refund, you will receive a full refund in the form of a flight credit that can be used for future travel on United Airlines.

  • Refundable Ticket

If you booked a refundable ticket, you can cancel it at any moment before your flight departs. In this instance, your refund will be issued back to your original credit card within 7 days.

What Is United 24 Hour Cancellation Policy?

According to United Airlines cancellation policy, cancellations must be made within 24 hours of purchasing a flight; only United 24 hour cancellation applies, and the customer receives a full refund with no costs. If you cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it, United Airlines will execute a refund.

Terms and Conditions forUnited 24 Hour Cancellation:

  • United Airlines' 24-hour cancellation policy now applies to all Basic Economy fares unless you cancel within the timeframe. Your trip date would be more than seven days from the date of purchase.
  • If you hold a refundable fare for more than 24 hours, a United cancellation fee of $200 USD will apply.
  • The 24-hour time frame begins when the ticket number is produced.
  • Except for flight bookings made using a United Gift Certificate, which will be paid back in electronic travel certificates, refunds will be processed using the original payment method.
  • Any PNR with more than nine passengers is not covered by United's 24-hour cancellation policy. It would be subject to a group agreement.
  • United's cancellation policy does not apply to tickets purchased with e-certificates.
  • Passengers can also seek a United Airlines flight change within 24 hours after purchase. Fare differentials may apply.

Methods For Cancelling United Flight Tickets Within 24 Hours

Passengers can request for cancellation of their reservation without paying any cancellation fee if their plan changes within the 24 hours of flight booking. Follow the steps below to cancel your United Airlines reservation within the timeframe:

1- United Flight Cancellation Via Website

Passengers can cancel their United Airlines reservations via the website by following the steps mentioned below:

  • Navigate to the official website of United Airlines on your preferred web browser.
  • Go to the My Trips section.
  • Hit the trip you want to cancel.
  • Select the Cancel Booking option.
  • Confirm that you want to cancel your trip with United Airlines.
  • Your booking will be canceled officially after you click the Confirm button.
  • The passenger will receive an eCredit for any remaining balance after paying the flight cancellation fee, if any.

2- United Flight Cancellation Through The App

United Airlines understands that utilizing a mobile app to book flights is often more convenient for passengers. Canceling a flight has never been easier than with the United app at your fingertips. We have you covered if you wish to cancel your United flight through the app. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  • Download the United app to your mobile device.
  • Enter your login credentials to log in.
  • Find the flight you wish to cancel and choose it.
  • To begin the cancellation process, follow the steps.
  • Verify the cancellation you requested and pay any applicable fees.
  • Finally, you will receive a confirmation email from the official United Support.

3- United Flight Cancellation On Call

Passengers can directly contact the United Airlines customer support if they want direct assistance from a representative. They can dial 1-800-864-8331 or call+1-866-382-0365to talk with the consolidation desk for requesting a United Airlines flight cancellation.

Follow the steps mentioned below after getting connected with the airline's representative:

  • Provide your confirmation number to the representative after asking for help with the flight cancellation.
  • Help the representative to verify your trip details and respond to their enquiries.
  • Pay the applicable cancellation charges to complete the procedure.
  • The representative will give you the confirmation once your ticket will be cancelled.

Wrapping Up!

Unforeseen circumstances can happen to anyone, and cancelling a flight ticket due to the situation can make it more hectic. However, passengers who are travelling with United Airlines can request a flight cancellation through several methods. However, they will have to follow specific guidelines and the key steps used to cancel a United Flight. Call the official help desk at 1-800-864-8331 or dial+1-866-382-0365to talk with the consolidation desk to get precise information about flight cancellations or related policies like theUnited seat upgradepolicy.

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