United Airlines refund policy

Can United Flights provide a refund on ticket cancellation? Yes, under some cases. As per the United Airlines refund policy, Your eligibile to receive a refund from United is determined by a number of criteria, including when you choose to cancel, the type of airfare you booked, and whether United cancelled your flight or you cancelled it. 

Overview of United Airlines refund policy

If the tariff regulations of your ticket allow it, your United Travel Options bundles will be automatically returned once you cancel your ticket. If you have used a portion of your ticket at the time of the refund, you will only receive a refund for the unused value of your Economy Plus and Premier Access features. These regulations apply to the United Airlines refund policy, and you can request a partial or full refund under its fare conditions.

According to United Airlines refund scheme, Basic Economy tickets cannot be returned unless they are cancelled within the 24-hour window and purchased at least a week before travel.

United Airlines fully refundable tickets

According to United Airlines refund policy, if you have a refundable ticket, you can cancel at any moment before your trip departs. The refund will be refunded to your original method of payment. Credit card payments are normally handled within 7 business days (and reflect on your statement between 1-2 billing cycles), but other payments may take up to 20 business days.

How to get a United economy fully refundable ticket?

When you will cancel your travel and want cash back rather than a future flight credit, United offers fully refundable versions of its economy fares for an extra charge. The cost of fully refundable economy fares varies every trip, and while they typically cost $30 more each way than ordinary economy fares, they can be more (or less) than that as per United Airlines refund policy. United Airlines economy fully refundable policy is subject to certain terms & conditions. Given that United future trip credits must be spent within a year, paying the extra $30 or so for a fully refundable airfare may be worthwhile if you don’t expect to travel with United soon enough.

United Airlines refund policy for other fares

Most other flights do not allow you to cancel your United flight for a cash refund, but you can receive a future flight credit. Since three years, United has permanently removed change costs for most economy and premium cabin tickets on specific itineraries, including:

  • Flights within the United States.
  • Flights connecting the United States to Mexico or the Caribbean.
  • International travel from the United States.

You have no obligation to agree to a new flight (i.e., to switch from your current one to another) right away. If you cancel your flight and do not immediately book a new one, you will receive a flight credit that you can use for up to one year from the date your original ticket was issued.

If you choose a different flight immediately after cancelling the first one, you will be charged the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. If your new flight is less expensive, contentedly, you will usually be given the difference in the form of a future flight credit.

How to request a United Flight refund for a Cancelled Flight?

After you cancel your flight, according to United Airlines refund policy you can request a refund as follows:

  • Complete the United Airlines refund form.
  • The Airline will let you know whether you are eligible for a refund or not.

The amount of your refund will be determined by your fare type and the reason you cancelled your flight. In some situations, the refund will be refunded to your original method of payment; in others, you may receive a flight credit.

United flight refund policy when the airline cancels the flight

If United Airlines cancels your flight, it makes no difference which airfare you purchased. You totally have the right for a full refund. When will you get it? No worries because United Airlines refund policies are required to issue refunds within seven business days of credit card purchases or within 20 days of cash or check payments.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, customers are entitled to a full refund if the airline cancels your flight for any reason and you opt not to fly on another aircraft paid for by United. 

United Airlines refund policy for other scenarios

Even if you booked a basic economy ticket, there are a few circumstances in which you may be eligible for a refund from United. United refunds tickets and any associated change fees in specific circumstances, which are evaluated on an individual basis. This can include the death of the traveller or a family member, being summoned to jury service, and some forms of diseases.

According to United Airlines refund policy, you will have to provide proof, such as a death certificate, copy of the jury summons, or a letter (on letterhead) from a licensed physician indicating that travel was not suggested within the ticket’s validity period (12 months).

FAQs

  • What does United Airlines mean by “fully refundable” ticket?

According to United Airlines refund policy, “fully refundable” indicates that the purchased ticket is eligible for a cash refund if the flight is cancelled. A refundable ticket can be purchased in practically any fare class, with the exception of N, which always represents basic economy.

  • How to Claim a United Flight Refund or Credits?

If you are qualified for a refund, the simplest way to claim it is through the United returns website. Prepare to provide both your confirmation or ticket number and your name.

  • How much time does it take for credit card refunds?

According to United Airlines refund policy, credit card refunds will be processed within seven business days of completing the form, while all other refunds will be processed within twenty business days. The value will be returned to your original method of payment.