A Step-by-Step Guide

Plans change — it happens to all of us. Whether it’s due to an emergency, schedule conflict, or simply a change of heart, canceling a flight can feel like a hassle. If you’ve booked with United Airlines, the good news is that their cancellation process is relatively straightforward. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to cancel a United Airlines flight, what fees (if any) apply, and how to make sure you get a refund or travel credit.

Can You Cancel a United Airlines Flight?

Yes, you can cancel a United Airlines flight — either online, through the mobile app, or by contacting customer service. United has made its policies more flexible in recent years, especially for domestic and standard economy tickets.

Step-by-Step: How to Cancel a United Airlines Flight

🧭 Option 1: Cancel Online via United.com

1. Go to United.com
2. Click on “My Trips” in the top menu.
3. Enter your confirmation number and last name to access your booking.
4. Select the flight you wish to cancel.
5. Click “Cancel Flight” and follow the prompts.
6. Confirm cancellation and review refund or credit information.

📱 Option 2: Cancel via the United Airlines Mobile App

1. Open the United app (available for iOS and Android).
2. Tap on “My Trips” and sign in or enter your trip info.
3. Choose the flight you want to cancel.
4. Tap “Cancel Trip” and complete the steps.

📞 Option 3: Cancel by Calling United Customer Service

If you booked through a travel agent or need special assistance, call United Airlines customer service:

• U.S (+18883294628)

United Airlines Cancellation Policy: Key Points

✅ 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

• You can cancel any ticket within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund, as long as the booking was made at least 7 days before departure.

✅ No Change or Cancellation Fees (Most Economy and Premium Tickets)

• United no longer charges change or cancellation fees for most:
  • Economy (excluding Basic Economy)
  • Premium Economy
  • Business and First Class tickets
• Instead of a refund, you’ll usually receive future flight credit (unless you purchased a refundable ticket).

❌ Basic Economy Tickets

• These are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases.
• However, if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, the standard risk-free cancellation applies.

💡 Refundable Tickets

• If your ticket is refundable, you can cancel anytime before the flight and request a cash refund back to your original payment method.

What Happens After You Cancel?

Depending on the type of ticket you purchased, you will receive one of the following:

• ✅ Full Refund (for refundable tickets or 24-hour cancellations)
• 💳 United Travel Credit (for most non-refundable tickets)
• ✈️ Flight Credit can be used for future bookings, typically valid for 12 months from the issue date.

How to Use United Flight Credit

1. Log in to your MileagePlus account.
2. Select “Use Travel Credit” during checkout.
3. Apply the credit toward your new flight.

Conclusion

Canceling a United Airlines flight is simple if you understand the process and know what to expect. Whether you’re canceling online, via the app, or with customer support, United provides flexible options — especially if you booked a standard or refundable ticket.

Before you cancel, make sure to:

• Review the type of ticket you purchased.
• Cancel within 24 hours if eligible for a full refund.
• Save your travel credit for future use.