Plans change, and that’s alright. Maybe a work meeting came up. Or maybe your trip is postponed. Whatever the reason, if you’ve booked a flight and need to cancel, this guide will help. United Airlines has made flight cancellations easier, but there are a few things you should know before you click that cancel button.
This blog walks you through the process in simple steps. Whether you’re hoping for a refund or a travel credit, we’ll show you how to cancel your flight without penalties — and how to make the most of your United Airlines reservations online.
United Airlines Cancellation Rules: Know What You Booked
Ticket Types Matter
Before cancelling, you need to understand what type of ticket you bought. United Airlines offers different fare types, and each one comes with its own set of rules.
✅ Main Cabin, Economy (not Basic), and Premium tickets
- You can cancel without a fee.
- You’ll receive flight credit for future use.
- Cancel before departure to avoid losing the value.
❌ Basic Economy tickets
- Usually non-refundable and non-changeable.
- One exception: the 24-hour cancellation policy (more on that below).
Tip: Always check fare conditions when making united airlines reservations online, especially if your plans might change.
The 24-Hour Rule: Cancel for Free
United Airlines follows a simple rule that benefits all passengers—cancel within 24 hours of booking, and you get a full refund. This applies to every fare type, including Basic Economy.
To qualify:
- Your flight must be at least 7 days away.
- You must cancel within 24 hours of booking.
- Book through the official site or a trusted third-party like Airline Help.
Need help? Airline Help is here for you! Call us at 800-594(4991) (OTA), and let our team find the best solution for you!
How to Cancel Your United Airlines Flight Online
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Go to the United Airlines website.
Step 2: Click on ‘My Trips’.
Step 3: Enter your last name and confirmation number.
Step 4: Choose the flight you want to cancel.
Step 5: Click on ‘Cancel Flight’ and confirm.
Once done, you’ll receive a cancellation email. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a flight credit or refund.
Tip: Always cancel before departure to retain your ticket’s value.
What Happens After You Cancel?
Option 1: Travel Credit
If your ticket is non-refundable but cancel-friendly, you’ll get a flight credit. You can use this credit within 12 months from the issue date.
Option 2: Full Refund
If you booked a refundable ticket or cancelled within 24 hours, you’ll receive a refund to your original payment method.
Booking With Miles? Here’s What Happens
If you used MileagePlus miles to book your ticket:
- Cancel before departure to get your miles back.
- You’ll also receive a refund for taxes and fees.
You don’t lose your miles if you cancel on time.
United Airlines Name Change Before Cancelling
Sometimes, a name mistake on your ticket can lead to boarding issues. Fix it before cancelling or making any changes.
What Can Be Changed
- Minor spelling errors.
- Legal name changes (with documents).
To correct a name, reach out to United Airlines or call Airline Help at 800-594(4991) (OTA). We’ll help you sort out any united airlines name change concerns without hassle.
Tip: Don’t cancel your flight if the only issue is your name. Fix the name first.
What If United Cancels Your Flight?
If United Airlines cancels your flight, they’ll give you two options:
- Rebook you on the next available flight.
- Full refund, no matter what ticket you had.
This is one case where you don’t need to worry about cancellation fees at all.
Rebooking Later With Your Flight Credit
Let’s say you cancelled and now have a flight credit. How do you use it?
- Visit United Airlines reservations online.
- Search for a new flight.
- At checkout, choose to apply your travel credit.
Flight credits must be used within a year, so don’t let them go to waste.
Tip: Set a reminder 10 months after cancelling to use your credit.
Found a Cheaper Flight? Rebook and Save
Here’s something most people don’t know. If you find cheap United flights after booking, and your fare allows changes or cancellations, you can:
- Cancel your original flight.
- Rebook the cheaper one.
- Keep the leftover credit for future use.
Other Ways to Cancel (If You Can’t Go Online)
Sometimes the website may not work, or you need help with complex changes. In that case:
- Call United directly.
- Or let Airline Help sort it out for you.
Travelling in a Group or With Family?
Cancelling flights for multiple passengers can be tricky. Each ticket may have different rules. If you booked as a group:
- Check each person’s fare.
- Cancel each separately or ask for group cancellation support.
Need help with group changes? Airline Help has got you covered. Call now: 800-594(4991) (OTA)
What If You’re Already at the Airport?
If you’re at the airport and can’t board your flight, speak to a United representative right away. Don’t leave without reporting the issue.
In most cases:
- Missing a flight without notice counts as a no-show.
- No-shows may lead to losing the entire ticket value.
If you’re in this situation, Airline Help can still try to retrieve your booking. It’s worth calling our hotline.
Quick Tips to Cancel Flights Without Penalty
✔ Book flexible fare classes.
✔ Cancel within 24 hours when possible.
✔ Fix name mistakes before making changes.
✔ Rebook if you find better fares.
✔ Always cancel before your flight leaves.
Also planning your next trip soon? Don’t miss this helpful read on 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Your Next Flight. It might save you time and money on your next booking! ✈️
Final Thoughts
Cancelling your United Airlines flight without paying a penalty is possible—if you know what to do. Follow the 24-hour rule, understand your ticket type, and always cancel before the flight leaves.
And if things feel too complex, don’t stress.
✈️ Airline Help is here for you. We’re ready to help with cancellations, name corrections, or how to find cheap United flights fast.
Call now: 800-594(4991) (OTA)
Your trip matters. Let’s make it smooth—even when plans change.
FAQs
1. Can I cancel my United Airlines flight online?
Yes, go to ‘My Trips’ on the United website, enter your details, and select the cancel option.
2. What happens if I cancel a non-refundable ticket?
You’ll receive a flight credit, which you can use within 12 months.
3. Can I cancel a flight booked with miles?
Yes. United returns the miles and the taxes/fees if cancelled before departure.
4. How do I fix a name on my ticket?
Minor name corrections can be made online or by calling support. For help, contact Airline Help at 800-594(4991) (OTA).
5. Can I rebook if I find a cheaper flight later?
Yes. Cancel the original ticket, then rebook the cheaper one. You’ll keep any extra credit.