Are United Airlines Flights Refundable?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

United Airlines is one of the prominent airlines in the United States, offering flights to various destinations around the world. With the ongoing pandemic, travelers are increasingly concerned about their travel plans and whether they are refundable. In this article, we will explore whether United Airlines flights are refundable and what options travelers have if they need to cancel or change their flights.

Whether you are a frequent traveler or planning your next vacation, it’s important to understand the refund policy of the airline you are booking with. With United Airlines, there are different fare classes that determine the refundability of your ticket. In the following sections, we will break down the different fare classes and what they mean for your travel plans.

Are United Airlines Flights Refundable?

Are United Airlines Flights Refundable?

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. If you’re planning a trip and are wondering whether United Airlines flights are refundable, this article will provide you with all the information you need.

Types of United Airlines Tickets

There are several types of United Airlines tickets, and the refund policy varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase. Here are the most common types of United Airlines tickets:

Basic Economy Tickets

Basic Economy is United Airlines’ lowest fare option, and it comes with several restrictions. If you purchase a Basic Economy ticket, you will not be able to make any changes or cancellations to your itinerary. However, you can still receive a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.

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Economy Tickets

Economy tickets are the standard fare option for United Airlines flights. If you purchase an Economy ticket, you can make changes to your itinerary for a fee, and you can cancel your ticket for a refund within 24 hours of booking.

Flexible Tickets

Flexible tickets are the most expensive option, but they come with the most flexibility. If you purchase a Flexible ticket, you can make changes to your itinerary for free, and you can cancel your ticket for a full refund at any time.

United Airlines Refund Policy

United Airlines has a generous refund policy, but it varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase. Here are the details of United Airlines’ refund policy:

Basic Economy Tickets

As mentioned earlier, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable. However, you can still receive a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.

Economy Tickets

If you purchase an Economy ticket and need to cancel your trip, you can receive a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. If you cancel after 24 hours, you will be charged a fee, which varies depending on the fare rules of your ticket.

Flexible Tickets

If you purchase a Flexible ticket and need to cancel your trip, you can receive a full refund at any time. You can also make changes to your itinerary for free.

How to Request a Refund

If you need to request a refund for your United Airlines ticket, you can do so online or by calling United Airlines’ customer service. Here are the steps to request a refund online:

  1. Go to United Airlines’ website and click on “My Trips”.
  2. Enter your confirmation number and last name.
  3. Click on “Cancel Reservation”.
  4. Follow the prompts to request a refund.

Benefits of Refundable Tickets

While refundable tickets are more expensive, they come with several benefits. Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a refundable ticket:

  • Flexibility to change or cancel your itinerary without penalty.
  • Peace of mind knowing that you can receive a full refund if your plans change.
  • Priority boarding and seating.

Refundable Tickets vs. Non-Refundable Tickets

When deciding whether to purchase a refundable or non-refundable ticket, it’s important to consider your travel plans and budget. Refundable tickets are more expensive, but they offer more flexibility and peace of mind. Non-refundable tickets are cheaper, but they come with more restrictions.

Pros of Refundable Tickets

  • Flexibility to change or cancel your itinerary without penalty.
  • Peace of mind knowing that you can receive a full refund if your plans change.
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Cons of Refundable Tickets

  • Higher cost.
  • May not be necessary if you have a set travel itinerary.

Pros of Non-Refundable Tickets

  • Lower cost.
  • May be suitable for travelers with a set itinerary.

Cons of Non-Refundable Tickets

  • Restrictions on changes and cancellations.
  • No refund if you need to cancel your trip.

In conclusion, United Airlines offers a generous refund policy for its tickets, but it varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase. If you’re unsure whether to purchase a refundable or non-refundable ticket, it’s important to consider your travel plans and budget. Refundable tickets offer more flexibility and peace of mind, but they come with a higher cost. Non-refundable tickets are cheaper, but they come with more restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about United Airlines flights:

1. What is United Airlines’ refund policy?

United Airlines offers refunds for certain types of tickets, such as refundable tickets and tickets cancelled within 24 hours of purchase. If you have a non-refundable ticket, you may be eligible for a waiver of certain fees if you cancel your flight due to a qualifying reason, such as illness or a death in the family.

United Airlines also offers travel credits for cancelled flights, which can be used towards future travel with the airline. To request a refund or travel credit, you can contact United Airlines customer service.

2. What are United Airlines’ cancellation fees?

The cancellation fees for United Airlines flights can vary depending on the type of ticket you purchased and when you cancel your flight. If you have a non-refundable ticket, you may be charged a cancellation fee of up to $200 for domestic flights and up to $400 for international flights.

However, if you cancel your flight due to a qualifying reason, such as illness or a death in the family, you may be eligible for a waiver of certain fees. Additionally, if you have a refundable ticket, you may be able to cancel your flight without incurring any fees.

3. Can I change my United Airlines flight?

Yes, you can change your United Airlines flight. However, the fees and restrictions for changing your flight can vary depending on the type of ticket you purchased. If you have a non-refundable ticket, you may be charged a change fee of up to $200 for domestic flights and up to $400 for international flights.

If you have a refundable ticket, you may be able to change your flight without incurring any fees. Additionally, if you have a United Airlines MileagePlus Premier status, you may be eligible for waived or reduced change fees.

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4. What happens if United Airlines cancels my flight?

If United Airlines cancels your flight, you may be eligible for a refund, a travel credit, or a rebooking on another flight. The options available to you will depend on the reason for the cancellation and the type of ticket you purchased.

If your flight is cancelled due to a reason within United Airlines’ control, such as a mechanical issue with the plane, you may be eligible for compensation in addition to a refund or travel credit. You can contact United Airlines customer service for more information.

5. Does United Airlines offer travel insurance?

Yes, United Airlines offers travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance. This coverage can provide protection for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental expenses, and more. The cost of the insurance will vary depending on the coverage options you choose and the cost of your trip.

You can purchase travel insurance through United Airlines when you book your flight or at a later time. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not covered.

United Airlines Cancellation Policy! Call: (833) 246-4532


In conclusion, United Airlines does offer refundable flights, but the rules and restrictions vary depending on the fare type and destination. It’s important to read the fine print before booking a flight and to understand the cancellation and refund policies. While refundable fares may cost more upfront, they provide flexibility and peace of mind in case travel plans change.

If you need to cancel a flight, United Airlines offers several options for refunds or credits, depending on the fare type and when the cancellation is made. It’s always best to cancel as soon as possible to increase the chances of receiving a full refund. Keep in mind that some fees and penalties may still apply, even with a refundable fare.

Overall, United Airlines strives to provide a range of fare options that meet the needs of all travelers. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or need maximum flexibility, there is likely a fare type that fits your needs. By understanding the differences between the fare types and refund policies, you can make an informed decision when booking your next flight with United Airlines.

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