The cancellation fee at United Airlines varies depending on the type of ticket you've purchased, the timing of your cancellation, and whether the flight is domestic or international. Understanding the specific cancellation fee structure is important if you need to cancel your flight, as it can impact how much you will lose or save. Generally speaking, United Airlines has set cancellation fees for non-refundable tickets , while refundable tickets are eligible for a full refund without a cancellation fee. Additionally, other factors like the specific fare class, your membership status, and the nature of the cancellation (whether by you or the airline) can influence the final cost.
For non-refundable tickets , the most common type of ticket purchased by travelers, United Airlines charges a cancellation fee when you decide to cancel your flight. The standard cancellation fee for domestic flights on non-refundable tickets is typically $200 . For international flights , the cancellation fee can be higher, usually around $400 , depending on the specific route and the class of service booked. This means that if you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you'll lose the amount you paid for the flight minus the cancellation fee, which will be deducted from any refund or travel credit issued. The remaining value after the cancellation fee will often be provided as a travel credit , which can be used for future travel with United Airlines. The travel credit typically expires one year from the original booking date , and you will need to apply it toward a new ticket purchase.
It's important to note that basic economy tickets, which are the lowest-priced and most restrictive fare class, have stricter rules when it comes to cancellations. Basic economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable under normal circumstances. If you cancel a basic economy ticket, you generally will not receive any refund or travel credit, and the entire cost of the ticket is forfeited. This is because basic economy fares are designed to be the most affordable option for passengers who are certain about their travel plans and don’t need the flexibility to make changes or cancellations. However, if United Airlines cancels your flight or significantly changes the schedule, you may be eligible for a full refund, including for basic economy fares.
United Airlines does provide some flexibility through its 24-hour cancellation policy. Under this policy, if you book a flight directly with United Airlines (via their website, app, or customer service) and you need to cancel it within 24 hours of booking, you can do so for free and receive a full refund, as long as the flight is at least 7 days away. This means that if you realize soon after booking that you made an error or need to change your plans, you can cancel without incurring any cancellation fees. However, this policy applies only to tickets purchased directly from United and does not extend to third-party bookings made through travel agencies or other websites.
In addition to the standard cancellation fees for non-refundable tickets, United Airlines also charges change fees if you want to modify your flight instead of canceling it. The change fee for domestic flights is typically around $200 for non-refundable tickets, and the fee for international flights can be as high as $400. If you change your flight to one that is more expensive than your original ticket, you will also be responsible for paying the fare difference. On the other hand, if your new flight costs less, you may be given the option to apply the difference as a travel credit. If you need to make changes to a basic economy ticket, you generally won’t be able to make changes at all, as the fare is non-changeable.
There are also instances where United Airlines may waive the cancellation or change fees. For example, if the cancellation or change is due to extraordinary circumstances like medical emergencies, family tragedies, or if you've purchased travel insurance , you may be able to have some or all of the cancellation fees waived. This would typically require you to provide supporting documentation, such as a doctor's note or a death certificate . Similarly, if United Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund , even if the ticket was non-refundable, and this would also apply to basic economy tickets.
For passengers with elite status in United's MileagePlus loyalty program , there may be more flexibility when it comes to cancellations and changes. Certain elite members, such as those with Premier Gold status or higher, might receive exemptions from some fees or enjoy priority in rebooking if their flight is canceled. This can help mitigate the impact of any cancellation fees or limitations.
In conclusion, United Airlines' cancellation fees primarily apply to non-refundable tickets . The standard fee for canceling a domestic flight is $200 , while international flights typically carry a cancellation fee of $400 . These fees are deducted from any refund or travel credit you may receive after canceling your ticket. Basic economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, meaning you will lose the full value of the ticket if you cancel. However, United's 24-hour cancellation policy allows you to cancel flights within 24 hours of booking without a fee, provided your flight is at least 7 days away. Additionally, special circumstances like medical emergencies or flight cancellations by the airline may provide exceptions to the cancellation fee. Always review the terms of your ticket and consider purchasing travel insurance for added flexibility.