United Airlines Refund Policy

United Airlines Refund Policy- Everything To Know

United Airlines offers different types of airfare tickets, some refundable and some non-refundable. The specific refund rules and fees depend on the fare class purchased. This article provides an in-depth look at United Airlines’ refund policy guidelines for different types of tickets and flight changes.

Refund Eligibility

On refundable fares, which cost more upfront, United will provide a full refund back to the original form of payment if you cancel tickets after 24 hours before departure. This includes refunds of the base airfare and any optional fees purchased like checked bags or seat upgrades.

For cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled flight, United will issue an electronic travel voucher instead of refunding the original payment method on refundable tickets. This flight credit is valid for one year from the date of issue and you can use them easily in future while booking United flights.

Change fees do not apply to cancellations made on refundable fares. However, fare differences are payable if rebooking on a higher-priced itinerary later. With fully refundable tickets you can also make the same-day flight change.

Refunds on Refundable Fares

On refundable tickets, which cost more upfront, United Airline will refund the total airfare and any optional fees if you cancel your reservation before 24 hours of the scheduled departure. You will get the refund in the original form of payment. Refundable fares are eligible for same-day standby benefits.

For cancellations within 24 hours of travel call 1 800-864-8331 or +1-860-845-0471 and United issues an electronic travel certificate usable on United flights for one year from the date of issue. There are no change fees for refundable tickets but fare differences may apply.

Refunds on Non-Refundable Fares

You cannot change or cancel restricted economy fares on United with non-refundable fare types.

For standard non-refundable economy class fares, United will provide an electronic travel voucher on the cancellation of flight more than two hours before departure. A change fee applies. Same-day changes are not permitted.

The voucher value will be the airfare minus a $200 cancellation fee and $200 change fee per direction. This voucher expires one year from issue and can only be used by the ticketed passenger.

Refund Exceptions on Non-Refundable Tickets

In a few cases, United may provide a full refund on a non-refundable ticket, minus any change fees:

If the passenger dies before the flight.
If the flight schedule significantly changes and the new timing no longer works for the passenger.
If the passenger has severe illness/injury preventing travel. Medical documentation must be provided.

Refunds Due to Flight Cancellations

If United Airlines cancels a flight for reasons within their control like mechanical issues, inadequate staffing, or consolidating routes, affected passengers can request a full monetary refund. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable fares.

You will get the refundable airfare to the original form of payment when United is responsible for the cancellation. Cost for amenities like hotels or meal vouchers during the service disruption is payable from refundable amount.

How to claim a United Airlines refund or flight credits?

Here are some tips for claiming a refund or flight credit with United Airlines:

For refundable tickets, request a refund through United’s website, app, or by calling (00 1 800-864-8331) reservations if canceling 24+ hours before departure. The refund will go back to the original form of payment.
For non-refundable tickets, cancellations more than 2 hours before departure allow a 1 year electronic travel voucher. Change fees apply. Request through website or phone.
If United cancels or significantly delays a flight, passengers on both refundable and non-refundable tickets can request a full refund without fees.
Provide United with the 6-letter confirmation code, passenger details, and the original payment method used to purchase the ticket.
Refunds for credit card purchases are processed within 7 days, cash within 20 days, and future travel vouchers are instant.
Be ready to explain the reason you are seeking a refund, especially if requesting an exception on a non-refundable fare.
If entitled to a refund, follow up with United if not received by the stated processing timeline.
As an alternative to refunds, you can also opt to redeposit the unused ticket value into your United travel bank.
Understand the exact conditions of your ticket to know if you qualify for a full airfare refund or just future travel credit when canceling.

Refund Timeframes

Refund processing timeframes on United reservations are as follows:

Credit card purchases can be refunded to the card within 7 business days.
Cash payments are refunded via check within 20 business days.
Refunds to United Travelbank (electronic credits) are instant upon cancellation request.
Refunds to additional forms of payment take up to 20 days for processing.
Refunds on award tickets redeposit the miles back to the member’s MileagePlus account.

FAQ’s – United Airlines Refund Policy

What is United Airlines’ refund policy for non-refundable tickets?

United does not offer refunds for non-refundable fares, only a travel credit valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Change fees apply and same-day standby is not allowed on these restricted tickets.

What is United Airlines’ refund policy for refundable tickets?

On refundable fares, United will refund the total airfare and optional fees if cancelled more than 24 hours before departure. The refund goes back to the original form of payment.

Does United offer refunds within 24 hours of travel?

For cancellations within 24 hours on refundable tickets, United issues a 1 year electronic travel voucher instead of a full refund. Non-refundable tickets are not eligible for any refund within 24 hours.

What if United Airlines cancels my flight?

passengers on both refundable and non-refundable tickets are eligible to a full airfare refund, with no change fees, If United cancels or significantly delays a flight,

Can I get a refund on a non-refundable United ticket due to an emergency?

United may make exceptions for a full refund on non-refundable fares for severe medical emergencies or death of the passenger. However, it is important to provide necessary documention.

How long does it take United to process refunds?

Refund timeframes are 7 days for credit card purchases, 20 days for cash/check payments, and instant for travel vouchers. Refunded miles redeposit within 24 hours.

Conclusion

In summary, United’s refund policy is complex with many variables affecting eligibility for airfare and fee refunds. Obtaining a refund from United Airlines depends primarily on ticket classification and reasons for cancellation. In short, understanding the rules for your fare type is key to managing cancellations and changes on United Airlines.