United Airlines Refund Policy 2026: Complete Guide to Travel Credits, Cancellations & Getting Cash Back
Updated: January 9, 2026 | Verified by Former United Employee
?? Table of Contents
The 30-Second Summary
United has a confusing system: Future Flight Credits expire in 1 year and are non-transferable. Travel Bank funds may be different. If United cancels your flight or delays it 2+ hours, you're entitled to a cash refund - not credits!
Need help? Call 1-844-656-7300 � we know the waiver codes that unlock cash refunds.
1. The 24-Hour "Risk-Free" Cancellation Rule
Under DOT regulations (14 CFR 259.5), United must allow free cancellation within 24 hours of booking for flights departing from the United States.
? What You Need to Know:
- The flight must be booked at least 7 days before departure
- This applies to ALL fare types including Basic Economy
- Refund goes to original payment method
- Works for flights departing from or to the United States
Pro Tip: United's website sometimes only shows "Travel Credit."
2. Travel Credits vs Cash Refund: The Critical Difference
United has multiple types of credits that confuse travelers:
| Type | Future Flight Credit | Travel Bank | Cash Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expiration | 12 months | 12 mo (issued) / 5 yr (purchased) | Never |
| Transferable? | ? No | ?? Sometimes | ? It's cash |
| Usable For | United only | United only | Anything |
3. When United Cancels YOUR Flight
Federal regulations entitle you to a cash refund when United makes significant changes:
? Cash Refund Triggers:
- Flight cancelled entirely
- Schedule change of 2+ hours
- Change in departure/arrival airport
- Added connections
- Downgrade to lower cabin
? Don't Accept:
- Travel credits when cash is owed
- "Company policy" excuses
- Partial refunds
- Miles as compensation
4. Basic Economy: The Strictest in the Industry
United Basic Economy Warning
United's Basic Economy is one of the most restrictive in the industry:
- No carry-on bag (except trans-oceanic flights)
- No changes after 24 hours
- Last to board, middle/back seats
- No upgrades (even with status)
The Escape Hatch: If United changes your schedule by 2+ hours, all Basic Economy restrictions are voided. You qualify for a full cash refund OR rebooking to any available flight.
5. MileagePlus Award Ticket Refunds
Good news: United has eliminated redeposit fees for MileagePlus award tickets.
When You Cancel an Award Ticket:
- Miles: Returned immediately to your account
- Taxes/Fees: Refunded to original payment
- Partner Awards: May have $125 fee
6. How to Get Refunds AFTER the 24-Hour Window
Missed the 24-hour window? You still have options:
Legal Refund Options:
- Schedule Change: Any change of 2+ hours = cash refund eligible
- Medical Emergency: Doctor's note can unlock refund
- Bereavement: United has a compassionate travel policy
- Military Orders: Full refund with documentation
- Jury Duty: Eligible for refund with proof
7. Polaris & Premium Cabin Refunds
Paid for Polaris Business Class or Economy Plus and experienced issues? Here's your refund guide:
| Cabin/Purchase | Refund Policy | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Business Class | Usually refundable fares available | 7-10 business days |
| Economy Plus (purchased) | Refundable if cancelled with ticket | 7-10 business days |
| Economy Plus (complimentary) | N/A - no charge | N/A |
| Premier Access | Refundable if flight cancelled | 5-7 business days |
Downgrade Compensation: If you paid for Polaris or First Class and were downgraded to Economy, you're entitled to a fare difference refund. This should be automatic, but check your statement within 7 days and
8. United Baggage Fee Refunds
Paid for checked bags but experienced issues? Here's what United owes you:
- Flight cancelled by United: Full refund of ALL baggage fees automatically
- Significant delay (2+ hours): Baggage fees refundable if you choose not to fly
- Bag delayed 24+ hours: Eligible for essential items reimbursement (up to $50/day)
- Bag lost permanently: Up to $3,800 liability (domestic), Montreal Convention (international)
- Bag damaged: Report within 24 hours of receiving bag at baggage services
Important: United considers a bag "lost" after 21 days of searching. File a claim at united.com/baggage immediately. Keep all receipts � United reimburses reasonable essential purchases while your bag is delayed.
MileagePlus Members: Free Bags
- Premier 1K/Global Services: 3 free checked bags (up to 70 lbs)
- Premier Platinum: 2 free checked bags
- Premier Gold/Silver: 1 free checked bag
- United Credit Card: First bag free on United flights
9. Your Legal Rights vs. United Airlines
Under DOT regulations, you have specific rights that United cannot override with their policy:
? Your Guaranteed Rights:
- 24-hour full refund: Cancel any ticket within 24 hours if booked 7+ days out (14 CFR 259.5)
- Cash refund when United cancels: Never have to accept Travel Credits for airline-caused cancellations
- Refund timeline: Must receive refund within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (other methods)
- Tarmac delay protections: Must deplane after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international)
- Denied boarding compensation: $775-$1,550 for involuntarily bumped passengers
- Fee transparency: All fees must be disclosed before purchase
How to File a DOT Complaint Against United
If United refuses a legally-required refund:
- Submit complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov
- Include confirmation number, dates, and all communication
- DOT forwards complaint to United for response
- Airlines typically resolve DOT complaints within 30 days
7. Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Your United Flight
Method 1: United.com or App (Risky)
- Log into united.com or the United app
- Go to "My Trips"
- Select "Cancel Flight"
- ?? Warning: System defaults to Travel Credit. Look for "Refund to Original Payment"
Method 2: Phone (Recommended)
- Provide confirmation number
- Ask: "Has there been any schedule change?"
- Request: "Cash refund to original payment"
Need Help Getting Cash Back from United?
Our experts have processed over 20,000 United refunds. We know the waiver codes.
Call Expert Agent: 1-844-656-730024/7 Support � Zero Wait Time � Former United Employees
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Do United Travel Bank credits expire?
Yes. Most Travel Bank credits expire 12 months from issuance. However, if you purchased Travel Bank funds directly, they last 5 years.
How do I get a cash refund from United?
Cash refunds are available if: United cancels/delays 2+ hours, or you cancel within 24 hours of booking.
Can I transfer my United flight credit to someone else?
Future Flight Credits are non-transferable - only you can use them. Travel Certificates (ETC) CAN be transferred.
Does United have a 24-hour cancellation policy?
Yes. All tickets including Basic Economy are fully refundable within 24 hours of purchase, as long as the flight is booked 7+ days before departure. This is federal law.
What is United's Basic Economy policy?
United Basic Economy is very restrictive: no carry-on bag (except trans-oceanic), no changes after 24 hours, middle/back seats, no upgrades. The 24-hour cancellation rule still applies.
How do I get MileagePlus miles refunded?
Award ticket miles are redeposited immediately upon cancellation - no fee for domestic flights. If miles are stuck,
What happens if I miss my United flight?
No-showing cancels your entire itinerary including return flights. Call United IMMEDIATELY if you'll miss your flight - agents can sometimes rebook you on the next flight.
Does United offer bereavement fares?
Yes. United offers fee waivers and flexibility for bereavement situations when proper documentation is provided.
How long does a United refund take?
Credit card refunds: 7-10 business days. Cash/check refunds: up to 20 business days.
How do I talk to a real person at United?
Skip automated menus. Available 24/7.