How United changes & cancellations generally work
The rules in plain language. Your exact fare always decides — we'll confirm it on the call.
For travel within the US and to many international destinations, United dropped change fees across standard Economy and its premium cabins — United Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, First, Business and Polaris. You'd still pay any difference if the new flight is priced higher.
United's lowest fare generally can't be changed, and a voluntary cancellation typically forfeits the ticket rather than returning credit. Don't write it off, though — call and we'll read your fare rules before you assume the worst.
United lets you cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, as long as you booked at least a week before departure. It applies to every fare type sold in the US, including Basic Economy.
Outside that 24-hour window, cancelling an eligible nonrefundable ticket usually converts its value to future flight credit rather than cash. That credit carries an expiry date and conditions on how it's used.
You're generally entitled to a rebooking or a refund to your original form of payment — even when the ticket you hold is nonrefundable.
Rules vary by fare, route and how the ticket was issued. We never publish change or cancellation amounts because yours depends on your specific ticket — an agent tells you the exact figure before anything is charged.
United fares and how flexible they are
Where your ticket sits decides how easily it changes. Higher = more flexible.
Refund or future flight credit? What you'll likely get
It comes down to who cancelled and your fare.
You cancel by choice
Most common
- Eligible nonrefundable fares return as future flight credit, not cash
- Basic Economy usually can't be cancelled for value
- Credit carries an expiry date and usage rules
- Refundable fares go back to your original payment
United cancels or reschedules
Better for you
- A refund to your original payment is generally available
- Applies even to nonrefundable fares
- Or free rebooking on the next available United flight
- Significant schedule changes usually qualify
Mind the one-week rule. United's 24-hour flexible booking refund only applies if you booked at least seven days before departure — including on Basic Economy. Booked closer in? Call us before you assume you're locked in, and we'll check your options.
Frequently asked
Can I change a United Basic Economy ticket?+
Will I get money back or future flight credit?+
I booked a few hours ago — can I cancel free?+
Do you charge to change it for me?+
Contact options
Reach United directly, or let us handle it.
Contact United Airlines directly
The airline's own official channels — free.
More United Airlines help
Related guides.