What to do about a United delay or cancellation
General guidance. Your specific rights depend on the route, cause and your fare.
Confirm the current status on united.com or in the United app before you head to the airport — schedules can shift quickly during disruptions.
You're generally entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or a refund. On airline-caused cancellations, that can apply even to nonrefundable fares.
When many passengers are rebooking at once, seats on the next good flight go fast. Calling immediately often lands you a better option than standing in an airport line.
If United's own delay caused a misconnection, they generally rebook you — and a Star Alliance partner may even be an option on international routes. Get on it right away.
Hold on to your confirmation number and any notices; they help confirm what you're owed if you claim a refund later.
Rights and remedies vary by route, cause and fare, and rules differ between countries. We don't quote compensation amounts — call us with your flight and we'll tell you your realistic options and act on them fast.
Disruption quick-reference
General guidance — your rights depend on the route, cause and fare.
Delayed or cancelled — what you're generally owed
General guidance; your rights depend on route, cause and fare.
United cancels the flight
Strongest position
- Rebooking on the next available flight, or
- A refund — even on nonrefundable fares
- Misconnections caused by United are generally rebooked
- Some routes add rights depending on cause
Long delay or your choice
More conditional
- Options depend on the length and cause
- Compensation rules vary by country
- Restricted fares limit voluntary changes
- Keep documents in case you claim later
Call before you queue. When a flight is cancelled, the phone often rebooks you faster than the airport line — you can be on the next United flight before you'd reach the front. We're on 24/7 for exactly this.
Frequently asked
My United flight was cancelled — what am I entitled to?+
My flight is delayed and I'll miss my connection — help?+
Am I owed compensation for the delay?+
Should I go to the airport or call first?+
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.