What is United’s 24-hour cancellation policy?

United Airlines offers a 24-hour flexible booking policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight without penalty within 24 hours of booking. This policy applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy. Here’s how it works:

Eligibility: If you book a flight directly through United Airlines (via their website or app), you have 24 hours to cancel your reservation and receive a full refund, regardless of your ticket type. This policy applies as long as your flight is booked at least one week before departure.

Refund Process: If you cancel within this 24-hour window, you won’t be charged any fees, and you’ll receive a full refund to your original form of payment. If you booked with a United Gift Certificate, your refund will be processed as an electronic travel certificate. However, tickets booked with e-certificates are not eligible for refunds.

Exceptions: The 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply to group bookings with more than nine passengers, and any FareLock fee paid to hold a reservation is non-refundable.

How to Cancel: You can cancel your flight through United’s website or mobile app by navigating to the “My Trips” section and selecting the flight you wish to cancel.

This feature is particularly useful if you’re still finalizing your travel plans and want to secure a flight without fully committing right away. It’s important to note that if you cancel your flight after the initial 24 hours, the eligibility for a refund depends on the fare type you purchased. Basic Economy tickets are typically non-refundable, while standard and premium tickets may be canceled for a refund, minus any applicable fees.