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1-833-845-1858 What is United 24 hour cancellation policy?
United Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy is designed to offer travelers flexibility and peace of mind when booking flights. Under this policy, passengers can cancel or change their reservation without penalty within 24 hours of purchase, provided the booking was made at least seven days before the scheduled departure date. This means if you book a flight and then decide to cancel or modify it within that 24-hour window, United will refund the full ticket price to your original payment method, with no cancellation fees applied. This policy applies broadly across most fare types, including Basic Economy, which is notable since Basic Economy fares typically have more restrictions but still qualify for a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of purchase2.
The 24-hour period begins at the exact time of booking, so it’s important to act quickly if you change your mind. United also offers a paid FareLock option that allows you to hold a fare for three or seven days for a fee, giving additional flexibility before finalizing the purchase. However, FareLock is separate from the 24-hour cancellation rule and does not extend the free cancellation window2.
After the 24-hour window closes, the ability to cancel or change a reservation without fees depends on the specific fare rules associated with your ticket. For most nonrefundable tickets, cancellations beyond 24 hours typically do not result in a cash refund but may provide travel credits valid for future travel. Refundable tickets, by contrast, can be canceled at any time before departure for a full refund. United’s policy aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulations, which mandate that airlines allow free cancellations within 24 hours of booking for flights departing at least seven days later and booked directly through the airline5.
To cancel within the 24-hour window, passengers can use United’s website or mobile app by accessing their reservation with the confirmation code. Customer service representatives are also available to assist with cancellations and refunds. Refunds are generally processed back to the original form of payment within about seven business days for credit card transactions. If the ticket was purchased with a United Gift Certificate, refunds are issued as electronic travel credits instead of cash2.
It’s important to note that group bookings are excluded from the 24-hour cancellation policy and require direct contact with United Airlines for any refund or cancellation requests. Additionally, tickets purchased through third-party travel agencies may not be covered by United’s 24-hour cancellation policy, so passengers should check with their booking source for applicable rules4.
If United cancels a flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund for any unused portion of their ticket or can be rebooked on an alternative flight without additional charges. In cases of extenuating circumstances, such as the death of a passenger’s relative, United may waive cancellation fees and refund unused ticket portions regardless of the 24-hour policy2.
In summary, United Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy provides a risk-free window for travelers to reconsider their bookings with a full refund guarantee, as long as the flight is booked at least seven days in advance and canceled within 24 hours. This policy applies to most fare types, including Basic Economy, and is accessible through all official United booking channels. Beyond this window, cancellation and refund options vary by fare class, with nonrefundable tickets generally offering travel credits instead of cash refunds. Understanding these terms helps travelers manage their bookings confidently and avoid unexpected fees. For assistance, United’s customer service is available to guide passengers through cancellations and refunds.