How Long To Get Refund From United Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Are you wondering how long it takes to get a refund from United Airlines? Whether you had to cancel your flight due to unforeseen circumstances or experienced a delay, getting a refund can be a stressful process. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of United Airlines’ refund policy and give you the information you need to make the process as smooth as possible.

United Airlines has a clear refund policy in place, but the timeline for receiving your refund can vary depending on a number of factors. We’ll break down the process step-by-step and provide you with tips to expedite the process and get your money back as quickly as possible. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of United Airlines refunds.

How Long to Get Refund From United Airlines?

How Long to Get Refund From United Airlines?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get a refund from United Airlines, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve canceled a flight, changed your plans, or experienced an issue with your booking, you may be entitled to a refund. However, the process of receiving a refund can be confusing and time-consuming. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about getting a refund from United Airlines, including how long it typically takes and what factors can affect the timeline.

1. United Airlines Refund Policy

Before we dive into the specifics of how long it takes to get a refund from United Airlines, it’s important to understand the airline’s refund policy. United Airlines offers refunds for certain types of cancellations or changes, including:

  • Flight cancellations by United Airlines
  • Flight delays of more than 2 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights
  • Flight schedule changes that don’t meet your needs
  • Death of a passenger or immediate family member
  • Severe weather or natural disasters
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If you’re eligible for a refund, United Airlines will typically process it within 7-20 business days. However, there are a few factors that can impact the timeline, such as the method of payment and the reason for the refund.

2. Method of Payment

The method of payment you used to book your flight can impact how long it takes to receive a refund from United Airlines. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will typically be processed faster than if you paid with cash or a check. This is because credit card refunds are processed electronically and can be completed within a few days. On the other hand, refunds processed by check can take several weeks to arrive in the mail.

If you paid with a debit card, the refund may take longer to process than a credit card refund. This is because debit card refunds are subject to the policies of your bank, which can vary depending on the institution.

3. Reason for Refund

The reason for your refund can also impact how long it takes to receive it from United Airlines. If you’re eligible for a refund due to a flight cancellation or delay, the refund will typically be processed faster than if you’re requesting a refund for a voluntary change or cancellation.

Additionally, if you’re requesting a refund due to a death in the family, the process may take longer as United Airlines may require additional documentation or verification before processing the refund.

4. Refund Process

The process of receiving a refund from United Airlines typically involves the following steps:

  1. Contact United Airlines customer service to request a refund
  2. Provide the necessary information and documentation to support your refund request
  3. Wait for United Airlines to process your refund, which typically takes 7-20 business days
  4. Receive your refund via the method of payment used to book your flight

If you’re requesting a refund due to a death in the family, you may need to provide additional documentation such as a death certificate or obituary.

5. Benefits of Requesting a Refund

If you’re eligible for a refund from United Airlines, it’s important to take advantage of this option. Some of the benefits of requesting a refund include:

  • Receiving a full or partial refund for your flight
  • Avoiding fees or penalties for changes or cancellations
  • Having the option to rebook your flight at a later time
  • Peace of mind knowing that you’re being compensated for any inconvenience or issue with your booking
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6. Alternatives to Refunding Your Flight

If you’re unable to receive a refund from United Airlines, there are still alternatives available. Some of these options include:

  • Rebooking your flight for a later date or time
  • Changing your flight itinerary to a different destination or airport
  • Upgrading your seat or class of service
  • Using your ticket value towards a future flight

While these alternatives may not provide the same level of compensation as a refund, they can still help you make the most of your flight booking.

7. United Airlines Vs Competitors

When it comes to refunds, United Airlines is similar to its competitors in terms of processing times and eligibility requirements. However, some airlines may offer more flexible refund policies or faster processing times for certain types of cancellations or changes.

For example, Southwest Airlines offers a more flexible refund policy that allows passengers to change or cancel their flights without any fees or penalties. Additionally, Southwest Airlines typically processes refunds within 5-7 business days, which is faster than United Airlines.

8. Conclusion

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get a refund from United Airlines, the answer is typically 7-20 business days. However, the method of payment and reason for your refund can impact the timeline. Additionally, it’s important to understand United Airlines’ refund policy and the process for requesting a refund.

If you’re eligible for a refund, it’s important to take advantage of this option to receive compensation for any inconvenience or issue with your booking. If you’re unable to receive a refund, there are still alternatives available such as rebooking your flight or upgrading your seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers related to refunds from United Airlines.

What is United Airlines’ refund policy?

United Airlines allows for refunds in certain situations, such as flight cancellations or severe delays. The amount refunded will depend on the circumstances of the cancellation or delay. If you cancel your flight, you may be eligible for a refund depending on the fare you purchased and how far in advance you cancelled.

You can check the specific refund policy for your fare class on United Airlines’ website or by contacting their customer service department.

How do I request a refund from United Airlines?

If you believe you are eligible for a refund from United Airlines, you can submit a request through their website or by contacting their customer service department. Be sure to have your flight information and booking confirmation number available when submitting your request.

Keep in mind that it may take several weeks for United Airlines to process your refund request and for the funds to appear back in your account.

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What happens if United Airlines cancels my flight?

If United Airlines cancels your flight, you may be eligible for a full refund of your ticket price. Alternatively, you may be able to reschedule your flight for a later date at no additional cost.

United Airlines will typically notify you of any cancellations and provide instructions on how to proceed with your refund or rescheduling options.

How long does it take to receive a refund from United Airlines?

The amount of time it takes to receive a refund from United Airlines can vary depending on the circumstances of your cancellation or delay. In general, it can take up to several weeks for United Airlines to process your refund request and for the funds to appear back in your account.

If you have not received your refund after several weeks, you can contact United Airlines’ customer service department for an update on the status of your refund.

Can I dispute a refund decision made by United Airlines?

If you disagree with a refund decision made by United Airlines, you can contact their customer service department to discuss your options. Be sure to have all relevant flight and booking information available when making your case.

If you are still unsatisfied with the outcome, you may be able to file a complaint with the Department of Transportation or pursue other legal avenues to seek a resolution.

How to Get a United Airlines Refund When Booking with an OTA (works for other airlines too!)


In conclusion, getting a refund from United Airlines can be a bit of a waiting game. The amount of time it takes for you to receive your refund will depend on various factors, including the reason for the refund and how you requested it.

If you requested a refund for a canceled flight, you should receive your refund within seven days if you paid with a credit card. Those who paid with cash or check may have to wait up to 20 days. However, if you requested a refund for a non-canceled flight, it could take up to 20 days to receive your refund, regardless of how you paid.

It’s important to keep in mind that these time frames are just estimates, and delays can occur. If you’re concerned about the status of your refund, don’t hesitate to contact United Airlines’ customer service department for assistance. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll receive your refund in due time.

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