Are United Airline Tickets Refundable?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

If you’re planning a trip and have to cancel your United Airlines reservation, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for a refund. United Airlines offers various types of fares, and each one has its own set of rules and restrictions. In this article, we’ll answer the question “Are United Airline Tickets Refundable?” and provide you with all the information you need to know about United Airlines’ refund policies.

Whether you’ve booked a non-refundable ticket or a refundable one, our guide will help you understand your options and what you need to do in order to request a refund. We’ll also cover some of the exceptions and special cases you should be aware of, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to cancel your United Airlines reservation. So, let’s get started!

Are United Airline Tickets Refundable?

Are United Airline Tickets Refundable?

If you have ever booked a flight with United Airlines, you might have wondered whether or not your ticket is refundable. In this article, we will explore the policies regarding United Airline ticket refunds, the different types of fares, and the circumstances under which you may be eligible for a refund.

Types of Fares

United Airlines offers several types of fares, each with different rules regarding refunds. The most common types of fares are:

  1. Refundable fares
  2. Non-refundable fares
  3. Basic Economy fares

Refundable Fares

Refundable fares are the most flexible type of fare offered by United Airlines. These fares allow you to cancel your ticket and receive a full refund, or make changes to your itinerary without incurring any fees. Refundable fares are typically more expensive than other types of fares, but they provide peace of mind for travelers who may need to change their plans at the last minute.

Non-Refundable Fares

Non-refundable fares are the most common type of fare offered by United Airlines. As the name suggests, these fares are not refundable. However, you may be able to make changes to your itinerary for a fee. The amount of the fee will depend on the fare type and the route of your flight.

Basic Economy Fares

Basic Economy fares are the cheapest type of fare offered by United Airlines. These fares come with several restrictions, including no changes or refunds. If you purchase a Basic Economy fare, you will not be able to change your itinerary, and you will not be eligible for a refund if you decide not to travel.

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Refund Policies

United Airlines has a few different refund policies depending on the type of fare you purchase. Here is a breakdown of the refund policies for each type of fare:

Refundable Fares

If you purchase a refundable fare, you can cancel your ticket and receive a full refund. To receive a refund, you must cancel your ticket before the departure of your flight. You can cancel your ticket online or by calling United Airlines customer service. If you cancel your ticket after the departure of your flight, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Non-Refundable Fares

If you purchase a non-refundable fare, you will not be eligible for a refund. However, you may be able to make changes to your itinerary for a fee. The amount of the fee will depend on the fare type and the route of your flight. If you do not make any changes to your itinerary and do not show up for your flight, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Basic Economy Fares

If you purchase a Basic Economy fare, you will not be eligible for a refund. You will also not be able to make changes to your itinerary. If you do not show up for your flight, you will forfeit the entire cost of your ticket.

Benefits of Refundable Fares

While refundable fares are more expensive than other types of fares, they provide several benefits. Here are some of the benefits of purchasing a refundable fare:

  1. Flexibility – Refundable fares allow you to make changes to your itinerary or cancel your ticket without incurring any fees.
  2. Peace of Mind – Refundable fares provide peace of mind for travelers who may need to change their plans at the last minute.
  3. Easy Changes – If you need to make changes to your itinerary, you can do so without incurring any fees.

Refundable Fares vs. Non-Refundable Fares

Deciding between a refundable fare and a non-refundable fare can be a difficult decision. Here are some of the key differences between the two types of fares:

Refundable Fares

  1. Flexibility – Refundable fares provide more flexibility than non-refundable fares.
  2. Peace of Mind – Refundable fares provide peace of mind for travelers who may need to change their plans at the last minute.
  3. Cost – Refundable fares are typically more expensive than non-refundable fares.

Non-Refundable Fares

  1. Price – Non-refundable fares are typically less expensive than refundable fares.
  2. Fees – Non-refundable fares may allow you to make changes to your itinerary for a fee.
  3. Risk – Non-refundable fares come with the risk of losing your entire ticket cost if you do not show up for your flight.

In conclusion, United Airlines offers several types of fares, each with different rules regarding refunds. Refundable fares provide the most flexibility and peace of mind, but they are also more expensive than other types of fares. Non-refundable fares are the most common type of fare offered by United Airlines, and Basic Economy fares are the cheapest but come with several restrictions. When deciding which type of fare to purchase, consider your travel plans and budget to determine which type of fare is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about United Airline tickets.

What is United Airlines’ refund policy?

United Airlines offers refunds for certain types of tickets, such as refundable tickets and tickets purchased within 24 hours of booking. If you cancel a refundable ticket, you can receive a full refund. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you may receive a credit towards a future flight.

Additionally, if United Airlines cancels your flight or changes your itinerary significantly, you may be eligible for a refund.

Can I change my United Airlines ticket?

Yes, you can change your United Airlines ticket. The fees and restrictions on changing your ticket depend on the type of ticket you purchased. If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can change your flight without any fees. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you may be charged a fee to change your flight, and you may also have to pay the difference in fare.

United Airlines also offers flexible travel options that allow you to make changes to your itinerary without paying a fee. These options include Basic Economy, which allows changes for a fee, and Economy Plus, which allows changes for free.

Can I transfer my United Airlines ticket to someone else?

Yes, you can transfer your United Airlines ticket to someone else. However, there may be fees and restrictions on transferring your ticket, depending on the type of ticket you purchased. If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can transfer your ticket to someone else without any fees. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you may be charged a fee to transfer your ticket, and the new traveler may also have to pay the difference in fare.

United Airlines also allows you to change the name on a ticket for a fee, which can be a good option if you need to transfer your ticket to someone else but don’t want to pay the full transfer fee.

What happens if I miss my United Airlines flight?

If you miss your United Airlines flight, you may be able to take a later flight for a fee. The fee and availability of later flights depend on the type of ticket you purchased. If you purchased a refundable ticket, you may be able to take a later flight without paying a fee. If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you may be charged a fee to take a later flight, and you may also have to pay the difference in fare.

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It’s important to note that if you miss your flight due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a delayed connecting flight or severe weather, you may be able to take a later flight without paying a fee. Be sure to contact United Airlines as soon as possible to discuss your options.

What is United Airlines’ baggage policy?

United Airlines has a baggage policy that allows for one personal item and one carry-on bag per passenger. The size and weight restrictions for these bags depend on the type of ticket you purchased. If you purchased a Basic Economy ticket, you can only bring a personal item on board. If you purchased an Economy or Economy Plus ticket, you can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board.

United Airlines also allows passengers to check bags for a fee. The fees for checked bags depend on the size and weight of the bags, as well as the destination of the flight. Be sure to check United Airlines’ baggage policy before your flight to ensure that you are in compliance.

United Airlines Cancellation Policy! Call: (833) 246-4532


In conclusion, United Airlines offers different types of tickets with varying refund policies. If you purchase a non-refundable ticket, you will not be able to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your trip. However, United Airlines does offer the option to receive a credit for future travel if you cancel within 24 hours of booking or if you have a qualifying reason for cancellation.

If you purchase a flexible ticket, such as a ticket with United’s “Basic Economy Flexible” fare, you will have more flexibility in terms of cancellation and refund options. With this type of ticket, you can make changes or cancel your trip without penalty fees, as long as you do so before the departure time.

Overall, it is important to carefully review the refund policy for the type of ticket you are purchasing before making your final decision. By understanding the options available to you, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected changes to your travel plans.

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