United Airlines offers a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight bookings within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund. This policy applies as long as the reservation was made at least seven days before the scheduled departure date. It is designed to give travelers the flexibility to change their plans shortly after booking without facing penalties or fees.

The 24-hour cancellation period starts from the moment your booking is confirmed, not when the ticket number is issued. It applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Business, and First Class tickets. However, it is important to note that this policy only applies to tickets purchased directly from United Airlines through their website, mobile app, or customer service center. Reservations made through third-party travel agencies or other websites may not be eligible for this policy.

For group bookings with more than nine passengers, the 24-hour cancellation rule does not apply. These bookings are considered separate under United’s group travel policies and have their own cancellation terms.

If you cancel your flight within the 24-hour window, United Airlines will refund the full amount to the original form of payment. This means if you paid by credit card, the refund will be credited back to that card. If the booking was paid for using a United Airlines gift certificate, the refund will be issued as an electronic travel certificate instead. Refunds for credit card payments generally take up to seven business days to process, while other forms of payment may take longer.

Basic Economy tickets follow the same 24-hour cancellation rules as other fare types. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least seven days away, you are entitled to a full refund. However, Basic Economy tickets are typically non-refundable and non-changeable after this 24-hour period. This makes the 24-hour window particularly important for travelers purchasing the lowest fare class.

If you cancel after the 24-hour period, the refund eligibility depends on your ticket type. Refundable tickets can be canceled at any time before departure for a full refund. For non-refundable tickets, you generally cannot get a cash refund after the 24-hour window. Instead, you may receive a travel credit equal to the ticket’s value, minus any cancellation fees. This credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued and can be used for future United Airlines travel. However, if you do not cancel before the flight’s departure, you risk losing the full value of the ticket.

To cancel a reservation within the 24-hour window, you can visit the United Airlines website or open their mobile app. Navigate to the “My Trips” section, enter your booking information, and select the option to cancel your flight. Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation. If you encounter any difficulties or need assistance, you can contact United Airlines customer service for help.

This 24-hour cancellation policy provides important flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans shortly after booking. It ensures you can cancel without penalty or loss of funds as long as you act within the specified time and booking requirements. However, it does not apply to bookings made through third parties or to group reservations. Always review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket before making changes to understand your options fully.