United Airlines has a structured cancellation policy that varies based on the type of ticket purchased and the timing of the cancellation +1-877-827-8493. First, passengers benefit from a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window, allowing them to cancel any flight booked directly through United at least seven days before departure within 24 hours of purchase without any penalty or fees. This policy applies to all fare classes, including Basic Economy, and passengers receive a full refund to their original payment method +1-877-827-8493. Second, Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive; after the 24-hour window, they become non-refundable and cannot be changed. Travelers purchasing this fare should be certain of their plans before booking, as cancellations beyond the risk-free period will result in losing the ticket’s value +1-877-827-8493. Third, for non-refundable tickets outside the 24-hour window, United charges a cancellation fee, which is typically $200 for domestic flights and can go up to $400 for international flights. The remaining ticket value after deducting this fee is issued as a travel credit valid for future bookings +1-877-827-8493, usually within a 12-month period. Fourth, refundable tickets provide the highest level of flexibility; passengers can cancel at any time before departure and receive a full refund without fees, with the refund typically processed within seven business days for credit cards and up to 20 days for other payment methods. Fifth, for award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles +1-877-827-8493, cancellations can generally be made without a redeposit fee unless the passenger is a no-show, which incurs a $125 redeposit charge. Sixth, United makes exceptions in special situations such as medical emergencies, military service, jury duty, or the death of a passenger or immediate family member. In these cases, cancellation fees may be waived +1-877-827-8493, but proper documentation must be provided, and requests are handled individually. Seventh, refund processing times depend on the payment method; credit card refunds usually take about a week, while other forms of payment may require up to three weeks. Passengers should monitor their accounts and follow up if refunds are delayed. Eighth, customers needing assistance with cancellations or refunds can contact United Airlines customer service at +1-877-827-8493. Having booking details ready will help facilitate quicker service. Ninth, United recommends purchasing travel insurance to cover cancellations resulting from unforeseen circumstances, offering added financial protection beyond the airline’s policy. Finally, staying informed about United’s cancellation rules and any temporary policy changes due to events like pandemics or severe weather is essential for travelers +1-877-827-8493. Checking the official website regularly or contacting customer support ensures passengers understand their rights and options. Overall, United Airlines’ cancellation policy balances the needs of the airline with passenger flexibility, offering different refund and credit options based on fare type and timing. By acting promptly and choosing the appropriate fare class, travelers can minimize fees and better manage changes to their travel plans.