Independent summary, reviewed September 2026. WarBird Flight is not affiliated with United Airlines. Fare rules on your ticket govern.
United Airlines Flight Changes and Cancellations: Policy Explained
What it costs to change a United Airlines flight, when you can get a refund, and how to get it done. Call (708) 866-8751 with your confirmation code and a licensed agent will check your fare rules and make the change or cancellation for you.
Changing a United Airlines flight
United has no change fees on Economy and above for travel within the US or between the US and Mexico, the Caribbean, or international destinations originating in the US. Fare difference applies.
Basic economy fares are the exception on most carriers: they generally cannot be changed and are non-refundable outside the 24-hour window. On United, Basic Economy also excludes the full-size carry-on on most domestic routes, which is the most common surprise for callers.
Same-day changes are free for Economy and above on most domestic itineraries when a seat is available in the same fare class; a fee may apply otherwise.
Cancelling a United Airlines flight
Under US Department of Transportation rules, any ticket to, from, or within the United States booked at least seven days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.
Non-refundable Economy and above tickets cancelled before departure become a future flight credit, generally valid for one year from purchase.
If United cancels or significantly delays a flight, you are entitled to a refund to the original form of payment.
How to change or cancel by phone
- Have your United Airlines confirmation code and the name on the booking ready.
- Call (708) 866-8751. The agent pulls up the booking and reads the fare rules that apply to your ticket.
- For a change, the agent finds new flights and quotes any fare difference or fee before anything is done. For a cancellation, the agent tells you whether you get a refund or a credit, and how much.
- Approve, and the updated itinerary or the cancellation confirmation is emailed to you.
Related help for United Airlines
Licensed agents at our partner agency handle these by phone, 24/7. No charge for a quote.
Guides on changes, cancellations, and disruptions
Airline policiesThe 24-Hour Flight Cancellation Rule, ExplainedHow the US Department of Transportation's 24-hour rule works, which tickets it covers, and how to use it.
Airline policiesSame-Day Flight Changes: How Each Airline Handles ThemSame-day confirmed changes and standby rules on Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.
Airline policiesYour Flight Was Cancelled: Rights, Refunds, and RebookingWhat airlines owe you when they cancel, how to choose between rebooking and a refund, and how to get moving fastest.
Airline policiesWhen Airlines Owe You a Cash Refund, Not a CreditThe US Department of Transportation's automatic refund rule: which cancellations and schedule changes qualify, how fast the money must come back, and how to ask.
Airline policiesWhen the Airline Changes Your Schedule: Your Rebooking and Refund RightsAirlines move flight times and drop connections weeks before you travel. Which changes you can refuse, when a full refund is owed, and how to get a better rebooking than the one they picked.- Airline policiesFlight Delays: What US Airlines Owe You, and What They Don'tThere is no federal payout for a delay in the US. What you can actually claim — meals, a hotel, a refund — and how the controllable-versus-weather line decides it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change a United flight?
Call with your confirmation number. Economy and above can be changed for the fare difference; Basic Economy cannot be changed.
Does United refund cancelled tickets?
Within 24 hours of booking, yes. Afterwards, refundable fares are refunded; non-refundable fares become a flight credit.
What if United cancels my flight?
You can rebook free or take a full refund, regardless of fare type.
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