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United Airlines·Star Alliance
United refund rules: refundable vs non-refundable fares, travel credit validity, and when US DOT rules entitle you to cash back instead of a voucher.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
Refundable fares refund to the original form of payment without penalty. Request through united.com rather than by phone — it is faster and creates a record.
Non-refundable tickets cancelled before departure convert to a future flight credit for the amount paid.
United future flight credits are generally valid for 12 months from the original ticket issue date. Credits from cancelled flights may carry different terms — read the specific credit.
If United cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, DOT rules entitle you to an automatic cash refund rather than a credit. United must issue it without you asking.
No-show forfeits the ticket. If you cannot travel, cancel before departure to preserve the value as a future flight credit.
The United app handles rebooking during irregular operations unusually well — when a flight cancels it will often present alternatives before an agent can. Use it first.
Submit a complaint via united.com/customercare. Unresolved matters can be filed with the US DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
Refundable fares refund to the original form of payment without penalty. Request through united.com rather than by phone — it is faster and creates a record. Non-refundable tickets cancelled before departure convert to a future flight credit for the amount paid.
United future flight credits are generally valid for 12 months from the original ticket issue date. Credits from cancelled flights may carry different terms — read the specific credit.
If United cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative, DOT rules entitle you to an automatic cash refund rather than a credit. United must issue it without you asking.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.