How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines?

In a nutshell: If you have booked a flight through United Airlines and want to get a refund, you can do so within 24 hours of booking if the scheduled flight is one week or more away. Basic economy tickets cannot be changed, but you can get a refund if the departure date is at least a week away. Refunds are processed within 20 business days, except for credit card refunds which are processed within seven business days. To request a refund, you need to cancel your flight by visiting the My Trips page on the United Airlines website. After canceling, you need to fill out a refund form with your flight and receipt details. You can also request a refund for Wi-Fi purchased on certain partner-operated flights.

Dec 29, 2023

Introduction

Did you book a flight through United Airlines? Tickets can be refunded within 24 hours of booking if the scheduled flight is one week or more. Basic economy tickets can't be changed, but you can get a refund if the departure date is at least a week or more. The refund amount (which will vary, depending on the situation) is credited to the original form of payment. Refunds are processed within 20 business days, except for credit card refunds, which are processed within seven business days. Below are the steps to get a refund from United Airlines.

Go to My Trips

United Airlines can't cancel active trips, so you'll need to cancel your flight first. You can do this by visiting the My Trips page on the official website. Use this link: https://www.united.com/en/us/manageres/mytrips.

If you're having a problem opening the link, check your internet connection first or contact United Airlines Support.

How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines? (Step 1)

Fill Out the Form

You can find your trip using the confirmation number sent by United Airlines or your MileagePlus number. Enter your last name.

Click Search

Make sure you type in the correct confirmation number or MileagePlus number.

Select Cancel Flight

You'll find this option on top of the screen.

Tap Confirm Cancellation

After confirmation, United Airlines will offer a travel credit. You may also be eligible for a refund.

For travel credits, you can use this when you book a flight on United Express, United and other partner-operated flights. The credits will automatically appear after selecting Travel Credits under the payment option.

Sign In to Your Account

After canceling an active flight, log in with your MileagePlus number and password to get started with the refund process. You will need to fill out the refund form by adding your flight and receipt number. Follow the instructions to successfully process the refund.

How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines? (Step 6)

Add Your Flight

Fill out the form to get started with the refund process. You can enter up to 15 items, including food and drinks.

Contact Gogo and Intelstat directly if they provide the Wi-Fi. Otherwise, use the same form to get a Wi-Fi refund (applicable for companies Panasonic, Viasat and Thales).

How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines? (Step 7)

Add the Receipt Details

Fill out this form as proof of payment. You'll need to enter the traveler's last name and the document number (which is 13 or 14 digits).

How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines? (Step 8)

Click Add a Receipt

Tap add a receipt if you have more than one.

Enter Your Email Address

Type in your email address so that United Airlines can get back to you regarding your refund.

Click Continue

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the refund process.

Click the Check Status Tab

Go back to the Refunds page to check the status of your refund.

How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines? (Step 12)

Fill Out the Required Field

You need to enter your last name along with the tracking, ticket or document number.

Click Check Status

Conclusion

If you didn't book the flight directly with United Airlines, get the six-digit confirmation code sent by a third-party site and use this to cancel your flight and start the refund process. For group tickets, the refund will be based on the group contract. Please keep all the receipts, including food, drinks and Wi-Fi, as you'll also need to add them. You also can't refund tickets purchased using e-certificates. For other questions about United Airlines refunds, please contact Customer Support. 

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Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.
How Do I Get a Refund from United Airlines?

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