What Do I Do If I Missed My Connecting Flight on United Airlines?

This article discusses what to do if you missed a connection on a flight you booked with United Airlines. A description of how to get help from the airline is given, as well as how to look for other flight options yourself. Instructions are also provided for requesting a refund from United Airlines if warranted.

If you booked a flight with layovers through United Airlines and missed a connection, there are a couple of things you need to do. First of all, you need to figure out how to get to your destination, preferably on time. If you are delayed, or unable to finish your trip, you also need to know how to apply for compensation if the missed connection happened through no fault of your own.

If You Miss Your United Airlines Connection

If you miss your United Airlines connection, go to the nearest United Airlines desk and talk to the staff there. They will try to help you finish your journey by getting you on another flight.

After they have started the process, you have three options:

  1. Go to United's Mobile Tools page and download the United app. Select the Check In option after starting the app.
  2. Go to United's Check In Page.
  3. Go to a United kiosk.

From all three locations, you will be able to find out if United staff have found you a new flight without having to stand in line at the desk again. You can also search for other flights yourself and rebook your flight if you find something suitable. As a third option, you can join the standby list for flights that are already fully booked.

If you missed your connection because of the airline rather than through your own fault, and if the airline is not able to get you to your destination on time, you may be eligible for a refund.

How to Make a Refund Request from United Airlines

If the airline is unable to get you to your destination on time, the procedure for requesting a refund from United is simple.

  1. Go to United Airlines' home page.
  2. Click on the Sign In link on the right side of the navigation bar at the top.
  3. Sign in to your United account.
  4. Go to United's refund request page.
  5. Enter the requested personal information under the Your Information header.
  6. Click on the Add Trip button under the Select Items header.
  7. Select the trip that included the missed connection.
  8. Provide further relevant in the box under the Details header.
  9. Attach any relevant files you have by clicking on the Choose File button under the Details header.
  10. Enter a contact email under the How to Get Back to You header.
  11. Click on the Submit button.

If you have any questions or problems, contact United Airlines' customer support. They offer phone, email, Twitter, and Facebook support options as well as an online help desk.

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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.
What Do I Do If I Missed My Connecting Flight on United Airlines?

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