# What happens if you cancel a non-refundable flight with United?
## United Airlines Cancellation Policy after 24 hours1-808-865-4114 | Fee & Refund

Flight cancellations can be stressful—especially if your ticket is non-refundable1-808-865-4114. However, United Airlines has made strides in providing travelers with flexibility, even for non-refundable fares. If you need to cancel a non-refundable ticket, this guide will walk you through the process, explain what happens next, and help you make the most of your options.

**1. Understanding Non-Refundable Tickets**
A non-refundable ticket 1-808-865-4114is a discounted fare that typically comes with fewer perks and restrictions on changes and cancellations. These tickets cost less upfront but offer limited flexibility if your travel plans change.

Non-refundable tickets are commonly purchased in Economy, Premium Economy, and even Business Class, and they are the default option for most leisure travelers looking to save money.

### **2. Can You Cancel a Non-Refundable United Flight?**
Yes, you can **[cancel a non-refundable United flight1-808-865-4114](https://traveltips247.bettermode.io/discussions/post/what-happens-if-you-cancel-a-non-refundable-flight-with-united-T4q4Syb3JW0uY6z)**. While you won’t get your money back to your original form of payment, you will receive a travel credit for the value of the ticket, minus any applicable fees (in most cases, no fees apply as of 2025 for standard cancellations).

Exceptions:
Basic Economy fares are non-refundable and non-changeable after 24 hours of booking. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, cancellation typically results in forfeiting the fare unless United cancels the flight or you qualify for a special exception.

**3. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Still Applies**
Even if your fare is non-refundable, you can cancel within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund—as long as your booking was made at least 7 days before departure.

This applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy.

**4. What You Receive: United Travel Credit**
When canceling a non-refundable flight beyond the 24-hour window, you receive a travel credit, not a cash refund.

**Features of United Travel Credit:**
Valid for 12 months from the issue date.

Can be used for future flights on United or United Express.

Covers base fare and taxes but not optional fees like seat upgrades.

May only be used by the original passenger (in most cases).

Can be redeemed online or through customer service.

### **5. How to Cancel a Non-Refundable United Flight**
Option 1: Cancel Online
Go to www.united.com.

Click “My Trips.”

Enter your confirmation number and last name.

Select your trip and click “Cancel Flight.”

Confirm your cancellation. Your travel credit will be issued to your MileagePlus account.

Option 2: Cancel Using the United App
Use the same steps as above in the mobile app.

Go to "Trips" and cancel from there.

Option 3: Cancel by Phone
Call United Customer Service at 1-808-865-4114/1-800-864-8331.

Provide your confirmation number and passenger details.

Ask for your trip to be canceled and confirm travel credit eligibility.

**6. Using United Travel Credit**
After cancellation, your travel credit can be applied to a new reservation.

Steps:
Log into your MileagePlus account when booking a new flight.

At checkout, select “Travel Credit” as your payment method.

Apply the available credit to the new booking.

If the new flight costs less, the remaining balance stays in your account. If it costs more, you pay the difference.

**7. Special Situations**
A. United Cancels Your Flight
If United cancels your non-refundable flight, you are entitled to a full refund, even if your ticket is non-refundable.

B. Major Schedule Change
If your flight is rescheduled by more than 2 hours, you can usually request a full refund or a free rebooking.

C. Illness, Emergencies, or Bereavement
United may allow cancellation with a refund or more flexible travel credit terms in special cases. You may need to provide documentation such as:

Doctor’s note

Hospital records

Death certificate (for bereavement)

D. Third-Party Bookings
If you booked through a travel agency or platform (like Expedia), you must contact them for cancellations. They may have additional rules or fees.

**8. Refund vs. Credit: What’s the Difference?**
Criteria Refundable Ticket Non-Refundable Ticket
Cancellation Penalty None None (credit issued)
Refund Type Original payment method Travel credit only
Eligibility for Refund Always Only if canceled by airline
Travel Credit Validity N/A 12 months

**9. Cost Comparison Example**
Let’s say you booked a non-refundable Economy flight for $350:

You cancel the flight.

United issues a $350 Future Flight Credit.

You use it to book a $400 flight two months later.

You pay the additional $50 difference.

No fees apply in this scenario unless your new flight has additional services or upgrades.

**10. Can Travel Credits Be Transferred?**
In most cases:

Future Flight Credit (FFC) is non-transferable.

Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC) may be transferable, depending on how it was issued.

Always check the terms of the credit in your United account before using it.

**11. Tips for Managing Non-Refundable Tickets**
Act quickly if your plans change—especially within the 24-hour risk-free period.

Set a calendar reminder for the credit expiration date (12 months).

Use your MileagePlus account to track travel credits automatically.

Add travel insurance if you're booking a non-refundable ticket and worried about cancellation risk.

**12. Frequently Asked Questions**
**Q1: What happens if I miss my flight?**
If you don’t cancel in advance, your ticket is considered a no-show, and you forfeit the entire fare, including taxes and fees. Always cancel before departure to retain the travel credit.

**Q2: Can I get a refund if I test positive for COVID-19?**
United may offer special accommodations or travel credit if you provide documentation. Refunds are not guaranteed.

**Q3: Is there a penalty fee for canceling a non-refundable ticket?**
No, not anymore. United no longer charges cancellation fees for most domestic and short-haul international non-refundable tickets. You receive the full value as credit.

**Q4: Can I use travel credit for someone else?**
Typically no, unless the travel credit is an Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC) that allows transfers. Most credits are tied to the original passenger.

**Q5: How long does it take to receive my travel credit?**
Credits are usually processed within a few hours after cancellation and show up in your MileagePlus account. Refunds, if applicable, may take 7–20 business days.

**Conclusion**
**[Canceling a non-refundable United Airlines](https://traveltips247.bettermode.io/discussions/post/what-happens-if-you-cancel-a-non-refundable-flight-with-united-T4q4Syb3JW0uY6z)** flight doesn’t mean you’ve lost your money. While you won’t receive a cash refund, United provides a future flight credit for the full value of your ticket (minus fees in some cases). With no cancellation penalties for most fare types and an easy-to-use credit system, United offers flexibility even for budget-conscious travelers.

Before booking, always check the fare rules, and consider using a MileagePlus account to easily manage and track credits. Whether your plans change due to unforeseen events or personal reasons, understanding how United handles non-refundable cancellations helps you take control and avoid unnecessary losses.