United Airlines has a structured refund and cancellation policy for cancelled flights. The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted flights, forcing travellers to rebook, use travel coupons, and seek refunds. Explaining United’s policies on:

• What flight types are refundable, and in what situations?
• Getting flight refunds or credits specifically due to COVID-19
• How to request a refund and important timeframes
• Policies for flight changes vs. complete cancellations
• Refund eligibility if United cancels your flight

Understanding exactly what United’s policies entail can ensure travellers maximise their chances of getting a refund or travel voucher when eligible.

Understanding the United States’ Refund Policy

United’s policy on flight refunds is dependent on the type of airfare purchased and the timeframes involved when requesting changes or cancellations. There are clear differences across their basic, standard, and flexible fare types.

What is considered refundable?

Only specific United Airlines tickets are eligible for a full cash refund if cancelled.

• Flexible rates may be cancelled 2 hours before departure for a full refund. Airline service fees apply.
• Standards in the economy are usually non-refundable but occasionally credited.
• There are no refunds on Basic Economy tickets.

United Airlines will reimburse all ticket types to the original payment method if a flight is cancelled. Credits or vouchers may come first.

Basic vs. Standard vs. Flexible Fares

United’s Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive, with no changes or cancellations allowed post-purchase. No seat selection.

Standard Economy allows date and flight changes for a $200 fee per passenger. More baggage allowance and Economy Plus seating can be pre-selected for a fee. There are no refunds except in special cases.

Flexible Economy tickets permit date, flight, and name changes for free when made more than 60 days before departure. Refundable in cash when cancelled ahead of departure. More amenities were included, like seat selection privileges.

Impact of Flight Cancellations

If United Airlines cancels your flight, you may rebook or get a full refund without incurring any costs. The original payment method determines the refund.

If a passenger cancels a ticket, even at the last minute, flexible fares get a refund. Standard fares usually receive a 12-month electronic travel certificate instead. The size of the voucher depends on the original ticket value.

Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable, so you won’t get cash back if passenger-initiated cancellations occur. Travel credits may be issued case-by-case.

Getting a Refund From United Airlines Due to COVID-19

COVID has led many air travellers to reconsider their plans. United’s refund and cancellation leeway depends on your destination amid changing restrictions.

• International flight cancellations

International United flights may be eligible for full cash refunds if COVID-related border restrictions prevent entry upon arrival. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment.

It applies both for flights united cancels and those cancelled by the passenger due to new quarantines or testing policies. Email or call support for individual trip assessments.

• Domestic flight cancellations

For domestic United Airlines flights, standard refund policy rules apply for COVID-related cancellations. Complete cash refund if United Airlines cancels the flight.

If passenger-initiated cancellations occur, flexible tickets can be refunded in cash if they are cancelled within 2 hours of departure. Standard Economy only gets future flight credit rather than cash refunds.

Basic Economy loses ticket value but can call to request an electronic travel certificate on a case-by-case basis in a COVID-19 medical situation.

• Using Travel Credits

If given a united travel voucher instead of a cash refund, it is important to use them within 12 months of the issue date, as they expire after 1 year.

Vouchers are valid for any flight operated by United Airlines or United Express for 12 months after the date of issue.

The value is for the exact amount originally paid. Must be booked in the name of the original ticketed passenger or purchaser only. The excess amount is not refunded if the new ticket has a lower value.

To use a flight credit, call United Reservations at +1-877-645-6550 and provide the original reservation code from the cancelled booking and the last name of the passenger.

Requesting a refund from United

To get the refund process started with United Airlines, there are a few steps that passengers need to take, including applying within the deadlines and providing any necessary information requested.

Refund Timeframes

• Refund approval timeframes depend on who initiated the cancellation:
• United cancelled flight: Expect refund in 7–10 business days once processed.
• Passenger cancelling a flexible flight: 14 days via the original form of payment
• Passenger cancelled non-refundable flight: Up to 30 days for a travel voucher

Processing can take 6–8 weeks. A refund goes back to the original form of payment when approved for eligible fare types.

Contacting United Airlines

• To request a refund on a cancelled or changed flight booking with United Airlines, passengers can:
• Call the reservations desk at +1-877-645-6550.
• Use United’s refund request web form: https://www.united.com/en/refunds
• Message Support on Twitter: @United
• Direct message on Facebook: United Airlines

Provide a 6-letter confirmation code from the booking plus passenger name details and a reason code for your cancellation or refund request.

Providing Documentation

• For flight refund requests due to COVID-19, United Airlines may ask for supporting medical documentation, including:
• Doctor’s note certifying individuals were prohibited from travelling by competent public health authorities on public health grounds
• Quarantine orders for suspected exposure imposing movement restrictions
• Lab test results confirming the COVID-19 infection

Having documents readily available speeds up processing. For flight credits rather than an immediate refund, usually no documentation is needed unless a confirmation code is missing.

Refunds for cancelled or changed flights

United issues two main types of flight refunds: cash back to the original payment method or a travel credit or voucher with temporary funds on file for future united flights.

• Instant Refunds vs. Travel Vouchers

If an eligible fare class was paid with cash, the refund goes back to the original form of payment after approval and processing timelines. So payment modes could be credit card, debit card, bank transfer, etc.

Travel vouchers are usually provided instead of direct refunds for Standard Economy (non-refundable) tickets. Issued for 12 months at the value of an unused ticket to only rebook united flights. Not valid on partner airlines. If new ticket price lower, no cash/cheque provided for difference.

• Change vs. Cancellation Policy

United has different policies if a passenger wants to change or cancel an existing flight booking:

Flight Changes: Date, route, or time modifications are permitted with flexible tickets for free if done 60+ days pre-departure. Otherwise $200 change fee per person.

Flight Cancellation: Flexible tickets are refundable within 24 hours of booking. Standard Economy: only future flight credits given as cancellations are not permitted post-purchase.

United cancels flight: all tickets refunded without charge.

• Exceptions to the Policies

A few scenarios can lead to exceptions from standard policy:

• Involuntary denied boarding opens refund eligibility
• Special circumstances like serious illness can provide a case-by-case refund review.
• Accommodation downgrade refunds difference in fare

Additionally, under U.S. law, passengers can request a full refund if changes increase the ticket price significantly or disrupt the itinerary greatly.

For flight credits close to expiration, you can call to get their validity extended by 6 more months from the initial 12-month period in special situations, like a COVID surge.

Flight cancellations by United Airlines

There are clear recourses available regarding rebooking, vouchers, and refund eligibility in scenarios where United Airlines cancels your original scheduled flight booking.

• Compensation and rebooking

If United cancels a flight, they will re-accommodate passengers on the next available United flight at no additional airline charge. Rebooking depends on seat availability.

If an acceptable alternate flight is not available within 2 hours of the originally scheduled departure time, compensation kicks in. Rules cover required amenities plus the potential for a 200% flight credit on a one-way fare (up to $775).

• Using Flight Credits

If rebooked on alternate united flights after cancellation, the value of the unused ticket is held as credit for future united travel. A new booking must be made within 12 months.

To use flight credits, call reservations or access the My Trip section of the website or app to select the “Use future flight credit” payment option towards a new booking in your name.

Credits are now combinable if you have multiple separate cancelled bookings. Future flight credits are also transferable to other people now.

• Eligibility for a Refund

If United Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to request a full refund back to your original form of payment rather than just future travel credit. This applies to all ticket types, including Basic Economy.

To get the refund process started, you can apply online or call United Reservations. Provide your 6-letter confirmation code and passenger details from the cancelled booking. United aims to process airline-initiated refunds within 7–10 business days once approval and verification steps are completed.

Basic Economy Fare Rules

United’s Basic Economy tickets come with the most restrictions, as they are completely non-refundable and non-changeable after booking. However, some options exist to potentially get travel credit.

• Non-Refundable Tickets

Basic Economy fares are deemed strict “use it or lose it” tickets. Once purchased, no changes or cancellations are allowed whatsoever. The tickets hold no residual value after the flight date passes.

Even in cases where United cancels the flight, passengers typically only receive an electronic travel certificate equal to the ticket value good for one year on united flights. No full cash refunds were issued.

• Changing dates and times

Basic Economy does not allow any flight changes, like date modifications or time adjustments, once a ticket is purchased.

If the passenger wants to fly earlier or later than the original booking, they would have to cancel the Basic Economy ticket (no refund) and book a brand new one. It applies even if a request is made prior to the original travel dates.

Name changes on United airlines ticket are also not permitted with basic fares after bookings are completed.

• Options for credit

As Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable, no cash returns are provided if you cancel your flight plans after purchase. However, vouchers may apply on a case-by-case basis, as determined by a United Airlines representative.

If a flight disruption that prohibits travel is not caused by passengers themselves, they can call to request an electronic travel certificate. Credits typically equal the original value minus any taxes or fees and have 1-year validity on United-operated flights.

International flight refunds

Rules for United flight refunds to international destinations have some differences compared to domestic trips, especially amid recent travel restrictions.

• Eligibility Criteria

International United flights may meet refund eligibility if government-issued restrictions impact travel upon arrival, such as:

• Border closures prohibiting entry
• Quarantine mandates making trips impractical.
• New COVID testing policies

A refund can be pursued if rules introduced after booking prevent travel on the original dates. Does not apply retrospectively if restrictions existed at the time of ticket purchase.

• COVID Exceptions

Passengers cancelling international united flights solely out of travel apprehension rather than government prohibitions are subject to normal cancellation policy rules.

But if destinations bring in new quarantines, testing measures, or health screenings after booking that make trips unreasonable, refund approval chances are higher.

Submit the United refund form online and call to provide documentation supporting the change of restriction timelines relevant to the itinerary. Case-by-case review.

• Redeposit Fees

International ticket refunds with United follow the usual processing timeframes and rules applicable to the fare class purchased:

• Flexible tickets: 100% refund, including taxes and fees
• Standard Economy: Travel credit without taxes or fees (expires in 12 months)
• Basic Economy: Potential for a credit if a flight is disrupted (no cash)

A redeposit fee applies to refunds to the original form of payment for some international fare types beyond United’s control and is deducted from the refund credit amount.

Charged on behalf of international ticketing partners related to foreign government taxes, not a united fee. Typically, $50–75 per ticket is refunded.

Making changes to your booking

To modify an existing flight reservation with United Airlines, fees and policies depend on a variety of factors, including the ticket class purchased, the timing of the change request, and whether a full cancellation will result in adjustments.

• Change vs. Cancellation Fees

United charges a flat $200 change fee per passenger when modifying Standard Economy and Flexible tickets without fully cancelling if under 60 days pre-departure.

Changes include adjusting flight dates and times; origin and destination airports are not considered cancellations.

Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or cancelled with fees, as zero modifications are allowed post-purchase. The only way is to cancel (no refund) and book a new reservation. Cancelling is entitled to a refund or future travel credit based on the fare rules. There are no cancellation penalties beyond surrendered ticket value.

• Differences in Fare Type

United’s cheaper Basic Economy fares don’t allow for flight changes or cancellations whatsoever without forfeiting the full fare paid.

Standard Economy tickets can be changed for a $200 fee per passenger when travel is more than 60 days away. Less than 60 days out is considered a cancellation with credits only.

Most flexible for making flight modifications without penalty are United’s Flexible Economy tickets. Permits free changes 61+ days pre-travel. Within 60 days, fare differences or change fees may apply.

• Using a Website vs. a Phone

Customers can request flight changes or cancellations with United Airlines using either:

Online via United’s website or app:

• Log into your online account, find the “My Trips” section,
• Choose the “Cancel/Change Flights” link.
• Select the flight and pick option: Change flight or cancel flight
• Follow prompts to adjust details or issue credit.

Phone:

Call United Reservations/Customer Service 24/7 at +1 (877) 645-6550. Provide booking details and request changes or cancellations over an automated menu.

Online fastest for straight-forward modifications that comply with United Fare rules and policies. Phone better for complex cases needing agent assistance.

Conclusion

United Airlines has put in place a structured system for flight refunds and cancellations that takes into account the nuances of passenger-initiated changes versus airline-imposed disruptions. Rules also vary based on the type of airfare purchased. Travellers should determine refund eligibility based on their specific ticket and situation. Contact United by phone or online form to check on status if unsure. Expect 7–10 days for refund processing once approved. Travel vouchers have a shorter turnaround but expire within 1 year if unused. United aims to be transparent about policies so customers can weigh options when booking. Reviewing cancellation rules before purchase is advised based on the possibility of change.

FAQs

Q. How long does a united refund take to process?

Between 7 and 10 business days, once United approves and processes the airline-initiated refund request, Passenger-initiated flexibility depends on ticket fare rules.

Q. Can you get a refund on Basic Economy tickets?

No, Basic Economy is 100% non-refundable under all circumstances after purchasing a ticket.

Q. How do I use a United travel credit?

Call reservations or access your United account to select “Use future flight credit” as a payment method for a new booking under your name.

Q. When do United flight credits expire?

All electronic travel certificate credits expire 12 months from the original issue date. You can request a 6-month extension due to external issues.

Q. Can you combine United flight credits?

Yes, as of 2021, United updated its policy to allow combining multiple credits from separate bookings towards a new ticket.

Q. Does United refund international flights?

Yes, if a flexible or standard ticket, but the amount or form depends on the fare type. A redeposit fee applies, deducted from some due to international taxes.

Q. What is United’s policy for changes of flight?

$200 change fee per passenger for standard or flexible tickets if done 60+ days before departure. Otherwise, cancellation rules apply.

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