Cancelled United flight: your options and rights

Start by checking what has already happened

When a flight is cancelled, United will often rebook you automatically and send the new itinerary by email, text or app notification. Before you do anything else, check your reservation so you know what you are starting from.

• Check the reason given for the cancellation (weather, mechanical, crew or operational).
• See whether you have already been moved to another flight, and whether that flight works for you.
• Write down your confirmation code and the original flight number.
• Do not cancel the booking yourself. Letting the airline record the cancellation keeps your refund rights clear.

Rebooking or refund: your two main paths

You can usually choose between travelling on an alternative flight or not travelling and asking for your money back. United may also offer a travel credit for future travel. A credit is optional: if the airline cancelled, you can ask for a refund instead.

• Rebook when the new flight gets you there on a schedule you can live with. Seats on the next departures go quickly during disruptions, so act early.
• Refund when the alternatives do not work for your plans. Ask for a refund specifically, not a credit.
• Credit only if you are sure you will fly again with the same airline before it expires, and you have read the conditions.

Know your rights: under US DOT rules, if an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and you decide not to travel, you are entitled to a refund to your original form of payment, even on a non-refundable ticket. Read our flight cancellation guide for the details.

If you are at the airport

Join the service desk queue and contact United through its app at the same time, and take whichever option comes through first. During large disruptions, the app often shows alternative flights before an agent can.

Contacting United directly

For changes to your reservation, the airline itself is always the authoritative source. Use the United app, the “My Trips” area of united.com, or an airport service desk. If you booked through a travel agency or booking site, changes usually have to go through them.

How FlightConnectors can help

If you would rather not work through this alone, an independent specialist can talk you through the options that apply to your ticket, explain the fare rules in plain English and help you decide what to ask the airline for. It helps most when the airline’s self-service options are not giving you a workable choice, or when your trip has several legs.

We are not the airline and cannot override its decisions, and you can always contact your airline directly at no charge. If our service involves a fee, we explain it before you decide to go ahead.

Common questions

Can United give me a credit instead of a refund?

United may offer a travel credit, but when the airline cancels a flight and you choose not to travel, US rules entitle you to a refund. You do not have to accept a credit.

How long does a refund take?

For credit card purchases, DOT rules require refunds within 7 business days; for other payment methods, within 20 calendar days. If you booked through an agency, the refund may come through them.

Will I get compensation as well as a refund?

For flights within the US, there is no legal requirement for cash compensation on top of a refund. Some airlines offer goodwill gestures. For flights covered by EU or UK rules, fixed compensation may apply.

United Airlines is a trademark of United Airlines, Inc. FlightConnectors is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or authorized by United Airlines, Inc. Airline names are used only to identify the bookings this guide covers.