United Airlines' cancellation policy is designed to be straightforward but can be complex depending on the type of ticket purchased and the timing of the cancellation. If you need to cancel your flight, it's important to act quickly to minimize costs.

For all tickets, United offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window, allowing passengers to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund, as long as the booking is made at least seven days before the scheduled departure. After this initial 24-hour period, however, cancellations are subject to fees, which can vary. For standard fares, passengers who cancel their flights after the 24-hour period are generally charged a fee ranging from $50 to $119, depending on the route and the time left until departure. The closer to departure, the higher the fee.

United also offers a "Flight Flex" add-on, which allows more flexibility for cancellations and changes. With Flight Flex, you can cancel or change your flight for a smaller fee, typically between $39 to $59 per person. However, this does not provide a refund if you cancel — it simply allows you to rebook your flight without incurring large change fees.

If you don’t have "Flight Flex," and you cancel your flight, United Airlines will issue a travel credit for the value of the ticket minus the applicable cancellation fees. This credit is valid for 60 days, but it can only be used for future travel on United Airlines. Refunds for non-refundable tickets are only offered in certain cases, such as when the airline cancels your flight or significantly changes your itinerary.

It’s important to note that United’s basic fares, which are typically the cheapest options, are non-refundable, and passengers are usually unable to get their money back unless they opt for a refundable ticket or purchase additional add-ons like "Flight Flex." If your flight is delayed or canceled by United, you may be entitled to compensation or alternative flight arrangements, depending on the circumstances and regulations governing air travel in your country.