Updated Nov 13, 2026
United Airlines refunds: delays, cancellations and DOT rights
How to request a refund from United Airlines
United Airlines's refund page is at www.united.com/en/us/fly/help-center/refunds.html. You can also request refunds through the United Airlines app or by calling customer service.
For cancellations and significant changes, you shouldn't need to request—the refund should be automatic. But if it doesn't come through within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 calendar days (other payment), use the refund page to follow up.
When United Airlines must refund you
Under DOT rules, United Airlines must automatically refund your fare, taxes, and paid extras when:
- They cancel your flight and you don't accept a rebooking or credit
- They make a significant change—arriving 3+ hours late domestically or 6+ hours late internationally—and you don't accept it
- Your checked bag doesn't arrive within 12 hours (domestic)
- You paid for WiFi, seat selection, or extras you didn't receive
This applies to all United Airlines flights to, from, or within the US, including nonrefundable Basic Economy tickets.
What United Airlines commits to on the DOT dashboard
The DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard shows what United Airlines voluntarily commits to for delays and cancellations the airline caused:
| Commitment | United Airlines |
|---|---|
| Rebooking on same airline | ✓ Yes |
| Rebooking on partner airline | ✓ Yes |
| Meal vouchers | ✓ Yes |
| Hotel for overnight delays | ✓ Yes |
| Ground transport to hotel | ✓ Yes |
These are voluntary commitments, not legal requirements. Check the DOT dashboard for the latest.
What United Airlines doesn't have to do
There's no US federal law requiring airlines to pay for meals, hotels, or cash compensation for delays. What United Airlines provides is a customer service policy, not a legal obligation. Weather delays are usually excluded.
United Airlines refund timeline
| Payment method | Maximum processing time |
|---|---|
| Credit card | 7 business days |
| Debit, cash, other | 20 calendar days |
Filing a complaint against United Airlines
If United Airlines doesn't process your refund within the required timeframe, you can file a complaint with the DOT at airconsumer.dot.gov.
Check your United Airlines flight
Related guides
- Flight cancelled? When you get a cash refund
- Flight delayed: what you're owed in the US
- The DOT automatic refund rule, explained
- Flight cancelled: what to do in the next 30 minutes
Last checked against DOT rules: 2026-11-13