United Airlines offers different types of airfares, with varying levels of flexibility and restrictions. One of the key differences between fares is whether they are refundable or non-refundable. Refundable tickets are more expensive than non-refundable tickets, but they provide travelers with more options if plans change.
Definition of United Refundable Tickets
United refundable tickets are fares that allow the traveler to cancel the ticket and get a full refund to the original form of payment. With a United refundable ticket, you can request a refund even after the flight has departed, as long as it was booked directly with United.
Refundable fares are in contrast to non-refundable or “basic economy” fares, which cannot be canceled or changed at all after 24 hours from booking. With a basic economy ticket on United, you will not get your money back if you need to cancel the flight.
Requirements for Refundable Tickets
To qualify for a refund with a United refundable ticket, there are a few requirements:
- The ticket must have been purchased directly from United, either on their website, mobile app, or by calling the reservations phone number. Tickets bought through online travel agencies like Expedia are not eligible for refunds from United.
- Refundable tickets are refundable before the scheduled flight departs, even after the 24 hour booking window. You can request a refund anytime up until scheduled departure.
- After the flight has departed, refundable tickets on United are still refundable, minus a cancellation penalty. This differs from basic economy fares which cannot be refunded at all after departure.
- To request a refund, you need the 13-digit ticket number. The refund will go back on the original form of payment.
Types of United Refundable Fares
United offers different levels of refundable fares, with different policies and restrictions. The main types of United refundable tickets are:
Full Refundable Fares
The most flexible refundable tickets on United are the full refundable fares, sometimes labeled as “Y” or “B” class fares. These allow changes and cancellations with no penalty fees, and you will a get a full refund back to your original payment method before departure.
Refundable with Penalty
Lower priced refundable fares may have a cancellation penalty. For example, “H” class refundable fares on United come with a $125 cancellation fee if canceled more than 24 hours before departure. You still can get a refund after paying the penalty.
Partially Refundable Tickets
Some United airfares are refundable but only partially. For instance, premium cabin refundable fares may have unrefundable surcharges. This means you can cancel the ticket but the taxes and fees portion may not be refunded.
Benefits of Refundable Tickets
There are several benefits of booking a refundable fare on United Airlines:
- Flexibility – You can make changes to your itinerary without worrying about change fees or cancellation penalties (for fully refundable fares). This provides peace of mind if your schedule changes.
- Reusable credit – With most United refundable tickets, if you cancel you don’t just get your money back, you get a reusable travel credit valid for up to one year. This allows you to rebook a future flight.
- Elite qualifying dollars – United refundable fares earn Premier elite qualifying dollars (EQDs), which count toward earning elite status. Basic economy fares do not earn EQDs.
- Upgrade eligibility – Refundable tickets allow upgrades to premium cabins, which are not permitted with basic economy tickets.
Downsides of Refundable Tickets
There are some downsides to purchasing refundable fares on United:
- Higher cost – Refundable tickets are significantly more expensive than non-refundable basic economy fares, often Hundreds of dollars more for the same flight.
- Restrictions – Fully refundable fares have fewer restrictions, but less flexible refundable fare classes can still have change/cancellation fees or other limitations.
- Refund delays – Although refundable in theory, United refunds can take 7-10 business days to process. Non-refundable fares let you reuse the credit immediately.
Comparing Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Fares
Here is a comparison of United’s main fare types:
Fare Type | Refundable? | Changeable? | Cancellation Fee | Reusable Credit? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Basic Economy | No | No changes allowed | Non-refundable | Travel funds if canceled within 24 hours |
Standard Economy | No | $200 change fee | Non-refundable | 12 month travel credit if canceled |
Refundable Economy | Yes | Free changes | Free cancellation outside 24 hrs | 12 month travel credit |
Business/First Class | Yes | Free changes | Free cancellation with notice | 12 month travel credit |
As the table shows, fully refundable fares offer the most flexibility for changes and cancellations. But they come at a much higher upfront cost compared to basic economy.
How to Get a Refund on United
If you need to cancel a United refundable ticket, here are the steps to request a refund:
- Call United Reservations if canceling less than 2 hours before departure, otherwise call United Refunds desk
- Provide your 6-letter confirmation code and 13-digit ticket number
- Request a refund to original form of payment on refundable fare
- Pay any applicable cancellation penalties on partially refundable tickets
- Receive refund back to original form of payment used to purchase ticket
- Wait 7-10 business days for refund to process
Alternatively, you can request a refund for a United ticket online:
- Go to United’s Manage Reservations page on their website
- Enter ticket number and last name
- Select “Cancel/Refund” option
- Choose refund to original form of payment
- Pay any cancellation penalties if applicable
- Receive travel credit or refund after processing
Using a Refundable Ticket Credit
With most United refundable fares, if you cancel you will receive an electronic travel certificate credit rather than an immediate refund. Here is how you can reuse a refundable ticket credit:
- Credit is valid for 12 months from original ticket issue date
- Redeem online at United.com or United app by selecting “Use travel credit” option
- Enter 6-letter certificate code to redeem
- Pay any fare difference if new ticket exceeds value of credit
- Credit can be combined with other credits in your account
- If unused, credit will expire after 1 year
Conclusion
United Airlines refundable fares offer travelers the maximum flexibility for changing or canceling flights when plans change. Although more expensive upfront, a United refundable ticket allows you to get your money back even after the flight departs. Refundable fares also earn Premier elite qualifying miles and provide other benefits unavailable through basic economy tickets. However, partially refundable options do not offer full refunds and still charge cancellation fees in some cases. Overall, United refundable tickets give flyers peace of mind through the ability to cancel and rebook when the unexpected happens.