United Airlines Cancellation Fees & Policy

How to Save on Last Minute Travel Changes

In the U.S. the Department of Transportation requires cancellation fees to be waved if a cancellation is made within 24 hours of booking a flight and the reservation is made more than seven days in advance of departure. If you don’t meet that criteria and are still looking to cancel or change your United Airlines flight here are some insights into their policy.

United Cancellation Fees

United Airlines charges a $200 change fee for domestic flights and $400 or more for international flights. Same-day changes are $75 and can be waved for MileagePlus Gold, Premier Platinum, and Platinum 1K members.

Your Credit Card’s Price Protection

If you can’t get your United Airlines fee waved for flight cancellation there’s still hope. Many credit cards offer trip protection or insurance if you purchased your ticket with their card.

Some cards have strict criteria for reimbursing flight cancellation fees, such as necessity from injury, illness, or natural disaster. Others, such as the American Express Platinum card, will give you an annual credit that can be used against any airline fees:  flight cancellations, baggage fees, and in-flight meals.

To unlock your credit card’s hidden travel benefits download Sift from the Apple Store or Google Play.