Can I get my miles back if I cancel my flight United?

Depending on the fare type (there are over 20 different kinds), you may need to pay a cancellation fee. Award tickets: If you redeemed MileagePlus miles for your flight and want to cancel, you'll be given the option to redeposit the miles or use the miles for another trip in the future.



Yes, in 2026, United Airlines allows you to get your MileagePlus miles back if you cancel an award flight, provided you cancel before the flight's departure. United has eliminated redeposit fees for most members, meaning the miles will typically return to your account instantly after the cancellation is processed. If you booked a "Money + Miles" fare, the mileage portion is also refundable back to the original account if canceled. However, if you are a "no-show" and fail to cancel before the plane takes off, you may forfeit the miles entirely or be required to pay a $125 redeposit fee to recover them. For 2026 travelers, it is a vital step to manage your cancellation via the United app or website to ensure the "automatic redeposit" is triggered. Note that any partner booking fees or phone booking fees ($25) are generally non-refundable, but the core mileage balance is protected as long as you act before the departure window closes.

People Also Ask

When canceling a flight that was purchased using miles, most airlines do not charge a cancellation fee. It is generally free to get your miles reinstated and even the taxes and fees you paid will usually be refunded. Here is generally what you can expect on these U.S.-based airlines in terms of canceling award flights.

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Basic Economy tickets can't be changed but can be canceled and refunded within 24 hours of booking as long as it's one week or more before your scheduled departure.

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Yes, United miles can be transferred to others, however not only will you pay to do the transfer, but you'll have to pay a processing fee as well. United charges $7.50 per 500 miles transferred plus a $30 processing fee. So, if you wanted to transfer 50,000 miles, you would have to pay $780.

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Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an eCredit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you'll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment.

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Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


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How Do I Know My Flight Is Refundable?
  1. Check if the refundable filter is applied on the flight page.
  2. Low fare denote non-refundable tickets and high fare denote refundable tickets.
  3. Contact customer care of the airlines at 1-802-341-3403.
  4. Ask for details from the travel agent who is booking your flight ticket.


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Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an eCredit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you'll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment.

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When canceling a flight that was purchased using miles, most airlines do not charge a cancellation fee. It is generally free to get your miles reinstated and even the taxes and fees you paid will usually be refunded.

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If none of your flight segments are upgraded, we will automatically refund your miles and co-pay after your travel.

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United restricts full-sized carry-ons for its basic economy tickets. Basic economy tickets are ineligible for refunds and don't include seat selection. Economy Plus features standard economy seats with extra legroom. Standard economy includes seat selection and a free carry-on.

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A quick easy way is to go into your reservation on the United website or app and try to select a seat. If you are Basic Economy, it won't let you select a seat or have a seat assignment in advance unless you purchased one.

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