If you voluntarily cancel or change an eligible flight to a cheaper alternative, United will issue you a future flight credit. You can apply future flight credits toward travel on United, United Express and United partner-operated flights purchased on united.com or the United app.

Yes, United Airlines provides flight credit in 2026, typically in the form of Future Flight Credits or Travel Certificates. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket (excluding Basic Economy), the value of your fare is converted into a Future Flight Credit. These credits are linked to your MileagePlus account and generally must be used within 12 months of the original ticket's issue date. One major 2026 update is the "Credit Sharing" feature for certain Premier members, allowing them to apply their credits toward flights for family members more easily. For Basic Economy tickets, United usually does not offer credits unless a "changeability" fee was paid at the time of booking or during a major "Travel Alert" (like weather disruptions). If United cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment method, but the airline will often offer a Travel Certificate with a bonus (e.g., 10-20% extra value) to encourage you to keep your money with them for a future booking.