Missed, delayed and canceled flights

You can still rebook yourself if you have checked bags. If you’re heading to the same destination within the U.S., your bags will get there, but they may be on a different flight. If you’re changing to a different airport, talk to a customer service agent at the airport to have your bags follow you there.

Make sure to rebook yourself first and then speak with someone about your bags, as seats fill up quickly when disruptions happen. If your bags arrive at your destination before you do, we’ll hold them for you until you claim them.

Use delay and cancellation options to see your overnight options or talk to a customer service agent. If your flight is delayed or canceled for reasons outside our control, we may be able to get you discounted hotel stays and free toiletries.

If you speak with an agent at the airport or at our United Customer Contact Center, you can cancel your trip. Then, you can fill out our refund request form.

If you bought Wi-Fi on a missed, delayed or canceled flight, you can request a refund. If your Wi-Fi was provided by Intelstat or Gogo, contact them for a refund. For other providers, request a refund using our form. You can find who the Wi-Fi provider was for your flight on your Wi-Fi receipt.

Young flyers traveling alone

As a part of our unaccompanied minor service, we require parents or guardians to remain at the airport until their child's flight has departed in case of flight delays and cancellations. In certain cases, we may arrange for accommodations, meals and transportation, if needed. You can find additional information in our United Customer Commitment and Lengthy Tarmac Delay Plan, as well as important terms and conditions in our Contract of Carriage. Different policies may apply when traveling to and from certain countries, such as policies specific to the European Union.

Proof of delay or cancellation

We can provide a statement if you need proof that your flight was delayed or canceled. Simply visit united.com/customercare to complete the details of your request and we’ll send you an email with your information.

Long delays on the tarmac

Our contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays describes our process for handling these situations in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. See our Lengthy Tarmac Delay Plan for more information.