Do You Get United Miles Back if You Cancel a Flight?

Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and if you’ve booked an award flight with United Airlines, you might be wondering: Do you get your United miles back if you cancel a flight? The good news is that in most cases, you can get your miles refunded. However, the process and any associated fees depend on United’s cancellation policies, the type of ticket you’ve booked, and how close you are to your departure date.

United Airlines Cancellation Policy for Award Flights

United Airlines offers a fairly flexible cancellation policy for award flights, allowing you to cancel and refund your miles, but there are some important details to keep in mind:  

• • > Cancellation Fees: United typically charges a fee for canceling award flights, but the amount varies based on your MileagePlus status and when you cancel. If you cancel more than 31 days before departure, you may avoid fees altogether.

 

• • > Refund Eligibility: Most award tickets are eligible for a full refund of miles, provided you cancel the ticket before your flight's departure time. However, certain promotional or non-refundable tickets might have different rules.

 

• > Timing Matters: The closer you get to your departure date, the higher the chances of incurring fees. Cancelling within 30 days of departure usually results in higher fees or may even limit your refund options.

 

How to Get Your United Miles Back

If you need to cancel your United award flight, follow these steps to recover your miles:

• • 1. Log in to your MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website.

 

• • 2. Navigate to your upcoming trips and select the flight you want to cancel.

 

• • 3. Follow the prompts to cancel the flight and request a mileage refund.

 

• 4. Review any applicable fees and confirm the cancellation.

  Once your cancellation is processed, your miles will typically be returned to your MileagePlus account within 24 hours. If there are any fees, they will be deducted from your payment method on file.  

Conclusion

Cancelling a United award flight doesn't mean you have to lose your miles. By understanding United’s cancellation policy and timing your cancellation carefully, you can often get your miles back with minimal or no fees. Always check your ticket details and plan ahead to maximize your refund. If you're considering selling your United miles instead of canceling your trip, SellMyMiles offers a quick and easy way to turn your miles into cash.   Ready to Sell Your United Miles?