United Airlines Delay Compensation: The Complete Guide
United Airlines operates one of the largest networks in the world. When your United flight is delayed or cancelled, federal rules and United's own commitments determine what you are owed. Here is the complete picture.
DOT Refund Rights on United
United is subject to DOT rules. A cancellation or significant delay (3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international) entitles you to a full cash refund. This applies regardless of fare class or reason for the disruption.
United Basic Economy has the same refund rights as any other fare. Basic Economy restrictions apply to voluntary changes. For airline-initiated cancellations, all fares are treated equally under DOT rules.
United's Customer Commitments
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Meal vouchers for controllable delays of 3+ hours.
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Hotel accommodation for controllable overnight delays.
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Rebooking on the next available United or Star Alliance partner flight.
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Electronic travel certificates may be offered as a goodwill gesture.
For more on United cancellations, see our United refund guide. For the general refund process, see our complete guide.
EU261 for United Transatlantic
United operates extensive transatlantic service from Newark (EWR), Dulles (IAD), and other hubs. United flights departing from EU or UK airports are covered by EU261 or UK261. Flights departing from the US are NOT covered by EU261 because United is not an EU carrier.
For EU261 details, see our EU261 guide. Check your flight for eligibility. For DOT rights, see our rights page.
How to Claim from United
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Use the United app for self-service refund options.
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Visit united.com and navigate to Refund Request.
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Call 1-800-864-8331 for phone requests.
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State your request clearly: "Full cash refund under the DOT final rule."
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If denied, file a DOT complaint at transportation.gov/airconsumer.