United Airlines' cancellation policy for Business Class tickets depends on whether the ticket is refundable or non-refundable, with specific rules outlined below based on available information:
24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy: All United tickets, including Business Class, can be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was purchased at least seven days before departure. This applies regardless of fare type and incurs no fees. Refunds are issued to the original payment method, typically within seven business days for credit card payments or up to 20 business days for other methods.
Refundable Business Class Tickets: If you purchased a fully refundable Business Class ticket (often in fare classes like J or similar), you can cancel at any time before departure without a cancellation fee. The refund is credited to the original payment method, processed within seven business days for credit cards or 20 business days for other payment methods.
Non-Refundable Business Class Tickets: For non-refundable Business Class tickets, cancellations after the 24-hour window typically result in a travel credit (eCredit) rather than a cash refund. The credit is valid for future travel within 12 months from the original ticket issuance date. Cancellation fees may apply, ranging from $200 for domestic flights to $400 for international flights, depending on the fare rules and destination. The unused ticket value, minus any fees, can be applied to a new booking, but you may need to pay any fare difference.
Special Circumstances: In cases like the death of a traveler, immediate family member, or traveling companion, or for jury duty, United may waive cancellation fees and provide a refund for non-refundable tickets, provided supporting documentation is submitted. Refunds in these cases may incur a processing fee (historically around $50, though current fees may vary).
Award Tickets (MileagePlus Miles): If your Business Class ticket was booked with MileagePlus miles, you can cancel at any time before departure, and the miles are redeposited into your account without a fee, except in cases of a no-show. No-shows incur a $125 redeposit fee, regardless of elite status.
Travel Insurance: If you purchased travel insurance through United or a credit card, it may cover cancellations for specific reasons (e.g., medical emergencies), but coverage depends on the policy. Cancel For Any Reason policies offer more flexibility but are costlier.
Potential Issues: Some travelers have reported issues with United denying refunds for tickets labeled as "refundable," particularly for mixed-cabin itineraries (e.g., one leg in Economy). In such cases, the refund rules of the less flexible fare class may apply to the entire trip. Always check the fare rules on your receipt, as not all Business Class fares (even in premium cabins) are fully refundable unless explicitly stated (e.g., full-fare J class).
