United Airlines: how to ask for a refund
There is no US law that pays cash compensation just because a flight was late. What you can claim is a refund, bag fees, bumping compensation, baggage damages and what United Airlines has promised.
United Airlines's promises for delays it caused
| Meal or meal voucher (3+ hour wait) | Yes |
| Hotel for an overnight wait | Yes |
| Ground transport to the hotel | Yes |
| Credit or voucher for a 3+ hour delay | No |
Source: DOT: Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard, checked 16 October 2026. These are airline promises, not federal law, and only apply when the cause was within the airline's control.
Step by step
1. Check what you're owed (free)
Use the free check on our home page. Refunds are due for cancellations and changes of 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international) if you didn't fly or accept another option.
2. Don't accept a voucher if you want cash
If United Airlines offers a credit and you want your money back, say no in writing. Accepting the credit usually ends your right to a refund.
3. Ask United Airlines in writing
Use United Airlines's refund or customer relations form and attach your demand letter, booking and receipts. Keep a copy. United has an online refund request page; meal and hotel reimbursement requests go through customer care.
4. Wait for the deadline
Refunds that are due must be paid within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (other payment). Airlines must acknowledge complaints within 30 days and reply within 60.
5. If they say no: file with the DOT (free)
File at the DOT's Air Travel Service Complaint form. The DOT forwards it to the airline, which must respond.
6. Then: chargeback or small claims
If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge with your issuer (generally within 60 days of the statement). Small claims court is the last step.
Sources: 14 CFR Part 260 · 14 CFR 250.5 · DOT baggage · DOT complaints
Free check, then letters for $14.99We draft; you send. DelayWin prepares documents from the rules and the details you enter. We're not an airline, regulator or card issuer, and we don't contact anyone for you. Outcomes depend on the airline and your card issuer. Check every document before you send it.