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United Airlines vs American Airlines Refund Process
Side-by-side comparison of refund processs, conditions, and refund timelines.·Last updated: 2026-10-12
Refund Conditions
United Airlines
- Ticket purchased within the last 24 hours (qualifies for 24-hour booking policy).
- Flight change or cancellation.
- Baggage delayed over 12 hours on a domestic flight.
- Baggage delayed over 15 hours on an international flight (less than 12 hours duration).
- Baggage delayed over 30 hours on an international flight (longer than 12 hours duration).
American Airlines
- Cancellation within 24 hours of purchase, for tickets booked at least 7 days before departure.
- Refunds not allowed for non-refundable fares after 24 hours; if you cancel before departure you get a travel credit instead of cash.
- Eligible taxes can be refunded on request: destination-specific taxes not imposed by American may be eligible; taxes American must pay whether or not you travel are not.
- Voluntary changes to paid seats are not refundable.
- Fees paid for checked bags or seats at the airport are non-refundable upon flight cancellation.
Refund Steps
United Airlines
- Visit the Help Center for FAQs and information on refunds.
- Submit a request using the online Refund form for tickets, baggage fees, or other items.
- Submit a request through the Customer Care form for reimbursement or compensation for flight disruption.
- Manage reservations and trips via My Trips.
American Airlines
- Visit the American Airlines refunds site to request a refund.
- To cancel, find your trip using your confirmation code or log in to your AAdvantage® account.
- Click 'Cancel trip' in the menu and confirm.
- Check email for trip cancellation information.
Refund Methods
United Airlines
- Original form of payment
- Travel credit
American Airlines
- Original form of payment
- Travel credit (non-refundable tickets canceled before departure)
Partial Refunds
United Airlines
Not available
American Airlines
- Refundable tickets that are partly used: the value of the unused travel is refunded.
- Destination-specific taxes not imposed by American may be eligible for a refund.
Additional Notes
United Airlines
- The refund amount will vary depending on the situation.
- Tickets purchased within the last 24 hours may qualify for the 24-hour booking policy for refunds.
American Airlines
- Keep the cancellation email if you’re issued a travel credit, as it contains the ticket number and original confirmation code for rebooking.
- If you cancel your flight, any fees you paid for checked bags or seats at the airport are non-refundable.
- Voluntary changes to paid seats are not refundable.