United Airlines' cancellation fees depend largely on the type of ticket purchased and when the cancellation occurs. For passengers who purchase non-refundable tickets, the cancellation fees are typically charged if a flight is canceled after the 24-hour grace period. United offers a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy, allowing passengers to cancel their flight and receive a full refund, as long as the cancellation is made within 24 hours of booking and the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later. However, if the 24-hour window has passed, passengers with non-refundable tickets will be subject to a cancellation fee. For domestic flights, this fee typically ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the fare class and route. For international flights, the fee is generally higher and can range from $400 to $500 or more.

In most cases, if a passenger cancels a non-refundable ticket, the value of the ticket is not refunded in cash but instead converted into a travel credit or voucher for future use with United Airlines. This travel credit will generally expire one year from the date of issuance and can be used by the original passenger or someone else. The travel credit amount is the total value of the ticket minus the applicable cancellation fee, meaning that passengers do not receive a full refund but retain the value of their ticket for future travel.

For more flexible fares such as those in United's “Flexible Fare” categories, which include Main Cabin, Economy Plus, or premium cabin tickets, passengers usually have more options for cancellations or changes. These tickets often allow passengers to cancel or change their flight with little to no penalty, depending on the fare rules. In some cases, passengers may be eligible for a full refund without incurring any cancellation fee. However, if a fee applies, it is generally lower than those for non-refundable tickets, and the process for obtaining a refund or travel credit is more straightforward.

Premium passengers in First or Business Class generally have greater flexibility and fewer penalties when it comes to canceling or modifying their flights. For these fare types, cancellations may be made without the standard cancellation fees, provided the passenger cancels well in advance of the flight's departure. Additionally, travelers who hold elite status in United’s MileagePlus loyalty program may also benefit from reduced or waived cancellation fees, depending on their status level and specific booking conditions.

Basic Economy tickets, United’s lowest-cost fare, are the most restrictive in terms of cancellations. Passengers who purchase Basic Economy tickets generally cannot cancel their flight for a refund or change their travel dates. These tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be altered after booking. The only way to get a refund for a Basic Economy ticket is if the passenger cancels within the 24-hour grace period mentioned earlier, or if the flight is canceled by United.

In addition to cancellation fees, passengers who wish to change their travel plans are subject to change fees. These fees are typically in the same range as cancellation fees, with domestic changes costing between $200 and $400, and international changes costing higher amounts. The exact fee depends on the ticket’s fare rules and any fare differences for the new flight. United may also waive or reduce change fees for certain situations, such as if a passenger holds elite status in the MileagePlus program or if the change is due to unforeseen events like a medical emergency or government travel restrictions.

To summarize, United Airlines' cancellation fees vary by fare type and timing of the cancellation. Non-refundable tickets generally incur a cancellation fee of $200 to $500, and passengers receive a travel credit for the remaining value. Flexible tickets offer more favorable cancellation and refund policies, often with lower fees or no fees at all. Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive, offering no cancellations or changes after the 24-hour grace period. Passengers are encouraged to understand the specific terms of their fare before booking to ensure they know what cancellation options are available.