United Airlines: Refunds, Reimbursement, and Compensation for Delayed and Canceled Flights

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When faced with the inconvenience of a delayed or canceled United Airlines flight, the standard apology often falls short. However, for departures within Europe, there's a silver lining, exploring the realm of possibilities for reimbursement and flight compensation from the airline under the umbrella of EC 261.

Discover the potential for United Airlines compensation for flight delays or cancellations, specifically tailored to European flights. The EC 261 law opens avenues for passengers to not only secure a full refund for their flight ticket but also to claim airline compensation of up to $650 (€600) per person in certain circumstances.

Even in the case of a canceled or delayed US domestic United Airlines flight, you have a range of rights. For example, you will find that refunds, rebooking on other flights, the right to assistance—which can also include hotel accommodation—and, in some cases, forms of compensation are provided: even when you are flying within the United States!

According to our data on United Airlines’s recent flights, there were 412 departures over 24 hours, and 61.17% departed on time.

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United Airlines Flight Delay Compensation: Know Your Rights under EC261

If you've experienced a delayed United Airlines flight departing from a European airport, it's essential to explore the possibility of claiming flight delay compensation from United Airlines. According to EU regulations, flights delayed by 3 hours or more may entitle passengers to flight compensation of up to $650 per person from the airline.

Certain exclusions apply, particularly in cases of United Airlines flight delays caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control. Examples include delays due to inclement weather or air traffic control strikes. In these instances, the airline is not obligated to provide compensation, as such delays are considered outside of their control.

However, suppose the delay is within the airline's control, such as a strike by United Airlines staff or a maintenance issue. In that case, you have the right to file a claim for United Airlines compensation for delayed flights. This ensures that you are appropriately compensated for the inconvenience caused by controllable factors. Familiarize yourself with your rights and take the necessary steps to claim the compensation you deserve.

How many United Airlines flights were delayed today?

  • Our data shows that,over a 24-hour period, there were 4 United Airlines flights delayed by over 3 hours.

  • 0.00% of domestic flights and 0.97% of international flights were delayed over 3 hours.

  • Passengers who arrive at their destination over 3 hours late could be entitled to compensation. Check here.

  • More about United Airlines’s on-time performance

Delayed or canceled flight with United Airlines? Find out if you're owed up to $650 in compensation

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United Airlines Flight Cancellation: Guide to Compensation under EC261

Despite United Airlines not being a European carrier, its operations within Europe are governed by European regulations. This is particularly advantageous for passengers facing the inconvenience of a flight cancellation, as last-minute cancellations of European departures may make them eligible for substantial United Airlines flight compensation.

In the event of a United Airlines flight cancellation, passengers are typically offered an alternative flight to their destination or the option of a full refund. However, under EU laws, if the cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the scheduled departure from a European airport, affected passengers may be entitled to compensation for canceled flights from United Airlines of up to $650 per person.

Flight disruption: check-list for making a claim

  • Boarding passes with flight number

  • Booking confirmation

  • Alternative transportation tickets

  • Vouchers

  • Documents of additional costs

  • Photos with timestamp of flight board or screen

  • If possible, written confirmation / statements from the airline regarding the reasons for the flight delay

When Are You Entitled to Compensation? Use Our Calculator

United Airlines may be exempt from airline cancellation compensation obligations if it provides a reasonable alternative flight with a similar arrival time to the original. Additionally, extraordinary circumstances, beyond the airline's control, such as severe weather, a medical emergency, or disruptive events at the airport, may also exempt them from compensation requirements.

We recommend utilizing our free compensation calculator to determine if you qualify for United Airlines compensation for a canceled flight, especially considering these exceptions. This tool simplifies the process, allowing you to easily assess your eligibility and potential compensation amount, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered in seeking what you are owed.

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Compensation calculator

Find out your expected compensation

Departure airport

Final destination airport

1 Passenger(s)

$270

up to 1,500 km

$430

1,500 - 3,500 km

$650

from 3,500 km

How many United Airlines flights were cancelled today?

  • Recent data shows United Airlines cancelled 2 over 24 hours.

  • 0.00% of domestic flights and 0.49% of international flights were cancelled.

  • Was your flight cancelled less than 14 days before you were due to fly? You could be owed up to $650 (€600) compensation. Check here.

  • More about United Airlines’s on-time performance


Which United Airlines Flights are Covered by EC 261?

The coverage under EC 261 extends to all passengers on flights departing from a European airport. However, as a non-European airline, United Airlines is exempt from EC 261 flight compensation obligations when operating flights outside of Europe or even on flights to Europe originating from airports outside the EU.

When a United Airlines flight departs from a European airport or is within the EU, passengers are entitled to the protections outlined in EC 261. This includes the right to compensation for flight delays, cancellations, and overbookings, ensuring that passengers are treated fairly and receive appropriate care during disruptions.

Below is a table detailing which United Airlines flights are covered by EC 261 regulations:

United AirlinesCovered by EC 261
Flights departing EU airports✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports❌ No

How Much United Airlines Compensation Are You Entitled To?

DistanceCompensation
All flights under 1,500 kmUp to €250 per person
Internal EU flights over 1,500 kmUp to €400 per person
Non-internal EU flights between 1,500 - 3,500 kmUp to €400 per person
Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 kmUp to €600 per person

EC 261 ensures that all paying passengers, regardless of nationality, age, or ticket cost, are treated equally in terms of compensation amounts. The values in euros are specified by EC 261, emphasizing fairness and consistency.

As with any legal framework, there are exceptions and special circumstances that can impact the flight compensation amount. To simplify the process of determining what you are owed, AirHelp provides a free compensation calculator to navigate the complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Claim up to $650 in compensation if your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or overbooked within the last 3 years.

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United Airlines US Domestic Flights: Rights & Compensation

No regulations require airlines to financially compensate passengers for domestic flights in the US that are delayed or canceled. However, you may be entitled to a refund, and some airlines offer certain forms of compensation. Additionally, assistance is usually provided, including rebooking on the next available flight, meal vouchers, and hotel accommodation in the event of an overnight cancellation. Let's take a detailed look at your rights in the case of delayed or canceled United Airlines domestic flights.

Right to a Refund

In cases of a delayed or canceled United Airlines flight, you may be entitled to a ticket refund:

  • Delayed flight: If your flight is significantly delayed, you are entitled to a refund from the airline if you choose not to fly. There is no general definition of a "significant delay," as it is determined on a case-by-case basis.

  • Canceled flight: Regardless of the reason for the cancellation, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel.

Refunds may also be provided for the class of service and optional service fees.

What Are Your Entitlements for United Airlines Delays or Cancellations?

Here is a summary of your entitlements for United Airlines delays or cancellations, as indicated by the Department of Transportation (DOT):

CommitmentsIn Case of CancellationIn Case of Delay
Rebook on the same airline✔️✔️
Rebook on a partner airline✔️✔️
Meal or meal cash/voucher✔️✔️
Hotel (overnight cancellation/delay)✔️✔️
Transportation to and from the hotel✔️✔️
Cash compensation
Credit/travel voucher
Frequent flyer miles

If Your Plane is Delayed on the Tarmac

There are clear laws on your rights if your plane is delayed on the tarmac. These entitle you to information, food, and water. You can read exactly what they cover here.

Flight Statistics: United Airlines delays and cancellations

**United Airlines On-time Performance (24 hours):**

Total flights: 412
Flights on time: 252
On time rate: approximately 61.17% of all flights were punctual
Long delays (over 3 hours): 4
Flight cancellations: 2

Flight numbers shown are estimates, based on internal databases and third parties.


About United Airlines

United Airlines, established in 1926, is a major American airline with a vast fleet of over 800 aircraft. It operates flights to around 340 destinations in 48 countries, making it one of the world's most extensive airline networks. United is known for its customer-centric approach, offering a range of classes and services to suit various travel needs. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility, United Airlines remains a top choice for travelers seeking reliability and comfort in their air travel.

Contact Information

Website: united.com Customer Service: 1-800-864-8331 MileagePlus Program: 1-800-421-4655

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Recent delays and cancellations

Airline (e.g. Lufthansa)

Departure airport (e.g. Frankfurt or FRA)

Date

Flight number

Airline

Route

Status

12/23/2024

5:25 AM

LH173

Lufthansa

Berlin (BER)

Frankfurt (FRA)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

10:35 PM

TK1984

Anadolujet

London (LHR)

Istanbul (IST)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

3:50 PM

EW465

Eurowings

London (LHR)

Cologne-Bonn (CGN)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

3:00 PM

LH914

Lufthansa

Frankfurt (FRA)

London (LHR)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

2:30 PM

AC857

Air Canada

London (LHR)

Toronto (YYZ)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

1:40 PM

EW464

Eurowings

Cologne-Bonn (CGN)

London (LHR)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

1:00 PM

UA2248

United Airlines

Phoenix (PHX)

San Francisco (SFO)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

1:00 PM

UA3706

United Airlines

Chicago (ORD)

New York (LGA)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

1:00 PM

UA3706

United Airlines

Chicago (ORD)

New York (LGA)

CanceledCheck Compensation

12/22/2024

1:00 PM

UA2248

United Airlines

Phoenix (PHX)

San Francisco (SFO)

CanceledCheck Compensation
Your flight isn't here? Use our full compensation check and we'll look into it. Check your flight
  • LH173

    Lufthansa

    Canceled

    Berlin

    Frankfurt

    BER

    FRA

    12/23/2024

    5:25 AM

    Check Compensation
  • TK1984

    Anadolujet

    Canceled

    London

    Istanbul

    LHR

    IST

    12/22/2024

    10:35 PM

    Check Compensation
  • EW465

    Eurowings

    Canceled

    London

    Cologne-Bonn

    LHR

    CGN

    12/22/2024

    3:50 PM

    Check Compensation
  • LH914

    Lufthansa

    Canceled

    Frankfurt

    London

    FRA

    LHR

    12/22/2024

    3:00 PM

    Check Compensation
  • AC857

    Air Canada

    Canceled

    London

    Toronto

    LHR

    YYZ

    12/22/2024

    2:30 PM

    Check Compensation
  • EW464

    Eurowings

    Canceled

    Cologne-Bonn

    London

    CGN

    LHR

    12/22/2024

    1:40 PM

    Check Compensation
  • UA2248

    United Airlines

    Canceled

    Phoenix

    San Francisco

    PHX

    SFO

    12/22/2024

    1:00 PM

    Check Compensation
  • UA3706

    United Airlines

    Canceled

    Chicago

    New York

    ORD

    LGA

    12/22/2024

    1:00 PM

    Check Compensation
  • UA3706

    United Airlines

    Canceled

    Chicago

    New York

    ORD

    LGA

    12/22/2024

    1:00 PM

    Check Compensation
  • UA2248

    United Airlines

    Canceled

    Phoenix

    San Francisco

    PHX

    SFO

    12/22/2024

    1:00 PM

    Check Compensation
Your flight isn't here? Use our full compensation check and we'll look into it. Check your flight

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