Your Guide to Claiming United Airlines Flight Compensation

Does United Airlines compensate for delayed flights?

Regulation UK261 entitles air passengers to financial compensation if they experience a flight delay. The law obliges airlines to reimburse travellers for disruptions that are within the airline’s control under two important conditions:

• The flight is operated by a UK-registered airline, or
• The flight departs from a UK airport. 

UK261 emerged after Brexit as a mirror regulation of EU261, a law protecting air passenger rights for flights operated by EU-registered airlines or departing from EU airports. The two regulations are essentially identical and provide the same compensation amounts, ranging from £220 to £520.

United Airlines Flight Delay Compensation

As a major American-based airline, United does not fall under UK261’s jurisdiction. However, all its flights taking off from UK (or EU) airports, including code share flights, could entitle you to compensation or to right to care, depending on the duration of the delay:

• 2 hours: meals and refreshments for flights under 1,500 km, no compensation;
• 3 hours: meals and refreshments for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, compensation between £220 and £520;
• 4 hours: meals and refreshments for flights over 3,500 km, compensation between £220 and £520;
• 5 hours: compensation between £220 and £520.

A delay of more than 5 hours is treated as a significant disruption, and passengers have the right to refuse taking the flight and opt for a full refund or a rebooking at their convenience. 

How much United Airlines delayed flight compensation?

Depending on the distance of your flight, you may be entitled to compensation between £220 and £520. Fortunately, most United flights covered under UK261’s are long-haul, which means there is a strong chance you will qualify for the highest compensation amount.  

Does United Airlines compensate for a cancelled flight?

UK261 also protects air passengers’ rights if their flight gets cancelled. Travellers can claim compensation of up to £520 if their flight:

• Was scheduled to depart from a UK airport or was operated by a UK-based airline, and
• Was cancelled due to reasons outside the airline’s control.

EU261 ensures the same rights, but for flights taking off from EU airports or managed by EU-registered airlines. 

Additionally, under both UK261 and EU261 air passengers retain the right to care which kicks in after 2 hours of delay and can choose between a full refund or a replacement flight at their convenience. 

United Airlines flight cancellation compensation

You will be entitled to United Airlines cancelled flight compensation under UK261 or EU261 if:

• The cancellation was within United’s control;
• United notified you about the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

How much compensation can you get for United Airlines flight cancellation?

The United Airlines cancelled flight compensation amounts also range between £220 and £520 and are mainly determined by the flight distance. However, the delay of the replacement flight (if such is provided) also plays a role: if you reach your final destination within 3 hours (before or after) the originally scheduled time, you will not be entitled to compensation.  

What is the cancellation policy for United Airline flights?

If you need to cancel your United flight, the airline will not owe you compensation under any law or regulation. Depending on the ticket fare, you might be eligible for a partial or full refund. 

Like most airlines, United offers a 24-hour window for free cancellation if you change your mind shortly after booking, but only for flights booked at least one week in advance. 

Can you get compensation for denied boarding from United Airlines?

If you are denied boarding from a United flight, you may be eligible for UK261 compensation under the following conditions:

• The flight departs from a UK airport or is operated by an airline registered in the UK;
• You showed up at the gate on time, presented all necessary travel documents, and did not pose a threat to others;
• You did not voluntarily give up your seat in exchange for travel vouchers, upgrades or other perks.

The same conditions apply under EU261, but for EU airports and EU-based airlines. 

The most common reason for denied boarding is an overbooked flight, but airlines may also refuse passengers for safety or operational reasons, for example if a smaller one replaces the original aircraft. In such cases, ask the airline staff for a clear explanation and, if possible, require it in writing, to strengthen your denied boarding compensation claim. 

How much compensation for denied boarding from United Airlines?

If you get denied boarding from your United flight, you could claim compensation from £220 to up to £520. The exact amount again depends on the flight distance and on the delay of the replacement flight, if such is offered.

How to claim flight compensation from United Airlines?

To find out whether your flight qualifies for compensation, you can use our free compensation calculator below. If eligible, you can submit a claim directly to United through their Customer care form. This, however, does not guarantee success, as airlines often look for loopholes to avoid reimbursing passengers.

By submitting your claim with SkyRefund, you will have a dedicated legal team working tirelessly to obtain your compensation. All you have to do is enter your flight itinerary and personal details in the form and attach any additional documents that could strengthen your case. 

How long does the United Airlines compensation process take?

Neither UK261 nor EU261 specify a time limit for the processing of compensation claims. Thus, United could take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months to assess your case and reimburse you. The process could be prolonged for various reasons, such as a complex flight itinerary with code share flights, missing documentation, or case escalations. 

How long does United take to reimburse?

All United refunds are processed to the original payment method used for the purchase. The refund period depends on the form of payment:

• Credit and debit cards: within 7 business days;
• All other payment methods: within 20 business days.

If your booking was made through a third party, the refund will be issued to the person or company who completed the original purchase. 

How does United handle missed connections?

Although United is US-based, their code share agreements with 25 international airlines mean your journey can be booked through United but operated by another airline. Thus, if a delay on a partner carrier causes you to miss a connecting flight with United, you may still qualify for UK261/EU261 missed connection compensation for the entire journey if:

• All legs are booked under the same reservation;
• The first leg originates from a UK or EU airport

or

• Your flight is operated by a UK or EU registered airline, even if the booking was made through United’s system.

Is United 2-hour delay eligible for compensation?

While a delay of 2 hours will not entitle you to compensation under UK261, it may still entitle you to care and assistance. 

For United flights within Europe (under 1,500 km), the right to care kicks in after 2 hours of delay. United is obliged to provide meals and refreshments, or vouchers for such. You will also be entitled to 2 phone calls, faxes, emails, or text messages free of charge.

However, because most United flights covered by UK261 and EU261 are long-haul routes to the U.S. (over 3,500 km), your right to care will only apply after a delay of 4 hours.

If the delay gets prolonged, United will also have to ensure overnight accommodation and transportation. Any additional expenses may be reimbursed if you keep your receipts. When submitting your claim for compensation, attach all supporting documents under “Additional info”.

Which United flights are not eligible for compensation?

Unfortunately, UK261 does not ensure compensation if your United flight gets delayed or cancelled for reasons beyond the airline’s control. The so-called extraordinary circumstances could be related to:

• Bad weather
• Safety risks
• Restrictions issued by air traffic control
• Bird strikes. 

On the other hand, wildcat strikes, technical issues with the aircraft, and staff scheduling conflicts fall under UK261 and EU261’s umbrella.

Tips for passengers to deal with disrupted flights with United Airlines

1. Make sure United provides a legitimate reason for the flight disruption. 
2. Collect all evidence for the disruption: photos of information screens, recordings of PA announcements, screenshots of e-mails and text messages.
3. Contact your travel insurance company for additional assistance and advice. 
4. Do not accept any travel vouchers, travel credit cards, or upgrades for future flights as compensation for the troubles. You are, of course, free to assess whether such remuneration is fair, but once you accept it, UK or EU compensation will no longer apply.

Keep in mind that travel vouchers differ from meal and refreshment vouchers you may receive as part of your right to care. Instead, they serve as a discount code for a future booking with the airline.

Is United Airlines a good airline?

One of the five founding members of Star Alliance, United was created almost 100 years ago in Boise, Idaho. For the last century, the US airline has established itself as a trusted name both in America and internationally. 

The US carrier is a Skytrax certified 3-star airline but has a rather low customer rating score based on 5106 reviews: 3 out of 10. 

United ranked second for on-time performance in North America according to Cirum’s 2024 report. Nevertheless, 2025 saw an increase in compensation claims, indicating a higher rate of flight delays and cancellations over the past year.

Why choose SkyRefund?

Entrusting your claim to our expert team greatly increases your chances of receiving compensation from United. If you experienced a delay, cancellation or were denied boarding, submit a claim with SkyRefund: all you need to do is enter your flight details and personal information. 

Our legal professionals have over 8 years of experience in the area of aviation consumer rights and will exert every effort to win your case. Every member of SkyRefund’s global legal network is committed to defending air passenger rights with professionalism and diligence. 

Over 1 million passengers have already trusted us with their compensation claims, and the number continues to grow. Submit your claim now and leave the rest to us!

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