United Airlines Delayed Flight Compensation Policy

Is your flight delayed by more than one hour or canceled by United at the last minute? Check out United Airlines delayed flight compensation options and understand your rights to get your trip plans back on track. A delayed flight is not a pleasant experience, and sometimes the inconvenience is just too much.  
If you have also experienced delays or are just wondering about the United Airlines policy on delayed flights, you are at the right place. Read through the details below and understand how you can get compensation from the airline. 

What Happens When United Airlines Delays Your Flight?

If United Airlines cancels your flight because of a delay of over one hour or your connecting flight gets missed due to the same, you have several options available. Here’s what you get in this case:

  • United will rebook you on an alternate flight on the same route with the same itinerary at no additional cost.
  • If the original airline does not have another flight, you will get a rebooking on a partner airline or United’s codeshare agreement airlines.
  • You also get a meal or cash voucher when you have to wait for 3 or more hours due to the delay
  • Get free hotel accommodations if you experience overnight flight delays
  • United will also offer you complimentary ground transportation to and from the hotel in case of overnight delay.

Please Note: You are not entitled to any cash compensation from United Airlines in most cases, with some exceptions, and neither is the airline obliged to offer you any.

United Airlines Compensation Policy

Similar to the other airlines in the country, United Airlines is not obligated to provide compensation for most of your flight delays. But they do offer some compensation. The United Airlines delayed flight compensation policy is totally dependent on the U.S. Department of Transportation rules for delay or cancellation compensations. According to this, 

  • United Airlines is liable to compensate for all disruptions deemed as “controllable.”
  • The disruptions may include maintenance or crew problems, fueling, cabin cleaning, or loading baggage.

What Do I Do If My United Airlines Flight Is Delayed?

If you are experiencing a flight delay, follow the United Airlines delayed flight compensation process and know what options you have. Here is how you can make sure there is no issue even after a delay:

View Available Flight Options

United Airlines may offer you an alternative flight in case of a significant controllable or uncontrollable delay. Review the flight booked for you on the airline’s website or app and view the other options, if available, to find the best fit.

Locate Your Bags

After rebooking, speak to United Airlines customer service representatives at the airport and direct your bags to your newly booked flight.

Check The Additional Amenities

Once all is set, check your eligibility for additional amenities, hotel vouchers, or meal vouchers.

Usually, you are notified about a delay immediately. Even if it is a last-minute delay, you can review United Airlines flight status to see the information and take action.

Will I Get Cash Compensation for United Flight Delays?

No, it is not always possible, but with certain conditions, you may be eligible for a United Airlines delayed flight reimbursement in cash. The airline will offer you compensation in the following situations:

Flight Delayed for More Than 3 Hours

United Airlines delayed flight compensation policy applies when your flight is delayed over 3 hours because of any airline-related issues. You might get a cash refund based on your ticket cabin type and the reason for the delay.

International Flights

You can also get United Airlines compensation for delayed international flights over 6 hours. This applies especially under the EU law for any flights scheduled to fly to/from Europe.

Please remember that any delays caused by exceptional situations like severe weather or air traffic control reasons do not entitle you to any cash refunds.

How to claim compensation for delayed United Airlines flights?

If you are booked under a flight that meets United flight delay compensation criteria, you can follow simple instructions to request it at the airport. You also have the option to do it online on the airline’s website or the phone. Here are the detailed methods:

Go To the United Airport Desk

  • Find the United Airlines customer service desk at your departure airport.
  • Politely explain your situation to the agent.
  • Inquire about getting compensation.
  • Share your flight details.
  • The agent will guide you through the process.
  • Provide any necessary forms if given.
  • Get compensation as per your eligibility.

Fill Out The Compensation Form Online

  • Visit the United Airlines website.
  • Find their Flight Disruptions section.
  • Open the missed, delayed, or canceled flight page.
  • Click on the compensation form link.
  • Fill out the details as prompted on the screen.
  • Submit it online with the delayed flight information.
  • Get proper compensation options from the airline.

Contact United Airlines Customer Service

  • If you are not at the airport, you can also call the United Airlines phone number.
  • Follow the automated voice menu.
  • Request to connect with a live agent at United.
  • Explain the delay situation to the agent.
  • Share the necessary information about your flight.
  • Send any relevant documentation.
  • Get the options for compensation.
  • Receive it and check your email for confirmation.

Quick Tips For Claiming United Flight Delay Compensation

Make sure to fill out the United Airlines delayed flight compensation form to get the reimbursement necessary for the delay. Here are some additional tips for a better experience:

  • Approach the United staff if you are at the airport and let them guide you through the free rebooking process or compensation options.
  • Keep records of your flight delays, including any boarding passes, meal receipts, and other communications with the airline.
  • Use your travel credit card if you have any, as some of them offer trip delay insurance to provide you additional coverage for delays and related expenses.

Further, you can follow the United Airlines flight delay compensation rules and understand your further options.

EU 261/2004 LAW For United Airlines Delayed Flight Compensation

If you have flights departing from any destination protected by EU law, you are entitled to compensation based on EU regulation 261/2004. You are eligible to claim whatever compensation the airline offers under these situations:

  • You experienced a delay of 3+ hours
  • Your flight departs from an EU airport.
  • The delay was not caused by any extraordinary circumstances.

The EU Law provides you a compensation amount of up to $650 (€600) per passenger in these situations. Check the table below to know the additional compensation details:

Flight DistanceCompensation
Flights under 1,500 kmUp to €250 per passenger
Internal EU flights exceeding 1,500 kmUp to €400 per passenger
Non-EU flights between 1,500 - 3,500 kmUp to €400 per passenger
Non-EU flights over 3,500 kmUp to €600 per passenger

Remember all these flights should be departing from EU airports to any other destination and the above conditions should also hold. Confirm the United Airlines delayed flight refund eligibility on your fare for a clear picture of the same.

Final Words

That is how you can claim United Airlines delayed flight compensation on your flights delayed more than the time limit. Contact the airline for more details on getting refunds and reimbursement as well as check your eligibility. You can also consult with someone at FlyTripHub for additional information on your travel plans with United Airlines. Our team will assist you with anything you wish to know.

Read Also

Southwest Airlines Delayed Flight Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 How to file a claim on United Airlines?

A: To file a claim, visit United Airlines’ website at www.united.com. Navigate to the “Help” or “Customer Service” section, select your issue (e.g., delayed flights, lost baggage), and complete the claim form with your flight details and supporting documents.

Q.2 Are airlines required to refund for delayed flights?

A: Airlines may offer compensation for delays, but it's not always required. EU rules mandate compensation for significant delays, while U.S. rules are more flexible.

Q.3 Does United Airlines compensate for delayed flights?

A: Yes, United may offer compensation such as meal vouchers or hotel stays for delays caused by the airline.