United Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Yurii Moskalenko
08.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

Passengers of United Airlines who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the actions you should follow to get the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.

United Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Before claiming the United Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.

United Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you reach your destination airport.

Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the route length of your flight:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Be aware you may not always be compensated for every flight delay. United Airlines isn’t required to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control arise. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these instances, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.

United Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation

EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. Nonetheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:

Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

Even when accepting another flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, according to the table below:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

United Airlines isn’t required to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.

Are United Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, United Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.

ItineraryCovered by EU 261
Flights departing from EU airports✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports❌ No

How to Claim Compensation from United Airlines

If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with United Airlines, it’s essential to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
  • Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We understand the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of getting the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.

What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation

United Airlines goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.

Right to Care

When flight disruptions happen, United Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU 261, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:

  • Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
  • Communication: United Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
  • Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, United Airlines provides hotel room accommodation. This covers transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
  • Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.

To access these services, you can simply approach airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When United Airlines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently.

  • Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
  • Rebooking: if you choose to continue your journey, United Airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, United Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.

It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, United Airlines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.

Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations

Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.

Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.

Date Flight number Route Status Compensation

06.07.202515:15

United Airlines

7421

Brisbane (BNE)

Mackay (MKY)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202512:55

United Airlines

9740

Geneva (GVA)

London (LHR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202512:30

United Airlines

7604

Shanghai (XIY)

Beijing (PEK)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

06.07.202511:40

United Airlines

9704

Munich (MUC)

Bologna (BLQ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202511:40

United Airlines

9720

Geneva (GVA)

New York (JFK)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202511:35

United Airlines

132

Majuro (MAJ)

Pohnpei (PNI)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202511:35

United Airlines

7433

Sydney (SYD)

Hamilton Island (HTI)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202510:50

United Airlines

7429

Sydney (SYD)

Ballina (BNK)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202510:20

United Airlines

9469

Frankfurt (FRA)

Tallinn (TLL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202510:10

United Airlines

7436

Melbourne (MEL)

Brisbane (BNE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202509:55

United Airlines

7448

Brisbane (BNE)

Darwin (DRW)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202509:40

United Airlines

7449

Brisbane (BNE)

Hobart (HBA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202509:30

United Airlines

9795

Budapest (BUD)

Zurich (ZRH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202509:20

United Airlines

6785

Auckland (AKL)

Brisbane (BNE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202509:20

United Airlines

9910

Brussels (BRU)

Geneva (GVA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202509:00

United Airlines

7477

Sydney (SYD)

Brisbane (BNE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202508:55

United Airlines

9743

London (LHR)

Geneva (GVA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202508:15

United Airlines

7220

Addis Ababa (ADD)

Zanzibar (ZNZ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202507:30

United Airlines

7391

Sydney (SYD)

Brisbane (BNE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202506:50

United Airlines

9924

London (LHR)

Brussels (BRU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202506:50

United Airlines

7430

Melbourne (MEL)

Brisbane (BNE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202506:30

United Airlines

9797

Athens (ATH)

Geneva (GVA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202506:10

United Airlines

9753

Geneva (GVA)

Frankfurt (FRA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

06.07.202506:00

United Airlines

9706

Bologna (BLQ)

Munich (MUC)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202522:37

United Airlines

1635

New York (IAD)

Norfolk (ORF)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202522:15

United Airlines

3662

New York (IAD)

Rochester (ROC)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202521:59

United Airlines

225

Newark (EWR)

Buffalo (BUF)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202521:40

United Airlines

9721

Boston (BOS)

Zurich (ZRH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202521:24

United Airlines

7165

Panama City (PTY)

Guayaquil (GYE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202521:10

United Airlines

9906

Douala (NSI)

Brussels (BRU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:50

United Airlines

5059

Denver (DEN)

Kearney (EAR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:40

United Airlines

301

San Francisco (SFO)

Burbank (BUR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:30

United Airlines

5034

Denver (DEN)

Butte (BTM)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:20

United Airlines

1531

(ORD)

Des Moines (DSM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:06

United Airlines

6077

Chicago (IAH)

Chicago (ECP)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:05

United Airlines

8903

Boston (BOS)

Munich (MUC)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202520:00

United Airlines

9886

Abidjan (ABJ)

Brussels (BRU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:53

United Airlines

1639

Newark (EWR)

Boston (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:45

United Airlines

1789

(ORD)

Buffalo (BUF)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:43

United Airlines

663

Denver (DEN)

Medford (MFR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:35

United Airlines

2014

Denver (DEN)

Boise (BOI)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:30

United Airlines

7314

Seoul (ICN)

Hanoi (HAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:24

United Airlines

529

Denver (DEN)

Durango (DRO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:15

United Airlines

5366

Denver (DEN)

Minot (MOT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:14

United Airlines

794

Tampa (TPA)

San Francisco (SFO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:08

United Airlines

3676

Boston (BOS)

Newark (EWR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202519:05

United Airlines

8612

Montreal (YUL)

Brussels (BRU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202518:47

United Airlines

1076

Chicago (IAH)

Boston (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202518:20

United Airlines

1989

(ORD)

Boston (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202518:20

United Airlines

4519

(ORD)

State College (SCE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202518:15

United Airlines

6282

Chicago (IAH)

Norfolk (ORF)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202518:12

United Airlines

4662

Chicago (IAH)

Hayden (HDN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:55

United Airlines

972

(ORD)

Brussels (BRU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:50

United Airlines

8852

Boston (BOS)

Frankfurt (FRA)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:45

United Airlines

1593

Denver (DEN)

Buffalo (BUF)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:44

United Airlines

472

Tampa (TPA)

Newark (EWR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:40

United Airlines

3684

Detroit (DTW)

Newark (EWR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:35

United Airlines

9722

Zurich (ZRH)

Boston (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:05

United Airlines

9805

Boston (BOS)

Zurich (ZRH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202517:00

United Airlines

8759

Frankfurt (FRA)

Dresden (DRS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:57

United Airlines

396

Nashville (BNA)

(ORD)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:50

United Airlines

5135

(ORD)

Mason City (MCW)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:40

United Airlines

9277

Frankfurt (FRA)

(GYD)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:35

United Airlines

636

Chicago (IAH)

San Antonio (SAT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:32

United Airlines

6689

Valledupar (VUP)

Bogota (BOG)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:30

United Airlines

3516

Boston (BOS)

Newark (EWR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:25

United Airlines

5027

Denver (DEN)

Scottsbluff (BFF)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:20

United Airlines

5847

(ORD)

Des Moines (DSM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:20

United Airlines

6400

Charlotte Amalie (STT)

Anguilla (AXA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:15

United Airlines

2278

(ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:05

United Airlines

7079

Panama City (PTY)

David (DAV)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202516:03

United Airlines

1393

Tampa (TPA)

Newark (EWR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:55

United Airlines

5990

Denver (DEN)

Minot (MOT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:52

United Airlines

2301

Newark (EWR)

Tampa (TPA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:50

United Airlines

745

Denver (DEN)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:40

United Airlines

7505

Darwin (DRW)

Melbourne (MEL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:40

United Airlines

7125

Panama City (PTY)

Boston (BOS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:40

United Airlines

7195

Addis Ababa (ADD)

Zanzibar (ZNZ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:35

United Airlines

9702

Munich (MUC)

Bologna (BLQ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:34

United Airlines

6203

Chicago (IAH)

Nashville (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:25

United Airlines

6601

Dar Es Salaam (DAR)

Dubai (DXB)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:20

United Airlines

133

Pohnpei (PNI)

Majuro (MAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202515:15

United Airlines

6693

New York (MCO)

Bogota (BOG)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:59

United Airlines

1608

Newark (EWR)

Nashville (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:55

United Airlines

8246

Seattle (SEA)

Vancouver (YVR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:53

United Airlines

3437

Newark (EWR)

Detroit (DTW)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:40

United Airlines

871

San Francisco (SFO)

Taipei (TPE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:27

United Airlines

6029

Chicago (IAH)

Chicago (ECP)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:25

United Airlines

7257

Zagreb (ZAG)

Dubrovnik (DBV)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:10

United Airlines

2430

(ORD)

Nashville (BNA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202514:00

United Airlines

5081

Denver (DEN)

Jamestown (JMS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202513:45

United Airlines

9054

Frankfurt (FRA)

Gudja (MLA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202513:41

United Airlines

3701

Detroit (DTW)

Newark (EWR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202513:40

United Airlines

9022

Frankfurt (FRA)

Helsinki (HEL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202513:15

United Airlines

9284

Frankfurt (FRA)

Toulouse (TLS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202513:10

United Airlines

8565

Vancouver (YVR)

San Diego (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202513:10

United Airlines

8395

Vancouver (YVR)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202512:45

United Airlines

8918

Munich (MUC)

San Diego (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202512:40

United Airlines

2710

New York (IAD)

San Diego (SAN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

05.07.202512:24

United Airlines

5131

(ORD)

Fort Dodge (FOD)

Delayed

Claim Refund
Yurii Moskalenko
2296 articles
Yurii educates people about human rights and advocacy. He creates helpful materials for travelers to assert their rights. With certifications in law and economics, Yurii turns legal terms into simple, actionable advice. His travel experience gives him valuable insight into the challenges travelers face, helping him better understand their needs.

Claim your compensation now

Check your claim now, quickly and for free. We enforce your rights for you!