When you're dealing with regional travel, it’s easy to get tangled up in the fine print. If you’ve ever booked a flight and then had your plans shift unexpectedly, you know the feeling of looking at your ticket and wondering, "Can I actually get my money back for this?"

For passengers flying on United Express flights operated by CommuteAir, the answer isn't always found on a single page. Because CommuteAir is a regional partner for United Airlines, the CommuteAir Refunds Policy is actually governed by United’s systems. That means the rules, the website you’ll use, and the people you’ll talk to are all part of the United family.

Let’s break down exactly how you can navigate these rules, what fees you might be looking at, and how to actually get that refund request submitted.

The Basics of the CommuteAir Refunds Policy

Before we dive into the technical stuff, it is important to understand the relationship here. CommuteAir is a regional airline, but they don’t sell tickets directly to the public under their own brand name. If you are sitting on a CommuteAir plane, your ticket likely says "United" at the top.

Because of this partnership, any refund or cancellation request follows the United Airlines Customer Commitment. This is actually a good thing for you as a passenger—it means you have access to a larger support network and a more standardized process than you might find with a tiny independent carrier.

The 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy

One of the most important parts of the policy is the 24-hour rule. This is a standard across the industry, but it’s the most reliable way to get a full refund.

• Eligibility: If you book your flight at least one week (168 hours) before the scheduled departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without paying a fee.

• What you get: You get 100% of your money back to the original form of payment.

• Wait, what about the 48-hour rule? You might have heard about recent updates regarding 48-hour "Look-in" options. While these are becoming more common in international regulations (like with the DGCA in India), for flights within the United States or on U.S.-based carriers like United/CommuteAir, the 24-hour window remains the primary legal standard.

Eligibility: Who Can Actually Get a Refund?

Not every ticket is created equal. The type of fare you bought determines whether you’ll see cash back in your bank account or just a "thanks for the donation."

1. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets

This is the big one. If you paid extra for a "Refundable" fare, you can cancel at almost any time before departure and get your money back. However, most travelers opt for "Economy" or "Basic Economy" tickets, which are technically non-refundable.

2. Basic Economy: The "No-Go" Zone

If you purchased a Basic Economy ticket, the CommuteAir Refunds Policy (via United) is very strict. These tickets are generally not eligible for refunds or even changes after the 24-hour grace period has passed. If you can’t make the flight, you usually just lose the value of the ticket.

3. Schedule Changes and Cancellations by the Airline

This is where the power shifts back to you. If the airline cancels your flight or makes a "significant" change to your schedule (usually defined as a change of more than two hours), you are eligible for a full refund, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket.

Quick Tip: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, don’t just accept the new flight they give you if it doesn't work for you. You have the legal right to ask for your money back instead of a rebooking.

Fees and Charges to Keep in Mind

If you are eligible for a refund but it isn't due to an airline error or the 24-hour rule, you might run into some fees.

Cancellation Fees

United has moved away from many change and cancellation fees for "standard" Economy and higher-tier tickets on domestic flights. However, for international routes or specific fare classes, you might still see fees ranging from $200 to $400.

Processing Fees

The good news? Under the current CommuteAir Refunds Policy guidelines, the airline is not supposed to charge you an additional fee just to process the refund itself. The "fee" you pay is usually just the portion of the fare that is withheld based on the ticket rules.

The Step-by-Step Refund Request Process

Since you won't find a "Refund My Ticket" button on the CommuteAir homepage, here is exactly where you need to go.

Step 1: Gather Your Info

You will need your 13-digit ticket number (starting with 016) and your 6-character confirmation code (like AF32GZ). You can find these in your email confirmation.

Step 2: Visit the United Refund Portal

Go to the official United Airlines refund page. This is a dedicated portal where you can enter your details and see if your ticket is eligible for a refund or if it can only be converted into a travel credit.

Step 3: Fill Out the Form

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Passenger name

• Contact information

• Reason for the refund (e.g., "Flight Cancelled," "Duplicate Purchase," or "Health Issue")

Step 4: Submit and Track

Once you submit, you'll receive a tracking number. It's smart to keep this! In 2026, most refunds are processed within 7 to 21 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons or major disruptions.

Special Circumstances: Medical Emergencies and More

Life happens. Sometimes you can't fly because of a surgery, a death in the family, or a sudden illness.

In these cases, even if you have a non-refundable ticket, the CommuteAir Refunds Policy allows for some flexibility. You will likely be asked to provide documentation, such as a doctor's note or a death certificate. While the airline isn't always required to give a cash refund, they will often waive the cancellation fees and give you a full travel credit to use later.

Final Thoughts for the Savvy Traveler

Navigating airline policies is never fun, but knowing that CommuteAir operates under United’s umbrella makes it a lot simpler. If you are within that first 24 hours, act fast. If the airline cancels on you, stand your ground and ask for the refund rather than the voucher.

Most of the time, the process is automated, but if you hit a snag, calling United’s customer service (1-800-864-8331) is your best bet for getting a human to look at your case.