United Airlines 24 hours policy for canceling tickets allows for a full refund for tickets that are canceled within 24 hours after they are purchased, provided that the reservation is made at least seven days prior to travel. Under United 24 hour Cancellation rule, basic economy tickets cannot be refunded if not canceled within a 24 hour window, and if the purchase was made one week or more prior to travel. Canceling a Basic Economy Ticket A basic economy ticket is restricted on United flights, unless it is done within 24 hours from purchase, and it was purchased a week or more prior to the original departure date.