Filing a claim with United Airlines is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps and provide all the necessary details to ensure your issue is resolved quickly. Claims may involve lost or damaged baggage, delayed flights, refunds, or compensation for service issues. To begin, go to the official United Airlines website and scroll to the bottom of the homepage where you’ll find the “Help” or “Customer Care” section. Click on “File a Complaint” or “Baggage Issues” depending on the nature of your claim. For baggage-related claims, such as delayed, damaged, or missing luggage, you must report the problem within 24 hours for domestic flights or within seven days for international flights. You can do this at the airport’s United baggage service office or online by filling out the baggage claim form. Be sure to include your contact information, flight details, bag tag numbers, and a description of the problem. If your baggage is damaged, take clear photos and keep receipts for any repairs or replacement items you had to buy.

For refund requests, such as for canceled flights or refundable tickets, navigate to the “Refunds” section on the United website. Complete the refund request form with your confirmation number, flight details, and reason for the request. If the flight was canceled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to a full refund even on nonrefundable fares. Always check the fare rules or United’s cancellation policy to understand your eligibility. If you are seeking compensation due to involuntary denied boarding, long tarmac delays, or service disruptions, go to the “Customer Care” section and select the appropriate form. Fill in your flight number, date of travel, MileagePlus number (if available), and a detailed explanation of the issue. Attach supporting documents like boarding passes, receipts, or photos if needed.

You can also file claims by contacting United’s customer service team. This can be done by phone, through the mobile app, or by mailing a written complaint to their corporate address. If you use the app, log in to your MileagePlus account and access the “Help” section to submit a claim directly from your phone. For urgent issues like missed connections or delays, United may send automated messages with claim links, so check your email or text messages after a disruption.

After submitting your claim, you’ll receive a reference number for tracking purposes. Response times can vary, but most claims are reviewed within 7 to 14 business days. You can check the status of your claim online or by calling United’s customer support. Keep all communications, receipts, and confirmation emails until your claim is fully resolved. If your claim is denied and you believe the decision was unfair, you can escalate the issue by contacting the U.S. Department of Transportation or a travel dispute resolution body. In summary, filing a claim with United involves identifying the issue, submitting the correct form online or at the airport, providing complete details and documentation, and following up using your case reference number until the matter is resolved.