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United Airlines complaint — United States

How to file a formal complaint for United Airlines customers in United States. Verified contact lines, timelines, and the regulator path if United Airlines cannot resolve your case.

✓ Verified from official source· 24/7
Call Now · 1-800-864-8331

How to file a formal complaint against United Airlines

  1. Step 1: Call customer service first
    Dial 1-800-864-8331 and ask the agent to escalate to a supervisor. Note the agent name and case ID — you'll need them at every later step.
  2. Step 2: Submit a written complaint
    United Airlines must acknowledge a written complaint within 5 business days under most national consumer rules. Send via certified mail or the brand's secure-message portal and keep proof.
  3. Step 3: File with the regulator
    Open a case with U.S. Department of Transportation — Aviation Consumer Protection at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer. The regulator will not adjudicate your specific dispute in most cases, but the brand must respond in writing within 30 days.
  4. Step 4: Small-claims court or ombudsman
    If the dispute is under the local small-claims threshold, file at your local court. Most brands settle in writing before the hearing rather than send a lawyer.

Related FAQs

What is the real United Airlines customer service number?

1-800-864-8331 — published on https://www.united.com/en/us/contact-united and verified on the date shown at the top of this page.

Is United Airlines customer service 24/7?

24/7

How do I talk to a real human at United Airlines?

Dial 1-800-864-8331 and press 0 repeatedly, or say 'agent' / 'representative' at the IVR prompt — most airline IVRs route to a human within 5 minutes during business hours.

Is calling United Airlines free?

Yes — the toll-free numbers marked above are free from a landline or mobile in their listed region. International calls are charged at your carrier's rate.

Can I email United Airlines?

United Airlines prefers phone and in-account chat; email is available via the contact form on https://www.united.com/en/us/contact-united.

How long does a United Airlines refund take?

7 business days for credit-card, 20 days for cash/check (DOT rule) for card refunds; instant for account credit; up to 30 days for disputes that go through the regulator.

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