United Airline Strikes: What to Do and How to Stay Prepared

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  April 29, 2026

It seems like every year during the peak of summer and holiday winter travel, the threat of airline strikes begin to fill your news feed. If you’re a United Airlines passenger, the good news is that strikes almost never happen. Still, you'd better to review how the airline handles strike compensation before you fly. The bad news is that you won’t be compensated if they do. 

Fortunately, you are protected by the U.S. Department of Transportation if your flight is affected by United Airlines strike activity. In this guide, we’ll explain those options, what’s required of the airline, and how to prepare.

Will United Airlines Go on Strike?

It’s not likely that another strike will happen anytime soon. The last time United had an actual work stoppage was back in 2005 during its bankruptcy when flight attendants voted on strike authorization. Prior to that, the last time the airline had a strike was way back in 1985. So, while you might hear about the threat of walk outs, chances are it won’t actually happen. 

What are Your Rights as a United Airlines Passenger?

Compared to Europe and Canada, passengers in the United States don’t have many protections. The U.S DOT does require United and other airlines to act in certain ways when flights are severely changed or canceled - regardless to what led to the disruptions.

Beyond strike issues, you should understand when United has to refund or compensate you for flight problems in general. So, it’s worth checking a complete overview of airline strike compensation by different carriers to see where you stand. 

If Your Flight is Canceled

United Airlines must offer you an alternate flight OR a refund for the unused part of your ticket if your flight is canceled because of a strike. You should also know what happens to your United baggage if it’s delayed, damaged, or lost** during the disruption. If you choose a refund, it must be issued to you within 7 days for credit cards and 20 days if you used other payment methods.

Delayed or Changed United Airlines Flights

According to the rules of the DOT, United Airlines is required to also give you the choice of a refund or a rebooking if your flight is severely delayed or significantly changed. 

This rule applies to:

• Domestic flight delays that last more than 3 hours and
• International flight delays that extend beyond 6 hours.
• Changes to your connecting airport(s)
• Changes to your arrival or departure airports
• Changes to your seating class, for example if you were moved from a business class seat to economy.
• Changes to the number of connections you have to make. If you booked a flight with 1 connection and then it is changed to 2 or more.
• You are reassigned to a less-accessible flight or airport if you have a disability

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Because United Airlines views employee strikes as an event outside their control, they will not reimburse you for any expenses accrued because of strike-related delays or cancellations.  

Also, while they might help with meal vouchers or lodging for flight disruptions that are within their control, they aren’t likely to extend these benefits if there is a strike. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask United to help you if you are faced with long delays at the airport.

How to Protect Yourself from United Airlines Strike

• Stay Informed: Download the United app or sign up for SMS and email alerts. These will keep you informed about any changes to your flight. You can also check the United Airlines travel alert page for any news of pending strikes.
• Check for Flexibility: If you hear a strike is pending, contact United to see if you can shift your booking to a later date. In most cases when a strike is underway, airlines will not charge additional rebooking fees.
• Rebook with Partner Airlines: You can also ask about being rebooked on a flight with one of United Airlines’ partners including Lufthansa, Air Canada, and TAP Air Portugal to name a few.
• Travel Insurance Coverage: Check to see if your travel insurance or credit card offer any coverage for strike-related flight interruptions.

Have you been affected by United strike-related delays or cancellations?AirAdvisor can help! Enter your flight details below to get started!Free Flight Checker

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Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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