Just when I'd given up all hope for UA, I actually got a response in a reasonable amount of time to my query about a missing refund. The back story is that a waitlisted upgrade didn't come through, and the miles were redeposited into my account but the copay was not refunded. This was in mid-September.

Here's the letter:

November 13, 2012
PASSENGER: Milepig
TICKET(S): 016 xxxx xxx xxx
REQUEST ID:xxxxxxxx
Dear Milepig:
Customer Refund Services has received your request for refund of the above referenced ticket.
We are pleased to inform you that your request for a refund has been approved and was processed today. You may verify the details of your refund by entering your 13-digit United ticket number, beginning with 016 or 005, and your last name or your 8-digit refund request number (see above), using the following link; [removed] Thank you for choosing United Airlines. We look forward to serving you again.
Sincerely,
Customer Refund Services
1-800-UNITED-1
FAX: 713-324-1431

This is less than I week after I filled out the online form. I could quibble that the language makes it sound like I was making a "request" for something they had some ability to allow or disallow, rather than that I was asking them to supply the refund that I was entitled to under their terms and conditions, but at least it came through! Now, the next step would be for them to actually process the refund correctly in the first place, but baby steps...

How long does/should it take for UA to process a refund of miles and a refund of $ to my accounts? Initially, they told me 2 days. It's now been 2 weeks.

Any other wisdom/experience/update here?

Just achieved Platinum a couple of days ago; refunded a mileage award ticket yesterday online.

No miles yet. Should I wait further or call?

Interesting how they can take the miles immediately, but refunding miles for a cancelled award ticket is apparently way harder....

I booked a flight on UA metal. Within 24 hours, I cancelled the flight with an assurance from the agent that money will be refunded to credit card. It's been more than a week and nothing back on the credit card. I called UA and they say refund is in the queue in the Houston refunds department. Really? Do you need to manually process every refund?

Does anyone at UA know anything about efficiency?

Please don't defend UA - there is no excuse no matter how many transactions you process.

Have you called your credit card company? That might speed up the process.

I am avoiding dispute - that is the last resort.

Per UA's website site, your refund will be processed within 7 Business days. This does not mean you"ll get it in seven days but will be processed for a refund. Depending on your credit card, it can take several more days. Be patient. I have refunded numerous tickets and always got my refund. Do you know you can check the status of your refund on the website? Safe Travels!

10 days is typical if you wait until the next day to cancel. If you cancel before midnight CST the same day you purchased the ticket you generally won't be charged at all.

I had 3 refunds last week due to changed plans and a fare difference and received all 3 refunds in 3-5 days (5 days being the longest). These were business days so 3-5 days is really 3-7 days. A week is not a long time to wait for a refund. When you consider that a it takes UA 2-3 days to collect on a cc purchase (time from when its a "hold" to when its a purchase). I'm not sticking up for UA because they don't need me to sick up for them. A week is a normal time to wait for a refund. That's how long you'll wait for a refund from Bloomingdales too

Now, if it was 2 weeks and still sitting in a que, I'd be all over it but a week, nah. I'm very happy w how my refunds were processed

The refund process at UA is a little slow. I have had delays in refunds in the past. Be glad you will get a refund at all, even though it may not happen at the speed you desire. I am not defending the UA timing on this, but it is what it is.

Do you have copies of both when your reservation was made and when cancelled to show it was cancelled within 24 hours, just in case you need to offer documentation? (hopefully you will not) Be patient.

They sure do know about efficiency. Efficiently getting your money and holding on to it as long as possible. A week isn't an insane amount of time but it is understandably frustrating. Call UA again or call your credit card company and tell them you canceled and the company has not refunded even with contact.

Normally UA does not charge my credit card until after the 24 hours. Before that they just put a hold on the funds.

Questions:
Did you use the website to book the reservation, or did you do it over the phone?
Did you use the website to cancel the reservation, or did you do it over the phone?


SunLover

Also, how long has it been since you cancelled?
Is the reservation showing cancelled?

Web reservation and cancellation via phone. The phone people did acknowledge that it was within 24 hours and it will be fully refunded.

One week since cancelled. Reservation is showing cancelled status on the website.

I guess after a while you just get used to it. They sit on it for a few days interest, it's about money not efficiency.