Thanks all. On line and save screen shot is a great idea. And I’ll certainly be looking forward to receiving an email cancellation receipt. Calling to confirm credit is also an excellent idea. (Obviously I don’t trust them either.)

Related questions: How far ahead of time must a non-refundable ticket be cancelled in order to retain residual (after fees) value? Is it anytime prior to departure?

The ticket I may have to cancel is for a companion. I purchased both tickets (mine and companions) on line, same confirmation code, with my credit card. I was told by phone rep that to cancel my companion’s ticket they would first have to split the reservation and then cancel the ticket and my companion could then use the credit at some time in the future. Is that correct? (Presumably I would then have to give the information (confirmation code, ticket number) to my companion.) The reason my companion may not travel is family (mother’s) illness. If my companion (who rarely flies) chooses to write to United to try for a full refund and that refund is approved, would the refund be sent by check to my companion or would it go back to my credit card?

Thanks very much again.