Originally Posted by
AlanB
That's much different than a reservation just sitting in a computer. A ticket really is like cash, you can turn it in at any point in time prior to its expiration date, usually 1 year after it was issued.
Although you should actually only get a 90% refund or a 100% travel credit.
Also, accommodation charges have a cancellation deadline for a refund (Acela first, other business: one hour; sleeper: 7 days) after which you are only entitled to travel credit.