Thanks for your suggestions, however flying via United would involve changing the plane twice and the fare is $2200 per person one way (!!!). I called back USAirways and the reservations supervisor told me they can not give a refund to a nonrefundable ticket, however she mentioned the only one that can do that would be corporate relations. She gave me the email address. I sent them an email explaining the situation. Have you guys had any luck with receiving refunds via corporate? In the meantime I also called Peter Greenberg, travel editor of Good Morning America. He said he will look into it. And lastly what have you heard on anybody having luck receiving refunds via an AMEX dispute? I paid with AMEX.
Thanks