Earlier this year I had to cancel an international trip, as my mother-in-law had entered hospice. AA was polite, compassionate, and refunded my el cheapo Y fare in full to my credit card (which I hadn't necessarily expected, although it certainly made things easier during a difficult time). I was also able to use 25,000 miles to purchase a one-way transcon 2 hours prior to the transcon's departure to go see her. From my perspective, probably the best use of miles I've had.

That said, I would have done all those things even if the international trip had not been refunded and I had to pay full freight for a last-minute ticket, and considered it worthwhile--although it would've required some financial planning down the road to straighten everything out.