Originally Posted by davewang202

I took yet another look, and I think I understand now. $7 does buy "refundable ticket" as stated.

The $1395 fare buys the "mixed fare basis" ticket: WLX0ZUMG and WLX0ZUM3. $1402 fare trues up the fare basis to WLX0ZUMG for both segments. WLX0ZUMG is refundable with a $300 hit, whereas WLX0ZUM3 is non-refundable, but United will charge you a change fee ($250 in new money) and apply the rest in credit toward a future flight.

WLX0ZUM3 is actually preferable to me given that I'm flying every other week, but I can understand why someone might favor the cash refund less $300 alternative instead.

Thanks for the explanations.