A family member had to cancel an international flight and so they have a sizable flight credit that they can use within the next year. We have to pay a $250 fee upon redemption and can buy any ticket, and the remainder amount is mailed to our home for use with any other flight without regard to the person.

A few questions:
1. Any way around the $250 fee or to reduce it?
2. Because we have to buy a ticket, is there some way to find the cheapest United tickets possible? We don't intend on having the family member fly - we just want to release the cash value so we can use it for other flights.