Would like to ask if anyone has experience similar to mine and chances of obtaining change fee refund.

I wanted to book LAX PVR direct once I have confirmed by accommodation rental last Nov. I have done the LAX PVR flight several times, but when I checked seat availability for my travel dates (March 8 thru 15 2014), there was a complete block on that route. All E seats were grayed out. I thought this was odd so had to look at other routes.

In the end I picked ONT - SFO - PVR and the same on the return. It did cost $150 more per person (my wife and I are traveling). I just checked my reservation and all looks fine (even if an horrible early start time from ONT). Out of curiosity I checked to see if the LAX PVR flight was open and it is with very low % of seats purchased.

I called 1K desk and was told I would have to pay $200 change fee for each person. I did explain the experience of blocked booking for the original flight (which can be cross referenced by my existing date/time reservation).

1K did say it might be worth paying the $200 ($400 in total), and then send request into UA Refund to have the change fee credited/waived.

Anyone had similar experience? If I have to I will suck it up but of course would love to take the direct flight at a more reasonable hour.

Thanks

Simon