Originally Posted by
rosscoeau
Request a refund from the airline, things like this are factored into cancelled flights.
No, they are not. UA expressly -- and by contract -- disclaims liability and OP accepted that when he booked.
Think about it. What if it weren't a one-night prepaid rate. What if OP lost a US$1 Million sales commission because he was late? What if he missed a $15K cruise?
If this stuff worries you, there is dirt cheap travel insurance which covers this. In fact, for all we know, OP's CC provides it.