Originally Posted by
SkyTeam777
People say that's the risk you assume with buying non-refundable tickets, but that wouldn't be a risk people would assume if the fare difference were so great.
I think a better way of putting it would have been to say "that's the risk you assume with buying non-refundable tickets without travel insurance." Frankly, though, in your case, you are only assuming the risk of the change fee, which is much, much less than the cost differential to a refundable ticket (still, probably a bit more than travel insurance if you're only insuring the plane flight).
Has anyone had luck with AA waiving change fees on international tickets for having to be present in court (not jury duty)? Sure, it would be a total favor, but wondering if people with higher Helix scores might have luck with this as a one-time courtesy.
Sorry, can't help here, but good luck.