Originally Posted by
Kacee
As others have noted, no way to do this for free except possibly standing by, and that's outside the rules.
But if this is the return, she should be able to change the ticket without refaring it, paying only the change fee.
It is the return, but United wants almost $5000 for the change. There are still 6 seats left for sale, but none in Z which is her fare class. She is 1K, but United were not even remotely interested in being helpful