Originally Posted by
jsloan
Note that you cannot change the name on a ticket when used in this fashion, so the real question is whether or not OP's spouse would be traveling frequently on United.
Ouch, that does make it more difficult as I am more likely to use it for myself than my spouse, who is unfortunately not that prone to travel.
Originally Posted by
jsloan
OP: There may be other options. Try specifying a Z, D, or C fare class in advanced search and look at the fare rules that come back.
Very helpful, thanks. I didn't know that was possible and i do indeed get other options by looking at these other fare classes. Unfortunately, going from P to Z still adds $2,000 to the trip which may still not make sense as it is a "certain" $2,000 extra versus a risk of losing $2,700 if spouse cannot travel.
Originally Posted by
coplatsat
To change the ticket to another travel date/flight you owe the change fee and the fare difference, if the same class is not available. If you cancel the ticket prior to departure, then you get a one year travel voucher/credit in that passenger's name but you will also be assessed the change fee.
Same day changes to the ticket have different rules and depends on your status with United, or lack thereof.
If you fly United frequently and/or plan to us them in the future, I would buy P, and accept that it will cost $450, if something happens. A lot better than the 6k or so,
That is very helpful, thanks. I find it virtually impossible to derive that simple description from the fare conditions that United supplied on their website and I am pretty used to dealing with complex text. It is good to hear that there is an option to get a credit for later use if my spouse cannot travel.