Originally Posted by
nomad420
I have paid the $50 to UA and had them "take over" my ticket in the past and basically did what you have attempted to do but not for such a huge fare change. I saved a couple hundred bucks even with the fee and was happy. I should add that I was not refunded the difference but actually given UA travel certificates (I guess as you were offered as well) which worked for me.
Yes I don't think they were expecting/looking to be refunded the difference, but rather to get that travel certificate. But the way the rules are structured with Chase travel (as OP experienced) is they weren't going to get that travel credit when you rebook thru Chase travel. They were saying you can use up to the full value of the ticket but will lose the rest of the value, as opposed to have UA take over the ticket, reissue at a lower fare and since UA now has control and not the travel agency, get the residual value of the ticket as a credit for future use.