Originally Posted by
BigFlyer
So which is it - does the 24-hour cancellation rule apply to tickets bought less than 7 days before departure or not?
Several years ago, UA updated their policy to add the seven-day exception, in line with the minimum DOT requirement. I can recall exactly one report of UA ever trying to enforce it -- I don't remember the details exactly, but there were other successful refunds after that case.
If you absolutely need to be able to get a refund, a refundable ticket is your best bet. If you'd prefer a refund, but would accept future flight credit if it came down to it, then I think it's OK to continue to rely on this unpublished exception with the knowledge that it may disappear at any time.