Originally Posted by
purdue1015
Interesting! TIL. Yes, it says under fare rules from the upfare Y - F confirmation email I got " NONREF/0VALUAFTDPT"
Just for my learning are ALL ticket changes non refundable? Is there a way to tell before completing the transaction? ...
No, this could have been refundable BUT it would have been best to have used an agent and likely would have been more than $200.
The online change flight tool has limited functionality . I check a refundable fare to Hawaii and it offered economy, economy (refundable) and First. Unless the fare column is labeled "refundable", it is likely non-refundable. I saw no way to force a First Refundable column. The normal booking allows more flexibility but not the online.
Originally Posted by
purdue1015
Also, do all ticket changes like this result in the issuance of a new ticket number?
No always but usually. I believe if you change an all UA tickets to same routing, same day, different flights -- that can be done without changing the ticket number but otherwise the ticket needs to be re-issued and ticket number will change (Warning this may get corrected by more knowledge folks
FT does not allow an incorrect statement to stand for long)
Originally Posted by
purdue1015
I called 1K last night and they (obviously) said exactly what you said. They said it would be incredibly challenging to get back the personal amount I paid for the upfare to F but that given the reason I am not taking the trip (funeral) I could try submitting a request through Refunds. ....
You can try a refund but the policy is waiving change fees (which are generally gone) and other ticket limitations. Not much advantage over the FFC
If a Passenger is unable to commence or continue travel because of the death or serious illness of the Passenger, the Passenger’s immediate family member(s), or the Passenger’s traveling companion(s), UA may, in its sole discretion, waive or refund any applicable change fees associated with changing the ticket(s)
Family member is broadly defined such as in-laws and nieces/nephews. You might be able to get a close neighbor. So it will depend on your relationship with the deceased.
However, if you cancel before travel, you will get a Future Flight Credit (FFC) for the full amount that can be used for any new flight (but not upgrades) bookable on united.com starting within a year of the original purchase.
Others have learned of the limitations of the UA rebooking tool, it can nonintutitvely change other parts of your trip.