Hello, all. This weekend I could have scored two VDB ticket vouchers on my flights to and from visiting Mom Lori_Q. On the first flight, they needed one VDB. After angling (unsuccessfully) for $200 in cash vouchers, I accepted a domestic-ticket voucher. The deal turned out to be a win-win: I got extra EQMs & RDMs for being routed through Chicago, and it was nice to fly most of the way in Business on a 777 rather than one of the snuggle-seats on a SkyWest RJ. Mom was super-excited to get a ticket voucher in exchange for losing three hours of my company. It will save her at least $350 when she visits Sis Lori_Q this spring.

On the way back, though, they were offering a free ticket in exchange for an overnight delay of 16 hours. I was at the top of the VDB list. The agent was unimpressed when I pointed out that proper compensation for a 16-hour delay was $600 in vouchers, and was unmoved by my request, as "a 1K who mostly travels internationally", for cash vouchers. In an attempt to appear less greedy I said I'd go for $400 and no hotel or meal vouchers. No dice. I declined the ticket offer, but two other people grabbed it. Fine. I needed to be back at work this morning anyway, and only a meaningful wad of cash vouchers would have been worth the hassle.

So, my question is this: I have seen reports of ticket vouchers being exchanged for cash vouchers. Is United still willing to do this? Do any of you have recent experience? If so, how much have you received in exchange for a ticket voucher? It would be useful to have some data points in case I'm in a situation where the agent refuses to cough up the cash vouchers, but I'm still inclined to take the free ticket.

Thanks in advance!