Originally Posted by
cesco.g
I'd contact UA MP, explain the situation of illness in your family and ask for a waiver of the redepo fee.
I did call (just once, though) and UA said no. They'd honor such a request for a full refund of a non-refundable revenue ticket but not for a mileage award. Makes no sense to me, and I'll probably call back a couple of more times in the likely event that I'll have to cancel to try my chances with someone else.