Originally Posted by
xyzzy
The overwhelming majority of tickets are non-refundable. I think that the rule you cite is referring to non-refundable tickets. I have purchased refundable tickets, checked in, not flown, and gotten a refund. (I have also asked for a refund at the airport and been told that my ticket was non-refundable -- by an agent who did not even look at my reservation. When I pointed out that it was I was told to just call in for my refund)
You can also reverse the check-in process of non-refundable tickets prior to flight by calling CO. They don't like to do it, but they will if necessary.
I have done this several times also. Basically, they 'uncheck you in'. I've been recalled (with a refundable ticket) at the airport and went to an agent to get taken off the flight. All agents will do this. Depending on how sharp or lazy they are that day, some will also refund the ticket, though it takes a lot of key strokes. Most just say 'you need to call to get it refunded'. When I have done this, they have always refunded it without any problem.