just noticed today that UA have changed my itin "schedule change" from the direct evening flight from LAX to LHR to go via SFO instead.

1. does anybody know that happened to the original flight and/or why they changed me?

and 2. whilst i intend to take the outbound flight back to LAX in Jan, I specifically avoid connecting on long-haul flights. since there's still lots of time and no shortage of direct flight options, can i get my money back for the return flight after I have travelled the outbound sector?