Fully refundable fare?
 

Is it possible to buy a FULLY refundable ticket, where you would actually get the full amount back on your credit card if you cancel before the flight?

Looking at domestic ticket, out of ORD, and all the rules I'm reading, make it sound like you'd have to rebook (but wouldn't have a fee at all).

Thanks!

It is absolutely possible to book a ticket that way. There should be a check-box on the website for "refundable" when you are booking that will get you such a fare.

What airline and booking engine are you looking at?

Well, be careful with CO.

Read the rules before you purchase.

Of course!

But you'll (normally) pay through the nose for it!

In other words, you can't have your cake and eat it too. In general, the more flexible the fare rules, the more you'll pay. The more restrictive the fare rules, the less you'll pay.

I'm guessing you're looking for a cheap fare but want it to be completely flexible. That combination is pretty hard to find.

So want to meet a friend in ORD for a little while (too short to go outside the airport)...so price wouldn't matter.

From what I can tell from reading the fare rules, it would need to be rebooked, but can't really tell. Been looking at DL and NW...gonna expand my search.

Thanks!

OP - What are you trying to accomplish by doing this? If you give more information, people will be able to suggest ideas.

Are you trying to use the secured area of the airport (for example, for a meeting at an airport lounge, etc.)?

Read the post directly above yours. ;)

To the OP. go to United.com or aa.com. Search for "Full Fare Economy Class" on AA or "Economy (refundable)" on United. You'll be fine.

DL or NW would also be fine in most cases. Yes, there are some refundable fares that come with a fee as stevenshev alludes to but if you pick a frequent business route (ORD-LGA/ATL/DCA/SFO/LAX etc.) you shouldn't have any problems at all.

If your friend will be staying inside the secure area, you could go to the ticket counter, explain the situation, and ask for a gate pass. The airlines do that when people are taking an unaccompanied minor to a flight and they might do that for you if you give them the person's name and itinerary. It's not part of the regular procedure, but it would be a lot easier than buying a refundable ticket.

My suggestion is go to the ticket counter and ask for a gate pass. If they won't give it to you, then just buy the refundable ticket and get a boarding pass to go through security. Then, after meeting your friend, go back to the ticket counter and ask for a refund.