Keep some value of non-refundable ticket?
 

I've seen this asked before, but can't quite find the right answer.

On a non-refundable ticket, what are the options (if any) to cancel the return flight and keep some value - i.e. being able to take the same or similar return flight later?

Yes, it is possible but the ticket will get repriced and needs to be within the fare and routing rules of the original ticket. This is not a simple item to predict and generally you will have to consult with UA to get an answer to a specific set of circumstances.

The easiest case is a simple change the return date -- generally this is a simple repricing. Note the return needs to be completed with 1 year of the original purchase date. May also have to beware of max stay limitations.

Changing the return's O/D things get much more complicated.

If you post the specifics of your ticket, including the full fare basis in each direction, you might get some idea of what will happen.

But, bottom line is that you will need the help of UA's rate desk (not directly available to you) to figure out what the new ticket will cost. On UA, you pay the penalty in new money.

I thought about changing it for a new date - it's actually not that bad (about $300 extra + $300 change fee), but I won't know what date is going to work until a few months later, and much after the actual return.

It would be great if I could somehow delay this "change" until later under similar rules.
The return is TPE-NYC, and I am ok keeping the same origin and destination for another trip later in the summer.

Can't seem to find the fare basis - I thought it should be on the ticket receipt, but it's not there.

You can cancel the return without rescheduling -- no fee. When you know the new dates, call and reschedule and the change fee and fare change will be handled at that time.


Only time you can get the fare basis on an united.com booking is at time of booking (by displaying the fare rules).

However, you can get the fare basis by looking at the ticket on http://www.saudiairlines.com/ site under Manage Bookings, e-Ticket. But not the fare rules. The fare basis alone is not going to give you any insight on changing the ticket.

Got it. I actually saw the fare rules (I had to carefully craft this ticket on the Matrix) - but didn't keep them.
So, if I cancel it now - how will the "value" be stored? Will this hang in my "canceled" reservations tab on the website? Or will I need to call United later to reschedule and retrieve whatever value left?

yes
yes but always a good idea to record the PNR and ticket number, just in case.
yes