07-02-2025, 08:06 PM
Because of some family health issues, we're cancelling a family trip. United Airline tickets are "Economy", which specify "Free change, possible fare difference", as opposed to cheaper "Basic Economy" with "no ticket changes" "no upgrades" and the more expensive "Economy Fully Refundable" class.
We will probably take the trip next summer, but it's really too far ahead for us to rebook as things can get added to our calendars which would impact when we take the trip. I could re-book tickets now for some arbitrary summer date and we just hope that it lines up (using the same "Economy" fare level, to allow for possible change if needed). Had a thought, though, that I could cancel our current tickets, rebook using the credit at the higher "Economy Fully Refundable" level, and then just cancel altogether so they money is sitting in my bank account rather than United's.
Is this a legitimate loophole or am I missing some catch that will make this impossible?
We will probably take the trip next summer, but it's really too far ahead for us to rebook as things can get added to our calendars which would impact when we take the trip. I could re-book tickets now for some arbitrary summer date and we just hope that it lines up (using the same "Economy" fare level, to allow for possible change if needed). Had a thought, though, that I could cancel our current tickets, rebook using the credit at the higher "Economy Fully Refundable" level, and then just cancel altogether so they money is sitting in my bank account rather than United's.
Is this a legitimate loophole or am I missing some catch that will make this impossible?