change fees
 

My wife and I booked tix from STL - SEA; total fare $366. We had a family crisis and had to cancel. We were told that we would get credit for what we'd paid (OK) but that to rebook would cost whatever the fare difference was (OK) plus a rebooking fee of $400 (ridiculous!). United is telling me that it costs $400 to rebook one booking; I don't believe it. In their defence, they offered to refund $300 if I gave them proof of the crisis but that doesn't alter the fact that this is gouging, pure and simple. I'm platinum mileage plus and have been a very good customer (usually business class) for many years. I'm looking around for an alternative, such as SW that doesn't make you feel they have their hands in your pocket all the time.