Just a heads up re United refunds.

Booked a plane ticket to EWR yesterday and decided to change it to LGA today thanks to the ongoing ATC issues at EWR.

Originally booked the new "economy extra leg room" fare because the BF needs an exit row seat. Total ticket price was $716.

Went to change the ticket to LGA and only a $528 credit was available. Had to pay another $180 to get the exit row seats back. Also the base fare of the new flight was $16 less, so now there is a $16 credit. The change flight option wouldn't apply the $16 to the seat fees.

Had to do the United "chat" to get the difference between the original $716 ticket and the $528 credit back. Will take 2-3 business days.

Prob should have just cancelled the original ticket and rebooked, but I was in a hurry. Got to spend all that time I saved booking on a chat with customer service.

Also, seat fees, especially exit row, are absolutely out of control - $90-$150 is the norm now.

Basically the assigned seat fees have jump to protect the frequent flyers to get them the better seats. Whether you like it our not, it is to protect frequent flyers, who get the seat assignments free.