United - are economy refundable seats really just that?

There is economy, and there is economy fully refundable. They usually differ by about $300. The fully refundable are just that but make sure that’s what you have. Yes, the fully refundable tickets can be canceled for any reason. It is not an airline credit you get credited back to your credit card.

I think that's why I've got this 1/2 filed in the to good to be true category - the cheapest fare is $340 -the fully refunable is $400

I have actually seen it on United where the refundable ticket wasn't that much more than the regular economy ticket and I've bought it for the peace of mind aspect - if that's truly the small price difference, then jump on it!!

The idea of a strike sounds concerning, but if one were to happen, it wouldn't be for many months, at least.

Under US labor laws, the recent vote to strike envokes a series of required processes, including forcing the company and the union to work with federally assigned mediators to negotiate. Those negotiations would take months. If the negotiations break down, the parties have to go into a 30 day "cooling off period". Then another step I don't recall. Then the pilot's union leaders could vote for a strike to happen in X days, which would be at least enough time for under-pressure negotiations.

So, for flights in July, I really wouldn't worry about needing a backup for Alaskan.

Thanks @scudder - that's helpful. I know there is a mandated process for them to follow through on - I just am not sure how long that will actually take - we fly 19 July - so guess from 20 June we're in the clear because that would be within the 30 days window

Llssie- the two sides probably won't even have begun the mandated mediation by June 20th, let alone those negotiations broken down by then.