United Airlines Is Holding My Credit Hostage

United Airlines is getting a lot of flack these days for their pet travel policy and problems transporting pets. But here's another one to add to the list, change fees. I have a flight booked from Washington DC to Syracuse and I need to cancel it. The airline said they would issue a credit for the price of the ticket $300 and I would have one year to use it. 

However, in order to use my credit, the airline will charge me $200. 

What????

When I check the policy online, it reads:

The fee is $110 for award flights. There's no fee to change or cancel a flight ticketed within 24 hours, so long as the reservation was made at least 7 days prior to departure. United Airlines charges change fees of $200 for domestic flights and as much as $400 or more for international itineraries.

There is a workaround. The flight is still a few weeks out so I'm waiting to see if there is a schedule change. If the airline changes the flight (the time, the route), you can tell them it doesn't work for you and they will cancel without penalty. 

Remember, if you book two one ways, you will be charged the change fee both ways. 

I tend to book United for international flights with award miles since the airline is part of the Star Alliance and allows you to book one way. This cancellation policy is disappointing, to say the least. Just another reason to stick with Southwest.