many unknowns as to what i was signing up for, although i knew i wanted refundable fares. when i discovered so many of the add ons and luggage impediments to my travel i wanted to cancel right then and there and get my refund. i was met by a lot barriers to just simply refunding my fare; a significant amount was NOT going to come back to me, as it was explained to me as "an insurance policy." i quite begrudgingly accepted those terms, but made very clear mention that i would be contacting my american express co to complain. after i hung up, the agent called me back to advise that a full refund would be forthcoming. i rebooked successfully with the airline directly and got exactly what i wanted to purchase.