Just got notified of a full refund on our United fare for a planned early December trip. The email said we hadn't really qualified for an exception but as a goodwill gesture they would provide a one-time refund. Talk about putting a bitter coating on a sugar pill...

There was a bit of a process - had to cancel the flight on phone, and apply for the refund online. Refund check is being sent to Expedia (through whom we booked) who will then issue refund. Still, the end result is good.