Consumer Alert: Airlines don't know their own fare rules. You should.

A recent United Airlines problem is a reminder to read your confirmation

David Shih thought he knew the terms of his United Airlines ticket from New York to Tokyo. But he didn't.

When he booked his tickets by phone, a United representative assured him he could cancel and get a credit.

"I even called back to double-check with a second phone agent shortly after purchasing the ticket, and they told me the same thing," he says.

But when Shih had to cancel, he learned he had booked a "basic," use-it-or-lose-it economy fare. The United phone reps apparently didn't read the fine print on their tickets.

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