Here is a little known rule that may help you out one day. According to National Geographic Traveler Magazine, since 2012, the US State Department of Transportation has a rule that requires all airlines selling tickets in the US to hold your reservation without you having to make a payment, or allow you to cancel your reservation without a penalty if you do so within 24 hours.
The one exception to this rule is that if you are a week or less from your departure, you are stuck with the reservation.
Keep this rule in mind if you make a mistake with your reservation as I have done a few times. I remember once where I booked the ticket in the wrong month and ended up with a $100 penalty.
See our post on “Finding Deep Discount Airline Tickets“