Question about non refundable airline funds when you don’t fly

[FrugalSaver]

I know many of you here are expert travelers.

1) If you buy a non-refundable ticket and don’t fly or cancel the flight, do most airlines allow you to later reuse those funds?

I believe southwest lets you keep them for a year.

2) If airlines partnered with other companies and allowed you to apply those funds to say a Marriott or other hotel chain, etc, is that something you would find valuable?

3) if airlines let you keep the funds for a year, do they remind you to use them via email or a phone call?

4) if you dont use them, do those funds just go to the airline and get zeroed out?

5) if you received a reminder from the airline to use those funds before they expire, would you be more likely to use them?

I appreciate any power travelers perspectives out there as I’m trying to get more savvy about managing my travel budget

[okits]

I used to travel quite a lot before having children.

1) Most?  If you don't take the flight and don't cancel beforehand?  No.
2) Yes.
3) Don't know.  Maybe if you're part of their loyalty program or keep a profile with them?
4) Yup.
5) Yes, though I usually keep decent track of credits.

[big_slacker]

It's worth noting that if you cancel or change dates you're likely gonna get charged a pretty decent sized fee. Sometimes it's more than the ticket cost if you got a discounted ticket.

So you might get something back, but not enough to buy the same flight later. FI I recently had to cancel a flight that was $160 and the fee was $110. :/