This has been discussed at length earlier in the thread. I have never herd of anyone that had any problem getting their ticket reimbursed. With the large number of guys that have interviewed here over the last few years, if there were problems, you would have herd about it.
The transportation is not free for the applicants as you are not usually transported on ANA. The reason they want you to pay for the ticket is because it guarantees that you show up. Its not really fair for them to lose the price of a ticket because you change your mind at the last minute.
Regarding the medical. Mine was done in New York over 2 days. My transportation was all arranged and didn't cost me any money while I was there.
This job has been around for a while now so it's not like this is unexplored territory.