While I agree that I would much prefer things to be electronic the problem is that any electronic cert I have gotten from UA rarely works the way that it should. Typically I am happy if I get a $100 electronic cert to give me a fare that is $75 cheaper than the lowest fare available. I have had certs that are supposedly good on any fare, any amount etc and still it wouldnt allow the certain fares and certain flights. So, it aint no walk in the park online either.