I've only had one experience using an E-certificate on UAL.com, so my experience may not be typical.

Prior to entering any certificate number, I was presented with the typical flight options and ticket prices; I was even given lower prices that United "found"...they were about $3-$6 lower depending on connections.

Then I went back and entered the certificate number, and was presented with considerably higher fares, despite the fact that the cert stated it was valid on all published fares, whether purchased through a travel agent, United, United.com or my corporate travel department....

Inasmuch as I've only attempted this once, it is entirely possible that all of the low fares were sold out in the ten minutes I was experimenting with UAL.com, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomenon.

If electronic cerificates are nothing more than an elaborate ruse to make United's most loyal passenger believe they're getting some sort of discount, then I'd like to know. If it's a legitimate discount, then I certainly want to recognize and appreicate it!

Thanks,

Craigg