Jan 6, 2020, 2:53 pm
Last edit by: boboqui
Reminder: you must enroll and select UA as your airline, then wait a day -- BEFORE making a reimbursable purchase.
WARNING: Beginning in mid-January 2021 Travel Bank (and its former Gift Registry) purchases are coded as Gift Certificates rather than Special Service Tickets. Travel Bank purchases are no longer reimbursed.
In mid-February 2021 United again changed the processing of Travel Bank deposit transactions. They are coded as Special Service Tickets, and reimbursed by American Express, but no assurance this will continue. Purchase here: https://www.united.com/offers/travelcash
Travel bank amounts that you can purchase are $50, $100, $250, or more (see screenshot in this post). There is no $200 amount so Platinum card holders with $200 credit will need to purchase 2 x $100.
If credit is not automatically issued (unlikely based on data points), do not contact Amex customer service as it might lead them to close the loophole.
See also this thread in the United Airliines forum on TravelBank: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...get-bonus.html
United does not sell giftcards. As of December 2016 American Express no longer reimburses MPX transactions.
Airline Taxes on Award Tickets Doesn't seem to work anymore; see post 179 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25297196-post179.html and #391
Economy Plus and First Class Upgrade Fees Subscription worked in Feb 2020, data point here. As of December 2016 there were conflicting posts; one stating that an upgrade to E+ coded as an "upgrade fee" and was, therefore, not reimbursed. Others said they were reimbursed as it was coded as "preferred seat upgrade." In February 2019, three separate FTer reported receiving varying amounts of reimbursement (dependent upon which card was used for the purchase) after purchasing an E+ annual subscription. The E+ subscriptions code as "preferred seat upgrade". Upgrading from E to FC will also not be reimbursed because it codes as a passenger ticket even when done after buying the original ticket. There seems to be a distinction between seat upgrades being reimbursed, while ticket upgrades are not.
Award AcceleratorI would not risk this. The last report of being reimbursed for Award Accelerator was for $68 on October 27, 2011. Every post about Award Accelerator since has reported "No reimbursement."
Eligible incidental fees include:
Discussion continues here: Airline fee $250/$200 reimbursement reports: UA only (2022)
In mid-February 2021 United again changed the processing of Travel Bank deposit transactions. They are coded as Special Service Tickets, and reimbursed by American Express, but no assurance this will continue. Purchase here: https://www.united.com/offers/travelcash
Travel bank amounts that you can purchase are $50, $100, $250, or more (see screenshot in this post). There is no $200 amount so Platinum card holders with $200 credit will need to purchase 2 x $100.
If credit is not automatically issued (unlikely based on data points), do not contact Amex customer service as it might lead them to close the loophole.
See also this thread in the United Airliines forum on TravelBank: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...get-bonus.html
United does not sell giftcards. As of December 2016 American Express no longer reimburses MPX transactions.
Airline Taxes on Award Tickets Doesn't seem to work anymore; see post 179 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25297196-post179.html and #391
Economy Plus and First Class Upgrade Fees Subscription worked in Feb 2020, data point here. As of December 2016 there were conflicting posts; one stating that an upgrade to E+ coded as an "upgrade fee" and was, therefore, not reimbursed. Others said they were reimbursed as it was coded as "preferred seat upgrade." In February 2019, three separate FTer reported receiving varying amounts of reimbursement (dependent upon which card was used for the purchase) after purchasing an E+ annual subscription. The E+ subscriptions code as "preferred seat upgrade". Upgrading from E to FC will also not be reimbursed because it codes as a passenger ticket even when done after buying the original ticket. There seems to be a distinction between seat upgrades being reimbursed, while ticket upgrades are not.
Award AcceleratorI would not risk this. The last report of being reimbursed for Award Accelerator was for $68 on October 27, 2011. Every post about Award Accelerator since has reported "No reimbursement."
Eligible incidental fees include:
- Checked baggage fees (including overweight/oversize)
- Itinerary change fees
- Phone reservation fees
- FareLock
- Pet flight fees
- Seat assignment fees (E+)
- In-flight amenity fees (beverages, food, pillows/blankets, headphones)
- In-flight entertainment fees (excluding wireless internet unless it is billed by the airline.)
- Airport lounge day passes & annual memberships
- Onboard WIFI (provided it is billed by the airline.)
Discussion continues here: Airline fee $250/$200 reimbursement reports: UA only (2022)
Airline fee $250/$200/$100 reimbursement reports: UA only (2020-21)
Oct 2, 2020, 10:06 pm
#316
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 2
What did your charge show up like on the amex statement ?
Oct 2, 2020, 10:08 pm
#317
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 2
09/19 - $100 transactions for Amex Platinum and the United Travel Bank credited instantly with 500 bonus award miles for $100 purchase
09/22 - $100 Credit Posted - Meter moved in the 'Benefits' section
09/23 - another $100 transactions for Amex Platinum and the United Travel Bank credited instantly with 500 bonus award miles for $100 purchase
09/26 - $100 Credit posted for Amex Platinum - meter moved showing that I have used all of my airline fee credit for the year
09/22 - $100 Credit Posted - Meter moved in the 'Benefits' section
09/23 - another $100 transactions for Amex Platinum and the United Travel Bank credited instantly with 500 bonus award miles for $100 purchase
09/26 - $100 Credit posted for Amex Platinum - meter moved showing that I have used all of my airline fee credit for the year
What did your charge show up like on the amex statement ?
Oct 3, 2020, 6:05 pm
#319
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: WOH Globalist | IHG Platinum | HH Gold | MB Gold
Posts: 230
Purchased $100 with Platinum on 9/29. Meter moved on 10/3. Not credit in statement yet though.
Oct 5, 2020, 1:19 pm
#320
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 44
Trying to figure out the best way to use my credits for E+ upgrades.
I have $728 worth of credits spread out over four cards (Gold, Platinum, P2 Platinum, Aspire), and I want to use them for $722 worth of E+ upgrades for three roundtrip tickets on two reservations.
I planned on putting the credits into the Travel Bank using the pinned link, but when I went through the E+ upgrade process to check the checkout page, I don't see an option to use Travel Bank funds, unless that's the same thing as "Electronic Certificates"?
Otherwise, could I call United and have them split the charges among different cards on the phone?
Thanks.
I have $728 worth of credits spread out over four cards (Gold, Platinum, P2 Platinum, Aspire), and I want to use them for $722 worth of E+ upgrades for three roundtrip tickets on two reservations.
I planned on putting the credits into the Travel Bank using the pinned link, but when I went through the E+ upgrade process to check the checkout page, I don't see an option to use Travel Bank funds, unless that's the same thing as "Electronic Certificates"?
Otherwise, could I call United and have them split the charges among different cards on the phone?
Thanks.
Oct 5, 2020, 1:56 pm
#321
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 103
Trying to figure out the best way to use my credits for E+ upgrades.
I have $728 worth of credits spread out over four cards (Gold, Platinum, P2 Platinum, Aspire), and I want to use them for $722 worth of E+ upgrades for three roundtrip tickets on two reservations.
I planned on putting the credits into the Travel Bank using the pinned link, but when I went through the E+ upgrade process to check the checkout page, I don't see an option to use Travel Bank funds, unless that's the same thing as "Electronic Certificates"?
Otherwise, could I call United and have them split the charges among different cards on the phone?
Thanks.
I have $728 worth of credits spread out over four cards (Gold, Platinum, P2 Platinum, Aspire), and I want to use them for $722 worth of E+ upgrades for three roundtrip tickets on two reservations.
I planned on putting the credits into the Travel Bank using the pinned link, but when I went through the E+ upgrade process to check the checkout page, I don't see an option to use Travel Bank funds, unless that's the same thing as "Electronic Certificates"?
Otherwise, could I call United and have them split the charges among different cards on the phone?
Thanks.
1. Buy a 1-person CONUS E+ subscription (something like $599 or so) on one card
2. Upgrade the subscription to a 2-person subscription (pay incremental charge) on another card
3. Upgrade the subscription to either North America or worldwide (and pay incremental) on another card
The total cost would be more than the $722 you mentioned, but if you can use the subscription over the next year, it might be more useful. I can confirm #1 triggers a credit (at least it did earlier this year), but sure about #2/#3 but I would assume so.
Oct 6, 2020, 6:03 am
#322
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 44
One thought - you could do an E+ subscription instead. So if we assume your $722 of E+ upgrades are for 2 people, and include flights outside the continental US, you could:
1. Buy a 1-person CONUS E+ subscription (something like $599 or so) on one card
2. Upgrade the subscription to a 2-person subscription (pay incremental charge) on another card
3. Upgrade the subscription to either North America or worldwide (and pay incremental) on another card
The total cost would be more than the $722 you mentioned, but if you can use the subscription over the next year, it might be more useful. I can confirm 1 triggers a credit (at least it did earlier this year), but sure about #2/#3 but I would assume so.
1. Buy a 1-person CONUS E+ subscription (something like $599 or so) on one card
2. Upgrade the subscription to a 2-person subscription (pay incremental charge) on another card
3. Upgrade the subscription to either North America or worldwide (and pay incremental) on another card
The total cost would be more than the $722 you mentioned, but if you can use the subscription over the next year, it might be more useful. I can confirm 1 triggers a credit (at least it did earlier this year), but sure about #2/#3 but I would assume so.
Oct 7, 2020, 10:16 pm
#323
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 24
DP: Gift Registry - Purchased $250 with Aspire, 2x $100 with Platinum Personal, and $100 on Wife's Gold. All 3 reimbursed on Oct. 10th
Last edited by y0shiy0shi; Oct 11, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Oct 8, 2020, 8:35 am
#324
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: Delta
Posts: 15
Sorry, searched everywhere , couldn't find the answer.
Does anyone know if the Amex Reimbursement will kick in for UNITED AIRLINES - If you use it to purchase "Priority Boarding" ..
I bought an Economy ticket and purchased the "bundle package" like an idiot .to be able to select seats and be able to carry on 1 bag (they wanted 25 buck for that)---
but did the transaction all together - so now the Amex airline reimbursement wont kick in....
But United now is emailing me for my upcoming flight that I can choose to pay $15 for Priority Boarding - which allows me not to line up and board right after the Mileage Plus Premier members. is that something anybody else has used in the past and gotten credit for ?
...
Does anyone know if the Amex Reimbursement will kick in for UNITED AIRLINES - If you use it to purchase "Priority Boarding" ..
I bought an Economy ticket and purchased the "bundle package" like an idiot .to be able to select seats and be able to carry on 1 bag (they wanted 25 buck for that)---
but did the transaction all together - so now the Amex airline reimbursement wont kick in....
But United now is emailing me for my upcoming flight that I can choose to pay $15 for Priority Boarding - which allows me not to line up and board right after the Mileage Plus Premier members. is that something anybody else has used in the past and gotten credit for ?
...
Oct 8, 2020, 9:18 am
#325
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,928
Sorry, searched everywhere , couldn't find the answer.
Does anyone know if the Amex Reimbursement will kick in for UNITED AIRLINES - If you use it to purchase "Priority Boarding" ..
I bought an Economy ticket and purchased the "bundle package" like an idiot .to be able to select seats and be able to carry on 1 bag (they wanted 25 buck for that)---
but did the transaction all together - so now the Amex airline reimbursement wont kick in....
But United now is emailing me for my upcoming flight that I can choose to pay $15 for Priority Boarding - which allows me not to line up and board right after the Mileage Plus Premier members. is that something anybody else has used in the past and gotten credit for ?
...
Does anyone know if the Amex Reimbursement will kick in for UNITED AIRLINES - If you use it to purchase "Priority Boarding" ..
I bought an Economy ticket and purchased the "bundle package" like an idiot .to be able to select seats and be able to carry on 1 bag (they wanted 25 buck for that)---
but did the transaction all together - so now the Amex airline reimbursement wont kick in....
But United now is emailing me for my upcoming flight that I can choose to pay $15 for Priority Boarding - which allows me not to line up and board right after the Mileage Plus Premier members. is that something anybody else has used in the past and gotten credit for ?
...
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ly-2020-a.html
I'm not personally familiar with using it on UA, but a search of that thread for "priority boarding" returns two positive results so I think you are good to go!
[edit: previous post and my reply were moved in from another thread
]
Last edited by Zorak; Oct 8, 2020 at 9:26 am
Oct 8, 2020, 11:21 am
#326
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,634
I placed an order with United TravelBank about 30 mins ago. Right after placing the order, I realized I had changed my airline last year to Alaska. So I went online and changed it to United. About 15 minutes passed from the purchase to the change. Do you think the credit will apply? The United charges are still pending ($100 x 2), but also when I go online the airline selected still shows Alaska even though I requested the change via chat to United. Appreciat eany advice.
Oct 12, 2020, 9:22 am
#327
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
AMEX Aspire data point:
9/29/20 - Switched to United via phone
9/30/20 - Purchased $250 Travel Bank deposit
10/05/20 - $250 credit posted
9/29/20 - Switched to United via phone
9/30/20 - Purchased $250 Travel Bank deposit
10/05/20 - $250 credit posted
Oct 12, 2020, 9:31 am
#328
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 11
Credited
Purchase 8 Oct
Posted 10 Oct
Meter Moved 11 Oct
Credit 12 Oct
$50 on Hilton Aspire - Travel Bank purchase
Just purchased additional 2x$100
Posted 10 Oct
Meter Moved 11 Oct
Credit 12 Oct
$50 on Hilton Aspire - Travel Bank purchase
Just purchased additional 2x$100
Oct 14, 2020, 4:50 pm
#329
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Chase and American Express
Posts: 260
used the travelbank to purchase 250 on 10/10 and got $200 airline fee reimbursement 2 days later for business platinum
Oct 16, 2020, 1:33 pm
#330
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 5
Re;Travelbank
How did you do the purchase? online and rep have both said it was over 10/1