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)
#1156
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,147
I’m scared. My Hilton Aspire TB purchase just shows as “United Airlines Houston TX” - posted 2/24. Same thing on desktop browser.
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
Special Service Ticket
Flight from CHICAGO O'HARE INT on February 21
CHICAGO O'HARE INT CHICAGO O'HARE INT
Flight from CHICAGO O'HARE INT on February 21
CHICAGO O'HARE INT CHICAGO O'HARE INT
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
Last edited by uastarflyer; Feb 26, 2021 at 4:20 pm
#1157
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,207
I’m scared. My Hilton Aspire TB purchase just shows as “United Airlines Houston TX” - posted 2/24. Same thing on desktop browser.
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
#1158
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,569
I’m scared. My Hilton Aspire TB purchase just shows as “United Airlines Houston TX” - posted 2/24. Same thing on desktop browser.
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
#1159
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: NJ
Programs: UA, Chase, AMEX, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 16
A Real DP coming soon
2/25 - 2x $100 payments on Amex Plat
2/27 - Both transactions posted w/ an actual ticket number. both are uniquely different
my meter has not moved though I’m sure it will in the next days.
stay tuned... 😃
2/27 - Both transactions posted w/ an actual ticket number. both are uniquely different
my meter has not moved though I’m sure it will in the next days.
stay tuned... 😃
#1160
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: NJ
Programs: UA, Chase, AMEX, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 16
It's 2/28 and my meter moved saying I used all of my $200 credit. Hasn't posted to my account yet though will keep you posted. Hopefully tomorrow.
#1161
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,569
Edit: Credit posted (and oddly meter moved) the following day
Last edited by Ord Liza; Mar 1, 2021 at 7:32 am
#1162
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 77
Well - changed my flight selection to UA on the 22nd. Saw that when I went to my needle - the selection was updated immediately online so did a $50 charge. Hadn't seen anything move or posted so did another $100 on the 25th since saw all the DPs saying worked.
The needle moved today but only for the $100 charge on the 25th and not the one on the 22nd. I should have listened and waited a day but thought if it showed up online I was good to go. Not a huge deal since was only $50 and I will use it. Don't think it's worth calling in for fear of them asking questions!
Will do the other $150 today.
The needle moved today but only for the $100 charge on the 25th and not the one on the 22nd. I should have listened and waited a day but thought if it showed up online I was good to go. Not a huge deal since was only $50 and I will use it. Don't think it's worth calling in for fear of them asking questions!
Will do the other $150 today.
#1163
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 113
2 x $100 charges made on 2/25. Meter moved today showing that credit was used.
Both posted with a unique ticket number.
Both posted with a unique ticket number.
Last edited by pregabalin; Mar 1, 2021 at 9:04 pm
#1164
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,147
I’m scared. My Hilton Aspire TB purchase just shows as “United Airlines Houston TX” - posted 2/24. Same thing on desktop browser.
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
Edit: actually if I click on it I see what jason8612 posted
So there is hope! Even includes a 016 ticket number
#1165
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,332
#1166
Join Date: May 2016
Location: NYC
Posts: 264
2/24 $100 United TravelBank on Amex Plat, appeared as Special Services ticket
2/27 $100 reimbursed, 2/28 actual post date.
2/27 $100 reimbursed, 2/28 actual post date.
#1167
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: NJ
Programs: UA, Chase, AMEX, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 16
2/25 - 2x $100 payments on Amex Plat
2/27 - Both transactions posted w/ an actual ticket number. both are uniquely different
2/28 - Meter did move. Said I’ve used up all my credits for 2021, and will renew 2022.
3/1 - Credit posted for $200.
Hope my DP serves you well. I was skeptical at first though after a handful of DPs before me I thought I give it a try. I did, and thankfully this method is not dead yet. Take care y’all!!
#1169
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,373
FWIW, mine took 3 days to pst.
#1170
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,807
Switched credit to United on 2/27, bought $100 credit an hour later or so.
Second $100 purchase on 2/28.
So far (3/1), no credit and the meter hasn’t moved yet either.
Second $100 purchase on 2/28.
So far (3/1), no credit and the meter hasn’t moved yet either.