Jan 1, 2023, 12:30 pm
Last edit by: friedablass
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING PRIOR TO POSTING REGARDING UA TB:
Your question is probably answered in this Wikipost
Reminder: you must enroll and select UA as your airline; it is generally viewed as prudent to wait a day before making a reimbursable purchase. It usually takes 5-10 to be reimbursed.
Travel Bank: There's a separate thread at this link for general discussion of Travel Bank, including important limitations on its use. As of Jan 3, 2022, and with ongoing success in 2023 as reported below, Travel Bank posts as a Special Service Ticket reimbursed by Amex (but unofficially), or United Electronic Ticketing or United Airlines Houston. Purchase here: https://www.united.com/en/US/account/travelbank If your transaction returns a Payment Failed error, try adding your American Express card to your United Airlines profile, and repeat the transaction using the stored card. DO NOT CALL Amex to ask about being credited for this.
Gift Cards: United does not sell gift cards.
MileagePlus X App: As of December 2016 American Express no longer reimburses MPX transactions.
READ BELOW for OTHER EXPENSES WHICH MAY BE REIMBURSED
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:
A general discussion of Travel Bank is in a separate thread .
(2022 discussion of UA available at this link.)
Metadiscussion: WHEN to report missing airline fee reimbursements?
Your question is probably answered in this Wikipost
Reminder: you must enroll and select UA as your airline; it is generally viewed as prudent to wait a day before making a reimbursable purchase. It usually takes 5-10 to be reimbursed.
Travel Bank: There's a separate thread at this link for general discussion of Travel Bank, including important limitations on its use. As of Jan 3, 2022, and with ongoing success in 2023 as reported below, Travel Bank posts as a Special Service Ticket reimbursed by Amex (but unofficially), or United Electronic Ticketing or United Airlines Houston. Purchase here: https://www.united.com/en/US/account/travelbank If your transaction returns a Payment Failed error, try adding your American Express card to your United Airlines profile, and repeat the transaction using the stored card. DO NOT CALL Amex to ask about being credited for this.
Gift Cards: United does not sell gift cards.
MileagePlus X App: As of December 2016 American Express no longer reimburses MPX transactions.
READ BELOW for OTHER EXPENSES WHICH MAY BE REIMBURSED
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.)
A general discussion of Travel Bank is in a separate thread .
(2022 discussion of UA available at this link.)
Airline fee $250/$200 reimbursement reports: UA only (2023)
May 25, 2023 | 8:26 am
#406
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 6
Just checked mine. Posted! 5/5.
I had checked it one last time at 12;05a PST on 5/6 and it still had not posted. So must have processed some time after midnight and posted for the previous day.
Never had it take so long, but all good now. Just need the Dell credits to post and good to move on
Thanks everyone for the advice and DP
TD
I had checked it one last time at 12;05a PST on 5/6 and it still had not posted. So must have processed some time after midnight and posted for the previous day.
Never had it take so long, but all good now. Just need the Dell credits to post and good to move on
Thanks everyone for the advice and DP
TD
The same thing happened to me! So I checked today and on my "Benefits" tab, it says that the $200 airline fee credit has been used but I don't have the statement credit posted yet. I didn't reach out to Amex or anything like that. Hopefully that means it'll process to a credit soon.
May 25, 2023 | 9:41 am
#407
formerly wunderpit
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ONT-SNA-LAX
Programs: UA1K-HHDiamond
Posts: 1,357
AMEX Hilton Aspire
Purchased UA TB on 5/18
5/27 Meter "Congratulations! You have earned all of your $250 Airline Fee Credit for this year."
6/2 credit posted
Purchased UA TB on 5/18
5/27 Meter "Congratulations! You have earned all of your $250 Airline Fee Credit for this year."
6/2 credit posted
Last edited by Weyland Yutani Corp; Jul 3, 2023 at 10:26 am Reason: updated posting
May 25, 2023 | 10:09 am
#408
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 57,932
I am looking to buy a $208.90 OW to fly a United 787 from IAD-LAX in September, upgrading to an Economy Plus seat in the Premium Plus Cabin (sold as Economy Plus domestically). I am a lowly Silver, but if I get upgraded to FC, United will refund the Economy Plus seat fee per their FAQ. If I charge the airfare and the Main Cabin Extra fee to my Platinum card, would AMEX claw back the $209.00 Economy Plus fee if it gets refunded? I don't know whether AMEX can distinguish between the refund of a fee vs. the refund of an air fare. I'd be making the purchase now for travel in September.
And Main Cabin Extra is AA :-)
May 25, 2023 | 12:26 pm
#409
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 9
Bought 2x $100 UA Travel Bank on 5/10 with Biz Plat. As of 5/25, credit still hasn't posted, but "benefits activity" tracker states for the first time that I've earned all my $200 AF credit for the year.
May 25, 2023 | 2:18 pm
#410
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 6
ETA:
So 5/14/23 2x$100 purchased
5/24: the benefits tab said benefit complete
5/26: statement credit posted.
Last edited by Refund9430; May 26, 2023 at 7:32 am
May 26, 2023 | 12:06 pm
#411
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 23
If I buy travel bank as gift,. is this like that i would buy travel bank for my account? Anyone tried this?
May 26, 2023 | 12:17 pm
#412
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,588
5/16 purchase $50 TB
5/23 meter moved
5/25 statement credit applied
5/23 meter moved
5/25 statement credit applied
May 26, 2023 | 12:26 pm
#413
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,290
May 26, 2023 | 6:39 pm
#414
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 1
5/15 purchased $100 TB x2
5/22 meter moved
5/26 credit posted
5/22 meter moved
5/26 credit posted
May 27, 2023 | 11:05 am
#415
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,978
I'm looking for a logic check from the group because I'm thinking about switching my AMEX Platinum fee credit over to United.
I am looking to buy a $208.90 OW to fly a United 787 from IAD-LAX in September, upgrading to an Economy Plus seat in the Premium Plus Cabin (sold as Economy Plus domestically). I am a lowly Silver, but if I get upgraded to FC, United will refund the Economy Plus seat fee per their FAQ. If I charge the airfare and the Main Cabin Extra fee to my Platinum card, would AMEX claw back the $209.00 Economy Plus fee if it gets refunded? I don't know whether AMEX can distinguish between the refund of a fee vs. the refund of an air fare. I'd be making the purchase now for travel in September.
Yes, I realize aircraft swaps could happen this far out, but the flight I'm looking has historically always been a widebody. Worst case scenario, it would get changed to a high-density 777 so I'd get downgraded to a true Economy Plus seat, which I can live with.
I am looking to buy a $208.90 OW to fly a United 787 from IAD-LAX in September, upgrading to an Economy Plus seat in the Premium Plus Cabin (sold as Economy Plus domestically). I am a lowly Silver, but if I get upgraded to FC, United will refund the Economy Plus seat fee per their FAQ. If I charge the airfare and the Main Cabin Extra fee to my Platinum card, would AMEX claw back the $209.00 Economy Plus fee if it gets refunded? I don't know whether AMEX can distinguish between the refund of a fee vs. the refund of an air fare. I'd be making the purchase now for travel in September.
Yes, I realize aircraft swaps could happen this far out, but the flight I'm looking has historically always been a widebody. Worst case scenario, it would get changed to a high-density 777 so I'd get downgraded to a true Economy Plus seat, which I can live with.
May 29, 2023 | 12:25 am
#416
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 57,932
But probably not into a PE seat, they'll likely be long gone by check-in. OP's strategy for getting into a PE seat on this route is not unreasonable (though I would agree the Travel Bank purchase might be the better the call).
May 29, 2023 | 8:11 am
#417
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 1
Transaction Date May 19th
Meter Moved May 29th
Will update when posted.
Amex Aspire $250 travelbank
Meter Moved May 29th
Will update when posted.
Amex Aspire $250 travelbank
May 31, 2023 | 8:40 am
#418
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 56
Amex Business Platinum $50 Travel Bank transaction on 10 May, credit appeared 25 May.
May 31, 2023 | 9:43 pm
#419
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 15,180
I'm looking for a logic check from the group because I'm thinking about switching my AMEX Platinum fee credit over to United.
I am looking to buy a $208.90 OW to fly a United 787 from IAD-LAX in September, upgrading to an Economy Plus seat in the Premium Plus Cabin (sold as Economy Plus domestically). I am a lowly Silver, but if I get upgraded to FC, United will refund the Economy Plus seat fee per their FAQ. If I charge the airfare and the Main Cabin Extra fee to my Platinum card, would AMEX claw back the $209.00 Economy Plus fee if it gets refunded? I don't know whether AMEX can distinguish between the refund of a fee vs. the refund of an air fare. I'd be making the purchase now for travel in September.
Yes, I realize aircraft swaps could happen this far out, but the flight I'm looking has historically always been a widebody. Worst case scenario, it would get changed to a high-density 777 so I'd get downgraded to a true Economy Plus seat, which I can live with.
I am looking to buy a $208.90 OW to fly a United 787 from IAD-LAX in September, upgrading to an Economy Plus seat in the Premium Plus Cabin (sold as Economy Plus domestically). I am a lowly Silver, but if I get upgraded to FC, United will refund the Economy Plus seat fee per their FAQ. If I charge the airfare and the Main Cabin Extra fee to my Platinum card, would AMEX claw back the $209.00 Economy Plus fee if it gets refunded? I don't know whether AMEX can distinguish between the refund of a fee vs. the refund of an air fare. I'd be making the purchase now for travel in September.
Yes, I realize aircraft swaps could happen this far out, but the flight I'm looking has historically always been a widebody. Worst case scenario, it would get changed to a high-density 777 so I'd get downgraded to a true Economy Plus seat, which I can live with.
- you can check in the UA forum, but if you were to somehow get upgraded to F, I dont believe the E+ fee (which, by the way, isnt an upgrade technically) gets refunded. My understanding is it only gets refunded for paid upgrades, but not for CPU upgrades.
- Amex can definitely tell where the refund is coming from, assuming UA does it like most places, where they will refund the initial charge. I think they can theoretically credit without referencing the original charge, but I dont think thats SOP - most refunds reference the initial charge (that also prevents a vendor from somehow refunding more than the original charge). I believe unlike other issuers, Amex is pretty good about clawing back credits for refunded charges - Chase/Cap1 dont seem to do that much, even if they can.
- Talking about downgrades and upgrades within economy, especially when you also reference F is just confusing. UA doesnt consider E+ a separate cabin, nor does it consider PP seats in an aircraft where they arent selling PP as different from normal E+ (though they may well charge more for those seats vs. a seat say, 1 row back, not sure). You can pay for an E+ seat, but its not considered an upgrade - you can be moved to a plane without a PP cabin, but thats not considered a downgrade since its all just E+. And E+ is a separate section within economy (unlike DL, where they sell their seats in a different cabin, with a different fare class, and different amenities).
Jun 2, 2023 | 1:35 pm
#420
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 81
Is it possible to use Travel Bank on United-marketed AirCanada flight? Maybe by converting to Flight Credit (booking United flight and cancelling it)