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)
Oct 16, 2023, 12:21 pm
#556
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 581
Hi leftysauce, any updates about your reimbursement? I didn't see the tip to wait for 24 hours before purchasing United Travel Bank credit. And was hoping you could give some insight on your situation! Thanks in advance.
so I would suggest waiting for maybe a day or two after making the selection
Oct 17, 2023, 12:20 pm
#557
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 22
AMEX Plat
October 12th $100 United Travel Bank
October 16th credited for full amount
October 12th $100 United Travel Bank
October 16th credited for full amount
Oct 17, 2023, 11:40 pm
#558
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 38
Recently got the Aspire and I'm thinking about using UA Travel Bank for the $250. Is it possible if I purchase the Travel Bank under my wife's UA account? That way it can all just accumulate under her since she has a higher probability flying UA with cash more than I do.
Oct 18, 2023, 3:30 am
#559
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: 35,513
Recently got the Aspire and I'm thinking about using UA Travel Bank for the $250. Is it possible if I purchase the Travel Bank under my wife's UA account? That way it can all just accumulate under her since she has a higher probability flying UA with cash more than I do.
rtant thing here is the card being used.
Oct 18, 2023, 10:53 am
#561
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 57
Data Point
AM Personal Plat
10/13 2x$100 purchased
10/17 2x$100 credited
AM Personal Plat
10/13 2x$100 purchased
10/17 2x$100 credited
Oct 19, 2023, 12:07 pm
#562
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: USA
Programs: American Airlines (Executive Platinum), Hyatt (Globalist), Hilton (Diamond), IHG (Diamond)
Posts: 2,928
Changes to Amex Hilton Aspire announced yesterday. Airline reimbursement now $50 quarterly. Appears to include all airline charges, so it should be more flexible, but obviously quarterly = tougher to use.
Current cardholders supposedly grandfathered for the $250/year thru Dec. 31, 2023, but might want to proceed with caution until new reports come in.
Current cardholders supposedly grandfathered for the $250/year thru Dec. 31, 2023, but might want to proceed with caution until new reports come in.
Oct 19, 2023, 12:09 pm
#563
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,103
Oct 19, 2023, 12:23 pm
#564
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: USA
Programs: American Airlines (Executive Platinum), Hyatt (Globalist), Hilton (Diamond), IHG (Diamond)
Posts: 2,928
Amex hasn't sent cardholders a notice about the changes yet, so it would seem like an easy CFPB win if it came to that for anyone using the old $250/year before notice is received. But I know a lot of people don't like to poke the hornet's nest.
Wouldn't be surprised to see similar changes coming to the Plat, so people might want to use those ASAP.
Wouldn't be surprised to see similar changes coming to the Plat, so people might want to use those ASAP.
Oct 19, 2023, 12:27 pm
#565
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 3
Aspire
Oct 14 $50+$100
Oct 18 Credited $50+$100
Oct 14 $50+$100
Oct 18 Credited $50+$100
Oct 19, 2023, 12:39 pm
#566
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 38
Amex hasn't sent cardholders a notice about the changes yet, so it would seem like an easy CFPB win if it came to that for anyone using the old $250/year before notice is received. But I know a lot of people don't like to poke the hornet's nest.
Wouldn't be surprised to see similar changes coming to the Plat, so people might want to use those ASAP.
Wouldn't be surprised to see similar changes coming to the Plat, so people might want to use those ASAP.
4. $250 Airline Fee Credit
This benefit is only available through December 31, 2023 for Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members approved prior to October 19, 2023. Effective January 1, 2024, the $250 Airline Fee Credit will no longer be available. Card Members who enrolled in the benefit before December 31, 2023 can continue to receive statement credits of up to $250 per calendar year toward incidental air travel fees on their selected qualifying airline through December 31,2023.
To receive statement credits of up to $250 per calendar year toward incidental air travel fees, Card Member must select one qualifying airline by calling the American Express number on the back of the card. Only the Basic Card Member or Authorized Account Manager(s) on the Card Account can select the qualifying airline. Card Members who have not chosen one qualifying airline will be able to do so at anytime. Card Members who have already selected one qualifying airline will be able to change their choice one time each year in January by calling the number on the back of the Card. Card Members who do not change their airline selection will remain with their current airline. Statement Credits: Incidental air travel fees must be charged to the Card Member on the eligible Card Account for the benefit to apply. Purchases made by both the Basic and Additional Card Members on the eligible Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, each Card Account is eligible for up to a total of $250 per calendar year in statement credits across all Cards on the Card Account. Incidental air travel fees must be separate charges from airline ticket charges. Fees not charged by the Card Members airline of choice (e.g. wireless internet and fees incurred with airline alliance partners) do not qualify for statement credits. Incidental air travel fees charged prior to selection of a qualifying airline are not eligible for statement credits. Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees. The airline must submit the charge under the appropriate merchant code, industry code, or required service or product identifier for the charge to be recognized as an incidental air travel fee. Please allow 6-8 weeks after the qualifying incidental air travel fee is charged to your Card Account for statement credit(s) to be posted to the Card Account. We rely on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions, so please call the number on the back of the Card if statement credits have not posted after 8 weeks from the date of purchase. Card Members remain responsible for timely payment of all charges.
Oct 19, 2023, 3:26 pm
#567
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: Starwood Gold ne Platinum; AA Plat.
Posts: 476
Divergence between name on credit card and travel bank account
Does it matter if the credit card is in a different name than the UA account. E.g., if I use a credit card in my name to purchase $100 for the travel bank in my wife's name, does that matter in terms of the reimbursement? Thanks.
Oct 19, 2023, 3:38 pm
#568
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,229
Oct 19, 2023, 7:25 pm
#569
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 91
Based on the Terms & Conditions, it doesn't sound like TravelBank will trigger the new Aspire credit:
"... up to $200 annually for eligible purchases of airfare made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. To be eligible for this benefit, an airfare purchase must be for a scheduled flight on a passenger carrier and purchased directly from the airline or through amextravel.com."
"... up to $200 annually for eligible purchases of airfare made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. To be eligible for this benefit, an airfare purchase must be for a scheduled flight on a passenger carrier and purchased directly from the airline or through amextravel.com."
Oct 19, 2023, 7:39 pm
#570
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Signatures.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 49,032