Apr 9, 2020, 2:37 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
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The ability to extend FFCs and ETCs is a dynamic situation and what work in the past is not working now
See the thread for most recent reports. Some paths do appear to exist but things are changing frequently.
**************************************
* In mid-2021, UA started a process that unify ETCs/FFCs and expand their usability, jointly they are called "travel credits"
* There are still a few differences - transferability and expiration are different
* Conversion of FFCs to ETCs are no longer an option
* See this UA announcement (27 Sept 2021) for some insight
FFC -- Future flight Credit issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight
ETC -- A credit issued generally for a service related issue, broken seat, a significant delayed flight due to UA issues, ....
Refunds due to significant schedule changes or cancellations are different, see Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund,New DOT ruling,UA processing refunds
Can I convert a FFC to ETC? Can I get an ETC instead of FFC?
ETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades, bag fees
Comparison of TB, ETCs, & FFCs
Further changes in May 2024. See thread
However, you can follow the below to book a flight, then change it to a different flight after the expiration date.
Other useful threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Future Flight Credits (FFC) Available on My Trips page?
Issues with UA's online rebooking: Missing flights, higher prices, changed cabin, ..
Is UA enforcing No Residual Value restriction found in some fare rules?
UA Electronic Travel Certificates (ETC): General Q&A, ... now 2 year life ...Closed
UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Codeshares/partner flights ...Closed
How to get residual value ("future flight credit") from non-refundable flight ...Closed
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
The ability to extend FFCs and ETCs is a dynamic situation and what work in the past is not working now
See the thread for most recent reports. Some paths do appear to exist but things are changing frequently.
**************************************
* In mid-2021, UA started a process that unify ETCs/FFCs and expand their usability, jointly they are called "travel credits"
* There are still a few differences - transferability and expiration are different
* Conversion of FFCs to ETCs are no longer an option
* See this UA announcement (27 Sept 2021) for some insight
FFC -- Future flight Credit issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight
ETC -- A credit issued generally for a service related issue, broken seat, a significant delayed flight due to UA issues, ....
Refunds due to significant schedule changes or cancellations are different, see Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund,New DOT ruling,UA processing refunds
United travel credits
We have two types of travel credits, and both can easily be used to shop for flights and amenities on our website or app. Get to know future flight credits and travel certificates.
How do I redeem my travel credits? Can anyone use my credits?
To use travel credits with PlusPoints, youll need to book your ticket using your travel credit and then request a PlusPoints upgrade.Do travel credits expire?
We have two types of travel credits, and both can easily be used to shop for flights and amenities on our website or app. Get to know future flight credits and travel certificates.
How do I redeem my travel credits?
Shop for your flight as you normally would. Once you get to checkout, all unused travel credits that are connected to your MileagePlus account will automatically appear once you select Travel Credits as a payment option. All you have to do is select the checkbox next to the credit and it will automatically be applied to your reservation.
If you dont see one of your travel credits listed, or dont have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
If you dont see one of your travel credits listed, or dont have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
Who can actually use a travel credit varies based on credit type.
Future flight credits
Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to. However, all future flight credits that were issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. If you have trouble using a future flight credit, please contact Reservations at 1-800-864-8331.
Future flight credits
Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to. However, all future flight credits that were issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. If you have trouble using a future flight credit, please contact Reservations at 1-800-864-8331.
Travel certificates
These credits can be used by anyone.
What can I use my travel credits?These credits can be used by anyone.
- All travel credits can be used to buy tickets on United, United Express and partner-operated flights. You can also apply travel credits toward non-ticket items, like Economy Plus seating, Basic Economy seat assignments and preferred seating.
(and pre-paid checked bags? never implemented)
To use travel credits with PlusPoints, youll need to book your ticket using your travel credit and then request a PlusPoints upgrade.
All travel credits do expire, but the expirations work differently for the two types of credits.
Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a travel by date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their travel by date extended to December 31, 2023.
Travel certificates
Travel certificates have a book by date as their expiration. Meaning, you must book your flight using this credit before the expiration date. In most cases, these credits expire up to one year after the date they were issued.
Please note, travel certificates set to expire on or before December 31, 2022, or issued before December 31, 2022, have had their book by date extended to December 31, 2023.
Where do I find my travel credit info?Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a travel by date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their travel by date extended to December 31, 2023.
Travel certificates
Travel certificates have a book by date as their expiration. Meaning, you must book your flight using this credit before the expiration date. In most cases, these credits expire up to one year after the date they were issued.
Please note, travel certificates set to expire on or before December 31, 2022, or issued before December 31, 2022, have had their book by date extended to December 31, 2023.
MileagePlus members can find a summary of their travel credits in their account. If you arent a member or cant find your credit in your account, you can also use the lookup forms provided on this page to find your travel credit information, including the value and expiration date.
Can I use multiple credit info?Yes, you can use multiple credits of the same type in a single purchase. Future flight credits and travel certificates cannot be combined. {Although in Sept 2021 UA hinted this was coming}
What if I have a travel credit issues for a flight originally booked through a travel agent?You can still use your credit, but youll need to do it through the travel agency you used to book the original flight.
(ETC) Terms and conditionsCertificate terms and conditions
- Travel certificates are redeemable toward transportation on any flight operated by United Airlines, Inc., United Express, and partner airlines sold on United digital channels.
- You may redeem or view travel certificate details at united.com by clicking on Deals & Offers, Promotional certificates, and entering the promotion code and PIN in the offer code box. You can also call United at 800-UNITED-1 (800-864-8331). A fee may apply for redemption via telephone. You will be asked to enter the last name of the certificate recipient. Certificates may not be redeemed through a travel agency.
- The promotion code and PIN must be presented at time of ticket purchase and expire 24 months from original date of issue, unless otherwise noted.
- Travel certificates have no cash value.
- Travel certificates will not be honored in conjunction with prepaid tickets, fee-waived tickets, MileagePlus awards, tour packages or other service charges. You must pay for outstanding fees and ancillary purchases with a credit or debit card at time of purchase.
- If the face amount of a travel certificate exceeds the cost of the ticket for which it is surrendered, any residual amount will be applied to the same PIN for use toward another ticket until either the original issued amount is depleted, or the expiration date has been reached, whichever comes first.
- Travel certificates are not transferable and may not be sold, traded or bartered. However, the original recipient of a certificate may arrange travel for another person if done without selling or bartering the certificate. Any sale or barter of a certificate, or any offer to sell or enter into such a transaction, shall render a certificate null and void such that the certificate shall no longer be redeemable by any person, including the original recipient.
- Positive identification may be required when using a certificate toward the purchase of a ticket. United is not liable for loss, theft or unintended use of a certificate by a person other than the original recipient.
- United's Contract of Carriage applies to all travel on United Airlines and United Express.
You can not longer do either.
Occasionally, if there is an problem using your FFC, the agent will convert it to an ETC for immediate use. These are rare and at the agent;s discretion. Calling to ask converting an FFC to ETC for use by another traveler will likely not work -as the FFC was never intended for transfer
What if I only use part of the credit, what happens to the rest?Occasionally, if there is an problem using your FFC, the agent will convert it to an ETC for immediate use. These are rare and at the agent;s discretion. Calling to ask converting an FFC to ETC for use by another traveler will likely not work -as the FFC was never intended for transfer
For both FFCs/ETCs the remainder of the credit is available for future use
But these credits must be fully used before the use of a credit card payment
Can FFCs or ETCs be used to pay award fees?But these credits must be fully used before the use of a credit card payment
No
What happens if I cancel a ticket purchased with FFC or ETC in 24 hours?Payment goes back to original form of payment, Note this can take some time -- a week or more, especially for the ETC.
What happens if I cancel a ticket purchased with FFC or ETC after 24 hours?This becomes a new FFC (including the ETC value). This generally happens immediately.
Unable to use ETC or FCC for a farelocked ticket?This does appear to be a limitation, but it appears phone / chat agents can do this.
ETCETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades
Comparison of TB, ETCs, & FFCs
- They all have different pluses and minuses
- TB can only be used on an all UA operated itin but can be used to book anyone. Deposited TB funds have up to 5 year expiration (special promos are funds are much shorter) and need to be used for a booking before expiration but travel can be later (up to 11 months)
- ETCs can be used for any itin bookable by United and can be used by any traveler, Trips funded by ETC need to be booked by expiration but travel can be later (up to 11 months)
- FFCs can be use for any itin bookable by United but can only be used by the named traveler, Trips funded by ETC need to be started before expiration
- Only one of these can be used in a single booking, but multiple ETCs or Multiple FFCs can be used for a single booking
- TB and ETCs can be converted to FFCs. FFCs can not (in general) be converted to ETCs (but occasionally will be if a legitimate FFCs usage fails).
- FFCs or ETCs can not be deposited in TB.
Further changes in May 2024. See thread
Originally Posted by wiki
If you want to extend an FFC, the most reliable process is:
Purchasie a new non-refundable (non-BE) itin, for same passengers as the FFC. Do not use change of flight, start a new booking without using the FFC.
When you get to the payment page, then use the FFC as a form of payment
Wait a bit over 24 hours and then cancel.
You then will receive, essentially instantaneous, a new FFC with an expiration 1 year from the booking date.
The new FFC must be used for a trip starting before the new expiration
Deviations may not be successful
This will not work for FFC from a partial flown trip.
This works for extending ETC also except the ETC with be converted to a FFC and locked to the named passenger.
There is no guarantee this process will work in the future
Purchasie a new non-refundable (non-BE) itin, for same passengers as the FFC. Do not use change of flight, start a new booking without using the FFC.
When you get to the payment page, then use the FFC as a form of payment
Wait a bit over 24 hours and then cancel.
You then will receive, essentially instantaneous, a new FFC with an expiration 1 year from the booking date.
The new FFC must be used for a trip starting before the new expiration
Deviations may not be successful
This will not work for FFC from a partial flown trip.
This works for extending ETC also except the ETC with be converted to a FFC and locked to the named passenger.
There is no guarantee this process will work in the future
Other useful threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Future Flight Credits (FFC) Available on My Trips page?
Issues with UA's online rebooking: Missing flights, higher prices, changed cabin, ..
Is UA enforcing No Residual Value restriction found in some fare rules?
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Jan 22, 2025 | 9:10 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2025
Posts: 6
I have been going page by page trying to understand how ETC and FFC work exactly. I am still a bit confused about extensions on ETC. I would really appreciate some guidance. I think I have ETC credit that is expiring on 2/3/25. I am trying to extend the expiration date. From what I understand I need to book a non refundable economy ticket that is greater than the value of the ticket, then cancel it after >24 hours. Then it will be converted to a FFC.
1. In the screenshot below is my credit, is that an ETC credit?
2. If I book a non refundable ticket how would I go about canceling it if it's non refundable? Is it done online or phone call?
3. Will the difference between the ETC credit and the amount booked be refunded? Or will it be added to the FFC?
1. In the screenshot below is my credit, is that an ETC credit?
2. If I book a non refundable ticket how would I go about canceling it if it's non refundable? Is it done online or phone call?
3. Will the difference between the ETC credit and the amount booked be refunded? Or will it be added to the FFC?
Jan 22, 2025 | 11:04 pm
#32
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,220
. I think I have ETC credit that is expiring on 2/3/25. I am trying to extend the expiration date. From what I understand I need to book a non refundable economy ticket that is greater than the value of the ticket, then cancel it after >24 hours. Then it will be converted to a FFC. ...
Yes (how did you happen to get this?)
No, it will also be non-refunded and will be a part of the FFC value.
Jan 23, 2025 | 9:25 am
#33
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 553
Yesterday I booked a flight using FFCs expiring in the summer for a flight in the spring, immediately changing it to a flight of equal cost in the fall that I actually wanted. Today, I noticed a price drop in the flight I booked. When I changed the flight to take advantage of the price drop, the FFC it gave has an expiration of 1/22/26 (which I tested to make sure it was actually valid through at least the end of the currently available schedule) even though all the FFCs I used for the original flight had a spring expiration. So, tentatively hoping that the previous trick of extending the date of FFC's works again.
Last edited by Clemson; Jan 23, 2025 at 11:35 am
Jan 23, 2025 | 10:04 am
#34
Join Date: Jan 2025
Posts: 6
Understandable as it has been a changing landscape especially for "extending" FFCs.
Correct . But to be clear you are not extending the ETC but rather converting to FFC which will have a new, future expiration. While FFCs and ETCs are credits they have different characteristics. One of the most notable difference is ETCs can be used by any traveler but FFCs can only be used by the named traveler.
Yes (how did you happen to get this?)
You can cancel online or using the app or by phone. As it is non refundable, 24 hours after booking, so when you cancel you do not get a refund but rather a credit, a FFC, with an expiration 1 year out from the purchase date
No, it will also be non-refunded and will be a part of the FFC value.
Correct . But to be clear you are not extending the ETC but rather converting to FFC which will have a new, future expiration. While FFCs and ETCs are credits they have different characteristics. One of the most notable difference is ETCs can be used by any traveler but FFCs can only be used by the named traveler.
Yes (how did you happen to get this?)
You can cancel online or using the app or by phone. As it is non refundable, 24 hours after booking, so when you cancel you do not get a refund but rather a credit, a FFC, with an expiration 1 year out from the purchase date
No, it will also be non-refunded and will be a part of the FFC value.
Jan 23, 2025 | 11:04 am
#35
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Gold
Posts: 15,011
Yesterday I booked a flight using FFCs expiring in the summer for a flight in the spring, immediately changing it to a flight of equal cost in the fall that I actually wanted. Today, I noticed a price drop in the flight I booked. When I changed the flight to take advantage of the price drop, the FFC it gave has an expiration of 1/22/25 (which I tested to make sure it was actually valid through at least the end of the currently available schedule) even though all the FFCs I used for the original flight had a spring expiration. So, tentatively hoping that the previous trick of extending the date of FFC's works again.
If so, yes they made that change back in November.
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Jan 23, 2025 | 11:36 am
#36
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 553
I take it you mean the FFC now expires Jan 22 2026 (eg itinerary booking day + 1 year)?
If so, yes they made that change back in November.
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
If so, yes they made that change back in November.
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Jan 28, 2025 | 11:22 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 4,270
Can someone please help confirm whether this process I'm thinking of can work?
I have Travelbank funds I want to purchase for my friend for UA codeshare (Air Canada metal) flight. I plan on buying a regular economy ticket in the friend's name, and cancel after 24 hrs. I presume then my friend will be issued a future flight credit. I then use the future flight credit to purchase the UA codeshare flight (since i understand that FFC can be used for codeshare).
Does this sound right?
Bonus question: does the same apply to child ticket?
TIA
I have Travelbank funds I want to purchase for my friend for UA codeshare (Air Canada metal) flight. I plan on buying a regular economy ticket in the friend's name, and cancel after 24 hrs. I presume then my friend will be issued a future flight credit. I then use the future flight credit to purchase the UA codeshare flight (since i understand that FFC can be used for codeshare).
Does this sound right?
Bonus question: does the same apply to child ticket?
TIA
Feb 1, 2025 | 8:43 am
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,515
Can someone please help confirm whether this process I'm thinking of can work?
I have Travelbank funds I want to purchase for my friend for UA codeshare (Air Canada metal) flight. I plan on buying a regular economy ticket in the friend's name, and cancel after 24 hrs. I presume then my friend will be issued a future flight credit. I then use the future flight credit to purchase the UA codeshare flight (since i understand that FFC can be used for codeshare).
Does this sound right?
Bonus question: does the same apply to child ticket?
TIA
I have Travelbank funds I want to purchase for my friend for UA codeshare (Air Canada metal) flight. I plan on buying a regular economy ticket in the friend's name, and cancel after 24 hrs. I presume then my friend will be issued a future flight credit. I then use the future flight credit to purchase the UA codeshare flight (since i understand that FFC can be used for codeshare).
Does this sound right?
Bonus question: does the same apply to child ticket?
TIA
Feb 1, 2025 | 6:59 pm
#39
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 4,270
Interesting. I couldn't use TB for friend and child when it was an Air Canada codeshare flight. The option didn't exist to select TB. Only for UA flight did that show up.
Feb 1, 2025 | 7:32 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,750
You cannot use TravelBank to book flights not operated by UA. cfischer is saying that the workaround you asked about should work.
Feb 2, 2025 | 9:14 pm
#41
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: SFO
Posts: 501
Thank you! I really appreciate the explanation. Initially I had a FFC and ETC. I tried book a refundable Economy ticket with both credits. One was expiring this January on the 15th the other was an ETC expiring on the 3rd of February. I canceled a few hours this ticket and got reissued this ETC combining both values. The credit was issued due to numerous errors from United on my trip to Mexico. They issued the both type of credits and I personally did not have time to use it.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 2, 2025 at 9:21 pm Reason: merged consecutive by same member
Feb 3, 2025 | 5:42 am
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,515
That wasnt the case for me. I booked a flight using an ETC that was close to expiring, covering the remaining balance with a credit card since the fare was slightly higher than the ETCs value. After the ETC had expired, I canceled the flight and was issued a new ETC with only a one-month validity from the cancellation date.
whats the expiration date on the new ETC?
whats the expiration date on the new ETC?
Feb 3, 2025 | 10:04 am
#43
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 4,270
Update:
Completed this task in an unexpected way and it was even easier. After booking friend and child using TB funds, I was able to modify their booking and select the AC codeshare by paying the difference of a few dollars. Now they can fly on the nonstop flight at the desired time, and no need to cancel and use the FFC to rebook.
Feb 4, 2025 | 8:41 pm
#44
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, AA, DL, BR
Posts: 3,932
Any idea how this happened? Have not tried to use it yet.
