What's the Difference Between a "Term" & a "Condition"?
 

What is the difference between a "Term" and a "Condition"?

I'm not really sure how this applies to United, so it might help us answer your question if you give us some context as to what you're talking about.

Not really United specific, but:
They're almost always given together and "Terms&Conditions" (or T&C) is practically one word in practical (i.e. FlyerTalk) usage.

That said, maybe one way to think of it is terms of an offer or promotion are the basic outline of what's being offered (say, fly 10 segments and get a back rub and 3 drink coupons) while the conditions are the limitations or restrictions on what qualifies and what is offered (the flights must be on W or V fares only, and take place before September 15th, the back rub and drink coupons are only valid in IAD terminal G on Tuesdays in October, and you must register before the flights to qualify).
Note: this is not a real promotion ;)

I suspect if one called MP to inquire about a promotion the answer would be exactly the same whether the question was phrased "What are the terms of this offer?" or "What are the conditions of this offer?"

Well-said!

I'll take a stab at it:

term - a definition; something defined; it's usually static

condition - a state or status; can be dynamic


For example:
In regards to whether or not, one earns a promo.

Terms list what one can earn. It's generally fixed, although one might be offered a substitute promo at times.

Conditions would be what one must complete. It's somewhat of a status, being either that you met the conditions or not. If you meet the conditions, you're eligible.



Does this make sense?

"How it applies to United" and the "context as to what I'm talking about" are that the phrase "Terms & Conditions" is mentioned at some point in about 25 percent of the posts in this forum. I was just wondering if one of the words is superfluous or if there is a genuine difference between a term and a condition. I had a vague suspicion that a "term" was the "reward" on offer and that a "condition" was what was required to obtain that reward. However, not being a Law-Talking Guy such as Lionel Hutz, I thought that somebody here might know the precise difference, if any.

IMHO:

Terms: the general approach

Conditions: the specifics

Terms: fly 7 segments get a smile

Conditions: the 7 segments have to be first or business class and you have to pay an arm and a leg in each segment



terms are usually what you like about the offer, conditions are what makes the offer usually pretty much useless

Okay, so here's the Lionel Hutz definition for you then. :) A term is part of a contract while a condition requires satisfaction before performance must be rendered under the contract.

Example:

A term: UA will fly Mr. TakeMeToEZE to EZE.
A condition: UA will fly Mr. TakeMeToEZE to EZE if he has paid $1500 before August 29, 2005.

term: what the offer gives you

condition: when the offer applies

Is there a contract lawyer in the house? :)

There might be in TravelBuzz, which is where this is really more apt since all hotels and airlines (not just United) have "terms and conditions" associated with making use of their services.

So we'll see after it's moved there :)

cblaisd
Moderator, United