Last edit by: WineCountryUA
*NEW* Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Update 30 Aug 2021
See discussion in COVID19 Schedule Change (6+hrs)/Cancellation Refund, UA resisting refunds, DOT ruling
Checking the balance: http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps...s/default.aspx
Enter type (see below) and PIN as a single code without any spaces. Then the page will say it couldn't find anything and offer you a place to enter your last name. Note, will show remaining value but not expiration date,
What does "type" mean? Good question. See the following answer from post 670:
Electronic Travel Certificates (ETCs) / vouchers canonly be used for travel on an entirely UA/UX operated paid itinerary.
Late August 2021 Now useable on partner and codeshare itins!
ETCs can now be used to pay pre-paid baggage fees.
Not valid when there are partner flights or any segment that uses partner metal.
Cannot be used to pay award flight fees.
Cannot be used for E+ fees, WiFi fees, UA subscriptions (Wifi, E+ fees, UC membership, ...), upgrades fees (but OK for up-fares), change fees, ....
ETC can be used by anyone with the PIN and last name of the original person receiving the ETC.
If not fully used the residual can be used later with the same original expiration.
ETCs will be used for the total amount needed (no partial payments if the ETC has a greater value)
TVCA certs with PINs (by far the most common ecert most customers will receive -- such as goodwill compensation from Customer Care or refunds on flights) are considered a form of payment and don't reduce thePQDs PQP earnings.. So the full value of the ticket is earned, no reduction
Expiration -- ETCs generally have a 1 2-year life. The ETC should be used prior to expiration -- but the actual travel days can be after expiration. While not publically documented, it does appear ETCs have a 30 day (one month?) post-expiration grace period.
How do I use the ETC?
Online works fine or you can call and used an agent (a fee may apply)
Online, either select "all search" options and scroll to the bottom of the screen to enter
or
wait until you get to the Payment Options at the end of the purchasing steps and select "United payment types"
Enter pin code (7 or 10 digits) and Last Name on the ETC
Where online can I view my unused ETCs?
You cannot. No such listing is available. UA now displays some ETCs in Your Account (May 2020)
Reports suggest ETCs from flight credits seem to be displayed but customer service ETCs are not.
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
You can call and ask an agent to look these up for you. Note agents will not provide the ETC PIN on the phone.
Can an ETC be used for covering the costs of a post-purchase upfare?
Multiple reports of success but one mentioned it would need to be the sole method of payment.
Can only be done by an agent -- not online
Can not be an upgrade fee, must be an upfare.
Can an ETC be used to UC membership or E+ access fee or change fee or award fee or upgrade co-pay or baggage fee or ...
ETCs can only be used for airfare,not for any fee
August 2020 - ETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades, bag fees
Can I partially use an ETC and then pay the remainder with a credit card (to get the card's benefits)?
No, the ETC must be fully used (up to the needed amount). Only if the ETC is insufficient, can a credit card then be used.
If I make a booking with an ETC and then cancel -- what happens?
Normally it would just stay as flight credit. If refunded, it goes back to the original ETC (recent reports suggest a new ETC is now issued). If that has expired, it gets tricky, UA may create a new ETC -- this situation generally takes manual handling. It does not get converted to cash
How many ETCs can be used at one time?
There is a limit of one ETC per passenger. If you have multiple passengers on the PNR, you can apply 1 ETC each ( does not have to be the same value ETC nor does ETC to be applied to every passenger). (Recent reports suggest the use of multiple ETCs per passenger). If you have more ETCs than passengers, you can now combine ETCs. You can also use one-ways to double the number of opportunities to use ETCs vs roundtrips.
Combinability update July 2017 - ETCs can be combined (either a new ETC created with the expiration date of the earliest-expiring ETC or multiple ETCs used on a PNR). Appears will only combine ETC if you need to do this to book a flight. Initially, UA seemed to allow the combining for future use but most reports now suggest you need to also have a flight booking in mind using the new combined ETC.
Combinability update June 2020 - ETCs can be combined at the website payment screen without calling (see post 690)
Related threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Is there any way to combine multiple travel certificates into one? {out-of-date -- see not above}
UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Codeshares/partner flights
Using ETCs in Canada (outside of US) on new United.com
Archive: UA Electronic Travel Certificates (ETC): General Q&A, ... {Archive}
Link to Travel Credit Lookup by E-mail Page:
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/credit.html
Note: page first shows FFCs; scroll down further for ETCs.
David
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/credit.html
Note: page first shows FFCs; scroll down further for ETCs.
David
We’re extending electronic certificatesTo give you more flexibility when you travel, electronic certificates are now valid for 24 months from the date they were issued. This includes all currently valid electronic certificates and all new ones issued on or after April 1, 2020. All electronic certificates due to expire prior to December 31, 2022, will be extended until December 31, 2022.
This policy change will automatically appear, but it may not be reflected everywhere right away. We’d appreciate your patience as we work to make that happen.
.
This policy change will automatically appear, but it may not be reflected everywhere right away. We’d appreciate your patience as we work to make that happen.
.
Checking the balance: http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps...s/default.aspx
Enter type (see below) and PIN as a single code without any spaces. Then the page will say it couldn't find anything and offer you a place to enter your last name. Note, will show remaining value but not expiration date,
What does "type" mean? Good question. See the following answer from post 670:
Electronic Travel Certificates (ETCs) / vouchers can
Late August 2021 Now useable on partner and codeshare itins!
ETCs can now be used to pay pre-paid baggage fees.
Not valid when there are partner flights or any segment that uses partner metal.
Cannot be used to pay award flight fees.
ETC can be used by anyone with the PIN and last name of the original person receiving the ETC.
If not fully used the residual can be used later with the same original expiration.
ETCs will be used for the total amount needed (no partial payments if the ETC has a greater value)
TVCA certs with PINs (by far the most common ecert most customers will receive -- such as goodwill compensation from Customer Care or refunds on flights) are considered a form of payment and don't reduce the
yes they do. https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...arn-miles.html Q&A #7
How do I use the ETC?
Online works fine or you can call and used an agent (a fee may apply)
Online, either select "all search" options and scroll to the bottom of the screen to enter
or
wait until you get to the Payment Options at the end of the purchasing steps and select "United payment types"
Enter pin code (7 or 10 digits) and Last Name on the ETC
Where online can I view my unused ETCs?
Reports suggest ETCs from flight credits seem to be displayed but customer service ETCs are not.
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
You can call and ask an agent to look these up for you. Note agents will not provide the ETC PIN on the phone.
Can an ETC be used for covering the costs of a post-purchase upfare?
Multiple reports of success but one mentioned it would need to be the sole method of payment.
Can only be done by an agent -- not online
Can not be an upgrade fee, must be an upfare.
Can an ETC be used to UC membership or E+ access fee or change fee or award fee or upgrade co-pay or baggage fee or ...
ETCs can only be used for airfare,
August 2020 - ETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades, bag fees
Can I partially use an ETC and then pay the remainder with a credit card (to get the card's benefits)?
No, the ETC must be fully used (up to the needed amount). Only if the ETC is insufficient, can a credit card then be used.
If I make a booking with an ETC and then cancel -- what happens?
Normally it would just stay as flight credit. If refunded, it goes back to the original ETC (recent reports suggest a new ETC is now issued). If that has expired, it gets tricky, UA may create a new ETC -- this situation generally takes manual handling. It does not get converted to cash
How many ETCs can be used at one time?
There is a limit of one ETC per passenger. If you have multiple passengers on the PNR, you can apply 1 ETC each ( does not have to be the same value ETC nor does ETC to be applied to every passenger). (Recent reports suggest the use of multiple ETCs per passenger). If you have more ETCs than passengers, you can now combine ETCs. You can also use one-ways to double the number of opportunities to use ETCs vs roundtrips.
Combinability update July 2017 - ETCs can be combined (either a new ETC created with the expiration date of the earliest-expiring ETC or multiple ETCs used on a PNR). Appears will only combine ETC if you need to do this to book a flight. Initially, UA seemed to allow the combining for future use but most reports now suggest you need to also have a flight booking in mind using the new combined ETC.
Combinability update June 2020 - ETCs can be combined at the website payment screen without calling (see post 690)
Related threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Is there any way to combine multiple travel certificates into one? {out-of-date -- see not above}
UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Codeshares/partner flights
Using ETCs in Canada (outside of US) on new United.com
Archive: UA Electronic Travel Certificates (ETC): General Q&A, ... {Archive}
UA Electronic Travel Certificates (ETC): Q&A, OK for partners, 2 year life (Dec 2022)
#331
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: American Gold, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 269
UA can still combine ETCs if the ETC is still within 30 days after it has expired.
Way too complicated and time-consuming. Allow me:
Booking:
Way too complicated and time-consuming. Allow me:
Booking:
1. Book your tickets as usual at UA's website. Stop when you are asked for payment information.
2. Choose "Pay in person" from "Other forms of payment". Then click Purchase. Your reservation will be on hold pending your payment and a PNR is generated.
3. Call United and speak to an agent.
4. Identify the purpose of your call: to combine ETCs and finalize your booking.
5. Provide agent with the PIN Code for each ETC.
6. Inform agent of your PNR.
7. Provide credit card information if the value of the ticket(s) exceeds the value of the combined ETC.
8. Agent will then let you know that a copy of the itinerary is e-mailed to you
9. Thank the agent and hang up
10. Check the e-mail as well as your account on either the website or app to confirm everything is copacetic
In this case, the agent simply needs to concern the combination of the ETCs and ticketing, which you will do a big favor in saving time for both UA and you.2. Choose "Pay in person" from "Other forms of payment". Then click Purchase. Your reservation will be on hold pending your payment and a PNR is generated.
3. Call United and speak to an agent.
4. Identify the purpose of your call: to combine ETCs and finalize your booking.
5. Provide agent with the PIN Code for each ETC.
6. Inform agent of your PNR.
7. Provide credit card information if the value of the ticket(s) exceeds the value of the combined ETC.
8. Agent will then let you know that a copy of the itinerary is e-mailed to you
9. Thank the agent and hang up
10. Check the e-mail as well as your account on either the website or app to confirm everything is copacetic
Also, how does this work for Cancelling within 24 hours? If I call in and pay with my CC/voucher do I have 24hrs of free cancel from the time I paid or from the time I originally booked, but not ticketed, the reservation?
#332
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
can be ETCs be applied to itineraries to ZFV?
I'm looking at an Air-Rail itinerary later this year, and wonder if the Amtrak leg to ZFV would make the ticket (in)eligible for applying ETC?
Has anyone been able to do this?
Has anyone been able to do this?
#333
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
ETCs are only valid on UA/UAX metal only, so I’d guess no. If you start booking the trip, when it asks for payment method, it will almost always tell you something like ‘due to your flight selection, United Payment types are not available’ if you aren’t able to use Ann ETC.
#334
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
ETCs are only valid on UA/UAX metal only, so I’d guess no. If you start booking the trip, when it asks for payment method, it will almost always tell you something like ‘due to your flight selection, United Payment types are not available’ if you aren’t able to use Ann ETC.
Your purchase is confirmed and your reservation is processing.
We'll email you when your reservation has been ticketed.
#335
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,057
yeah, they have air rail often coded as UAX ... then it should work. Too bad it doesn't earn any PQM or even RDM based on $$$.
#336
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Yes - it worked! Reservation just ticketed. The fare from YVR-EWR-ZFV is worth the lack of PQM. $81 Canadian base fare plus taxes comes to CAD 165.76 per person. That is an astounding value for our peak cruising season in August!
#337
Join Date: Nov 2002
Programs: UA Plat; AS MVP Gold; BA Silver; LATAM Black; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Plat; GHA Plat
Posts: 289
ETC: Combining (1) Multiple ETCs issued to different people; (2) ETC with Travel Bank
I tried making a booking over the phone and combining:
A. Two ETCs issued to two different people (myself & my partner)
B. My ETC with my Travel Bank cash.
The agent would not allow either. Should I keep trying, i.e., has anyone had success with either scenario, or is this really a firm United policy?
A. Two ETCs issued to two different people (myself & my partner)
B. My ETC with my Travel Bank cash.
The agent would not allow either. Should I keep trying, i.e., has anyone had success with either scenario, or is this really a firm United policy?
#338
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,057
yeah, that's SOP. You may get lucky on combining ETCs for family members, but strictly speaking this is against the rules.
#339
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
ETCs can not be combined with TravelBank cash, for sure. You can use either ETC(s), or TB Cash, but not both on the same reservation. A way around that (or to use more than one ETC per person on the res) is to book two one ways vs. a single round trip , though this typically only makes sense for domestic/transborder where two one way fares are the same as the RT.
Also, I think strictly speaking, TravelBank cash can only be used when booking online.
Also, I think strictly speaking, TravelBank cash can only be used when booking online.
#340
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
#341
Join Date: Nov 2002
Programs: UA Plat; AS MVP Gold; BA Silver; LATAM Black; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Plat; GHA Plat
Posts: 289
Excellent--hadn't thought of that! The two one-ways are exactly the same as the RT. And on each one-way I can use an ETC which is < the fare. So, I was able to book the two one-ways online without wasting time on the phone...
#342
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
Of course, while your still in the 24 hour cancel period, probably should have thrown up the disclaimer on a potential disadvantage of this method, which is that if you need to make a change to both outbound and return, it costs two re-isssue fees vs. one.
#343
Noob question.
I get a $200 UA travel credit that expired late August 2019. Can I use this credit to travel later than the expiration, say Oct-2019? Or I'll have to complete the travel before the expiration? Any DP of UA extending the expiration?
I get a $200 UA travel credit that expired late August 2019. Can I use this credit to travel later than the expiration, say Oct-2019? Or I'll have to complete the travel before the expiration? Any DP of UA extending the expiration?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 18, 2019 at 12:25 pm Reason: moved to master thread
#344
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,462
You just need to buy a ticket with it before it expires. The flight on the ticket can be later than that.
#345
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,856
Expiration -- ETCs generally have a 1-year life. The ETC should be used prior to expiration -- but the actual travel days can be after expiration. While not publically documented, it does appear ETCs have a 30 day (one month?) post-expiration grace period.