Jan 8, 2015, 2:07 pm
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)
Feb 21, 2021, 10:21 pm
#722
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: 66,832
Not every flight is refundable and no guarantee an FFC is convertible to an ETC. And given an ETC is good for two years, I'm not going to try to predict UA's practice two years out.
Feb 21, 2021, 10:28 pm
#723
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
That said, effectively this probably doesn't change much: the best practice is probably still to use the ETC before its original expiration, and, barring that, I think we'd probably always recommend / try the "book, then refund, a fully-refundable ticket" approach anyway, since there's really no downside.
Mar 17, 2021, 11:48 am
#724
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Continental OnePass
Posts: 856
A quick question about the expiry date. Is that the date by which i must 'spend' the certificate, or the date by which I must fly? For example, if my Certificate has an expiry date of say March 5 2022, can I log on on March 4 2022 and buy a flight for June 2022 using the certificate, or must I fly before the expiry date?
Mar 17, 2021, 4:33 pm
#725
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
A quick question about the expiry date. Is that the date by which i must 'spend' the certificate, or the date by which I must fly? For example, if my Certificate has an expiry date of say March 5 2022, can I log on on March 4 2022 and buy a flight for June 2022 using the certificate, or must I fly before the expiry date?
Apr 7, 2021, 7:53 am
#726
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 58
I just tried to get my certificate extended again and no dice. Agent said they aren’t extending them further than the 24 months they gave.
They did say that there’s a 30 day grace period from when the cert expires.
They did say that there’s a 30 day grace period from when the cert expires.
Apr 7, 2021, 12:28 pm
#727
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,026
there are obviously the other reported ways to 'extend' certificates as tickets you book can be changed free of charge. So there are plenty of ways to get around this.
Apr 12, 2021, 2:13 pm
#728
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,095
I didn't do this intentionally & used the new ETC right away anyway, but I used an ETC to buy a fully refundable ticket & then canceled the ticket the next day. As refund, the system issued a new ETC with expiration date two years from date of cancelation. Seems odd that this would happen, as if this is generally applicable, it obviates completely the expiration of ETCs.
Apr 23, 2021, 11:05 pm
#729
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: YVR
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 975
Have a booking that I want to make in CAD. But looks like I can't apply my ETC unless I pay in USD. Can I call to do apply the ETC and pay rest in CAD?
Apr 24, 2021, 1:05 am
#730
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
Is the issue that you want to pay in CAD or that you want the Canadian point-of-sale fare? Is it a Canada departure?
Apr 24, 2021, 1:48 am
#731
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: YVR
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 975
I'd be shocked if UA had the ability to accept different forms of payment in different currencies. And I'd be nervous, because I've noticed that when I get an ETC, it'll use a 1:1 exchange rate -- USD500/CAD500, etc. So you might end up taking a 20% haircut on the ETC.
Is the issue that you want to pay in CAD or that you want the Canadian point-of-sale fare? Is it a Canada departure?
Is the issue that you want to pay in CAD or that you want the Canadian point-of-sale fare? Is it a Canada departure?
Apr 24, 2021, 5:46 am
#732
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 58
I’m considering buying tickets soon for a trip to Croatia from NYC for the fall, but want to understand what my options are, should we decide to cancel the tickets. My understanding is that we would be given ETCs which would then be valid for 2 years on United/ United Express tickets only. We would need to book tickets within that time frame. I hope my understanding is correct.
In looking at the United website, it seems that FFC is no longer available as we would be purchasing tickets after March 31, 2021. Has this option been extended?
I would greatly appreciate any confirmation or clarification of my thoughts! Thank you in advance!
In looking at the United website, it seems that FFC is no longer available as we would be purchasing tickets after March 31, 2021. Has this option been extended?
I would greatly appreciate any confirmation or clarification of my thoughts! Thank you in advance!
Last edited by progol; Apr 24, 2021 at 5:52 am
Apr 24, 2021, 10:25 am
#733
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,026
I’m considering buying tickets soon for a trip to Croatia from NYC for the fall, but want to understand what my options are, should we decide to cancel the tickets. My understanding is that we would be given ETCs which would then be valid for 2 years on United/ United Express tickets only. We would need to book tickets within that time frame. I hope my understanding is correct.
In looking at the United website, it seems that FFC is no longer available as we would be purchasing tickets after March 31, 2021. Has this option been extended?
I would greatly appreciate any confirmation or clarification of my thoughts! Thank you in advance!
In looking at the United website, it seems that FFC is no longer available as we would be purchasing tickets after March 31, 2021. Has this option been extended?
I would greatly appreciate any confirmation or clarification of my thoughts! Thank you in advance!
Apr 24, 2021, 11:32 am
#734
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
One thing that might work is to try creating the record that you want, selecting pay in person (it's under "other forms of payment"), and then calling to see if you can arrange payment. But before I did that, I'd calculate the correct residual value, in both USD and CAD, so that I could compare what the agent said to what I knew to be correct. I'm skeptical -- because, like I said, the ETCs may very well be coded at a 1:1 exchange rate -- but you could try.
Example: US$300 ETC, C$500 fare. I'd write down US$100 / C$125 on a piece of paper look at it while I called. That way, if the agent said something else -- e..g, C$200 -- it'd immediately be obvious that something was wrong, and I'd be saved trying to do the conversion in my head to see if it's correct.
Good luck! If you try it, please let us know how it goes.
Apr 24, 2021, 11:59 am
#735
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: YVR
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 975
OK, no problem. For a US departure, I think the phone agents would default to a US POS anyway. I don't see a specific Canadian customer service line, so I think you get the same group of agents whether you call from the US or Canada.
One thing that might work is to try creating the record that you want, selecting pay in person (it's under "other forms of payment"), and then calling to see if you can arrange payment. But before I did that, I'd calculate the correct residual value, in both USD and CAD, so that I could compare what the agent said to what I knew to be correct. I'm skeptical -- because, like I said, the ETCs may very well be coded at a 1:1 exchange rate -- but you could try.
Example: US$300 ETC, C$500 fare. I'd write down US$100 / C$125 on a piece of paper look at it while I called. That way, if the agent said something else -- e..g, C$200 -- it'd immediately be obvious that something was wrong, and I'd be saved trying to do the conversion in my head to see if it's correct.
Good luck! If you try it, please let us know how it goes.
One thing that might work is to try creating the record that you want, selecting pay in person (it's under "other forms of payment"), and then calling to see if you can arrange payment. But before I did that, I'd calculate the correct residual value, in both USD and CAD, so that I could compare what the agent said to what I knew to be correct. I'm skeptical -- because, like I said, the ETCs may very well be coded at a 1:1 exchange rate -- but you could try.
Example: US$300 ETC, C$500 fare. I'd write down US$100 / C$125 on a piece of paper look at it while I called. That way, if the agent said something else -- e..g, C$200 -- it'd immediately be obvious that something was wrong, and I'd be saved trying to do the conversion in my head to see if it's correct.
Good luck! If you try it, please let us know how it goes.
It's been too long and I forgot that ETC can't be used on tickets with partner segments. Sorry I wasted your time
.But next time I book something in CAD and want to use my ETC I'll be sure to look out for the currency thing.