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)
#511
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,784
I travel almost every week and go through the usually cancelled/delayed flights for which I am often giving Electronic Travel Certificates. At any given time, I have several but they usually end up expiring. Where in your account or app can you see these? That's one of the reasons mine always expire as I am unaware of how many I have.
Also, can anyone point me to clear summary of the rules? I'm sure it has been done on this site before. They seem to be pretty restrictive. I tried to fly my son home from school for the Holiday and they wouldn't let me use it.
Also, can anyone point me to clear summary of the rules? I'm sure it has been done on this site before. They seem to be pretty restrictive. I tried to fly my son home from school for the Holiday and they wouldn't let me use it.
I had a couple that were close to expiring and called in and had them combined which also reset the expiration date.
#512
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,470
It has been reported here that agents can find them for you, but I have not tried asking for that and cannot confirm.
Like others, I have devised a system for myself to track. In my case it is by using email and the 'GG ETC' keyword, but some others keep a spreadsheet or document.
Like others, I have devised a system for myself to track. In my case it is by using email and the 'GG ETC' keyword, but some others keep a spreadsheet or document.
#513
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,362
I stopped using ETCs that have a value less than ~$100 as the issues that arise with applying them oftentimes outweigh their benefit.
#515
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,167
Only started doing this a year or so ago when through a series of unfortunate events I started to have multiple "live" ETCs pile up... In an ideal world this folder would be empty... but as long as it's not I don't want to let them go to waste, especially since the average value is >$200
#516
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
I'm sure United appreciates that. What issues arise? The only problem I've ever had was when I canceled a reservation within 24 hours and needed to squawk to get my refund. Getting the right codes entered can be a little fiddly, but I don't make a habit of throwing money away. :-)
#517
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,167
I'm sure United appreciates that. What issues arise? The only problem I've ever had was when I canceled a reservation within 24 hours and needed to squawk to get my refund. Getting the right codes entered can be a little fiddly, but I don't make a habit of throwing money away. :-)
#518
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 5
Electronic Travel Certificate
My wife and I had problems in mid Feb 2019 with a cancelled/rescheduled flight from Tahiti to SFO. We initialy received Electronic Travel Certificate for $200 each and then a further $500 each after further dialoque with United. So we now have $700 each. When I go to use these in next 30 days if my wife and I are flying together on same booking, will I be able to use both my $700 ETC and hers $700 to pay for the 2 tickets or will it only allow me to use one of the $700 ETC. I've tried to figure this out via the terms & conditions but still unclear. Was going to try a dummy booking to see if it would let me use both but thought I would first ask the experts in this forum. Thank you, Gary
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Dec 31, 2019 at 3:42 pm Reason: Moved to consodidated thread
#519
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Welcome to FT!, Gary Bowbyes
One ETC per traveler on the reservation is allowed.
Plus you can combine ETCs to make a single mega ETC.
See the thread's wiki (top post) for more.
Plus you can combine ETCs to make a single mega ETC.
See the thread's wiki (top post) for more.
#521
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 42
I have been trying to get some of my certificates combined so I can book a ticket but the agents say they can only combine if I am booking with them over the phone? Is this true? Issue is that the ticket I want to book has a *A carrier so they can't book it over the phone.
#522
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,167
I have been trying to get some of my certificates combined so I can book a ticket but the agents say they can only combine if I am booking with them over the phone? Is this true? Issue is that the ticket I want to book has a *A carrier so they can't book it over the phone.
This Travel Certificate is redeemable toward transportation on any flight operated by United Airlines, Inc. or United Express. Otherwise, it is not valid on flights operated by other airlines, including United marketed codeshare and Star Alliance flights.
#524
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 403
I just did this exact thing two weeks ago with no issues.
Another option is book *any* ticket (non refundable is fine) on UA metal *and* do the change to *A within the first 24 hours from purchase as changes are free in first 24 hours. I have done this many times with ETC, including combining, though with multiple ETC I always have to call in to get them combined and applied to the UA-metal-only ticket.
#525
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 42
When you have them combine over the phone and apply the voucher if the UA ticket is more expensive than the *A ticket then does the refund come back in the form of a new voucher? For the routing I am looking at the United ticket is $1900 and the ticket with *A carriers is $1400. So the $500 difference is what I want to make sure I get back in some form.
I presume changing a ticket booked over the phone is not an issue on the website within 24 hours?
I presume changing a ticket booked over the phone is not an issue on the website within 24 hours?