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)
Apr 16, 2020, 10:06 pm
#631
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
I take it you had a schedule change and a change of carrier? When is this trip? Are you planning to go?
Apr 17, 2020, 8:48 am
#632
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Independent
Posts: 470
I replied to an email from a rejected refund request for the ticket and the agent "processed it" for me. I'm not stuck waiting for the ETC for up to 21 days, since the flight credit now appears unusable and the option doesn't show up. Great.
Apr 17, 2020, 3:36 pm
#633
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 11
I booked it around mid March. For May 11 travel.
I first got an email that my flight is cancelled. Then when I checked only the international leg (EWR-BOM) was listed as waitlisted.
Then suddenly only my return shows in the reservation. But when I go to cancel the entire value of the ticket is there. They are running the BOM-EWR leg on June 3. Probably the first day for that flight and it’s funny that’s the day I booked. Otherwise both legs would be cancelled.
They are not even selling EWR-BOM until June 4. That is the first possible day for UA metal.
The first possible day to even book IAH-BOM is May 17 and only via LH metal.
In fact from May 17-June 4 even the first leg IAH-FRA is on LH metal. United doesn’t even have that leg available to book until June 4. So no operations into FRA from IAH until June 4? (Edit: True)
Now there both EWR-FRA and IAD-FRA running on May 11 and even before. But no routings into India are available until May 17 and even then they don’t want to use their own metal to get us to FRA instead leaving that risk to LH until June 4.
I think I should be entitled to a refund as this is a flight cancellation. Rebooking leaves money on the table and the ETC isn’t too useful. (I suppose I could use it to book a trip in Sept - which again is a lower fare but I suppose the remaining value of an ETC can be used for another flight).
The only carrier selling May 11-17 into BOM is BA/AA. Before that I have no idea.
Also yes I really want to make this trip ASAP.
Edit: So it seems for India May 17th is date to keep in mind and that is more an LH date.
For UA June 3/4 is a day to have in mind that they are resuming operations into India and also allowing ticketing into their metal for India even if the second leg is LH.
It seems they have a particular date for each country.
I can book IAH-IAD/EWR-FRA on entirely UA metal from all of May but not IAH-IAD-FRA-BOM until June 4.
Yet we know LH is selling FRA-BOM from May 17 onwards. I think they don’t want to risk LH not running FRA-BOM and people booking into their metal to FRA on India destination flights.
Pretty complicated times.
Personally I could use the ETC to book in September and then use the residual for some domestic trip.
Last edited by sxr71; Apr 17, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Apr 17, 2020, 3:46 pm
#634
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
I think I should be entitled to a refund as this is a flight cancellation. Rebooking leaves money on the table and the ETC isn’t too useful. (I suppose I could use it to book a trip in Sept - which again is a lower fare but I suppose the remaining value of an ETC can be used for another flight).
1 - Ask for a refund. Since your original flight has been removed form your reservation, this should be an option.
2 - Ask for a change to another carrier on those same dates, partner or otherwise. You won't be charged any extra, but you also wouldn't get a refund. UA does not have to grant this request, but they might. Note that if the other carrier cancels their flight prior to the day of departure, you'd still need to work with UA for further accommodation.
3 - Ask for a change to the first operating UA flights. They would be within their right to charge you a fare difference, but they will probably waive it if you ask nicely.
4 - Get future flight credit -- but this doesn't seem any better than option #1 .
5 - Get an ETC -- this seems markedly worse, since you mentioned wanting to be able to use it on partner flights.
I didn't understand your bit about a fare difference, though. If you ask for a refund, you'll get the entire amount that you paid.
Apr 17, 2020, 4:03 pm
#635
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 11
UA's schedule is in a great deal of flux. I would read nothing at all into the June 4 date. If India takes measures similar to the rest of the world, I don't expect them to open their borders by June 4.
OK, so your options are, basically:
1 - Ask for a refund. Since your original flight has been removed form your reservation, this should be an option.
2 - Ask for a change to another carrier on those same dates, partner or otherwise. You won't be charged any extra, but you also wouldn't get a refund. UA does not have to grant this request, but they might. Note that if the other carrier cancels their flight prior to the day of departure, you'd still need to work with UA for further accommodation.
3 - Ask for a change to the first operating UA flights. They would be within their right to charge you a fare difference, but they will probably waive it if you ask nicely.
4 - Get future flight credit -- but this doesn't seem any better than option #1 .
5 - Get an ETC -- this seems markedly worse, since you mentioned wanting to be able to use it on partner flights.
I didn't understand your bit about a fare difference, though. If you ask for a refund, you'll get the entire amount that you paid.
OK, so your options are, basically:
1 - Ask for a refund. Since your original flight has been removed form your reservation, this should be an option.
2 - Ask for a change to another carrier on those same dates, partner or otherwise. You won't be charged any extra, but you also wouldn't get a refund. UA does not have to grant this request, but they might. Note that if the other carrier cancels their flight prior to the day of departure, you'd still need to work with UA for further accommodation.
3 - Ask for a change to the first operating UA flights. They would be within their right to charge you a fare difference, but they will probably waive it if you ask nicely.
4 - Get future flight credit -- but this doesn't seem any better than option #1 .
5 - Get an ETC -- this seems markedly worse, since you mentioned wanting to be able to use it on partner flights.
I didn't understand your bit about a fare difference, though. If you ask for a refund, you'll get the entire amount that you paid.
1. This is ideal but the online request has greyed out the checkbox. Ironically it shows other trips I used miles for that I can check the checkbox.
2. Yes actually they will do this online and very easy to do but I lose the fare difference as the new fare is actually lower at $2600.
3. Yes that would involve me waiting until June 3 and throw my schedule off (but I suspect you are right India may not let flights in until that date and there is nothing anyone can do). In any case I believe the fare again is actually lower and I would leave that money on the table.
4. Again the issue is that these flights are pricing even lower than I paid. Would be worth it if fares go up but I would rather buy future flights at these prices instead waiting for fares to go up.
5. The ETC isn’t a bad option considering I want to make a September trip and the fare is $2543. Then the residual can be used for a short summer vacation.
Apr 17, 2020, 4:21 pm
#636
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier
Posts: 782
I made the mistake of cancelling my May 15 flight to DUB as soon as they announced the change fee waiver, should have been patient and waited for the EWR to DUB leg to cancel. With that said, I called today, took about 20 seconds to connect, another 30 seconds to be transferred and about 3 minutes talking to an agent on the Premier desk to get the ETC request in for this flight and for a flight we had to cancel back in December due to illness. Did not even ask for the doctor's note but just put it through and wished me well. Nice experience
Apr 17, 2020, 4:23 pm
#637
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
Apr 19, 2020, 9:59 am
#639
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,238
Call. You'll have no problem getting through, those long wait times are over. They are also being much more accommodating. I had a non refundable flight to OPO scheduled for late March, purchased using a credit from a flight originally bought in Oct 2019. When my flight was cancelled, I was originally told while there was no change fee, my only option was being able to use that credit ($606) by Oct 2020 ( 1 yr after issue). This was in the thick of initial cancellations/crisis, super long wait times, no DOT rule changes etc. I just accepted the credit and figured I'd have to use it within the next 6 months. Recently, after reading posts here on FT, I called back, got right through and was now given the option of keeping the credit as is, a full $$ refund or an ETC good for 24 months on that same ticket. I chose to convert my credit to the ETC. Yes, I love knowing I get to go somewhere and not spend $ again!!!!). I now have about $2000 in ETC, just waiting now for the opportunity to use them.
Last edited by mauld; Apr 19, 2020 at 10:29 am
Apr 19, 2020, 11:50 am
#640
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,483
................I had a non refundable flight to OPO scheduled for late March, purchased using a credit from a flight originally bought in Oct 2019................I called back, got right through and was now given the option of keeping the credit as is, a full $$ refund or an ETC good for 24 months on that same ticket..........
Apr 19, 2020, 11:54 am
#642
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,238
Crazy as it may seem, we are not all looking for the cash back. In my mind (different from others, I'll admit), once I spend the cash and purchase the item, that money is gone. I don't think... oh, what else can I, or should I do with it. It's gone and spent. So I look at the ETC or credits as almost Free spending ( Yes I know, it's my money, Yada,Yada), but once originally spent.... to me it's gone. So I love having the ability to choose a new trip and not spend NEW money!
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 19, 2020 at 12:16 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Apr 19, 2020, 1:04 pm
#643
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,222
Not sure, but those were the 3 options given to me. Cash Refund, As Is Credit or ETC, I was told if I opted for the credit, it could take 3-5 weeks to appear on original form of payment. As I mentioned, they are being incredibly flexible
Crazy as it may seem, we are not all looking for the cash back. In my mind (different from others, I'll admit), once I spend the cash and purchase the item, that money is gone. I don't think... oh, what else can I, or should I do with it. It's gone and spent. So I look at the ETC or credits as almost Free spending ( Yes I know, it's my money, Yada,Yada), but once originally spent.... to me it's gone. So I love having the ability to choose a new trip and not spend NEW money!
Crazy as it may seem, we are not all looking for the cash back. In my mind (different from others, I'll admit), once I spend the cash and purchase the item, that money is gone. I don't think... oh, what else can I, or should I do with it. It's gone and spent. So I look at the ETC or credits as almost Free spending ( Yes I know, it's my money, Yada,Yada), but once originally spent.... to me it's gone. So I love having the ability to choose a new trip and not spend NEW money!
Apr 19, 2020, 1:30 pm
#644
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
Yes, for tickets purchased using "future flight credit" only. This option is generally not available for tickets purchased via Electronic Travel Credit.
Apr 19, 2020, 1:30 pm
#645
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,483
UA will be around. UA has gone thru multiple bankruptcies and is still around. It maybe a different company with different shareholders and management but your ETC should be fine.