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 22, 2017, 6:28 pm
#61
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAH
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, DL Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 4,043
They will re-activate it. It's been done before by me. But this maybe YMMV because in my case, the agent cancelled the wrong ticket. (Cancelled the ticket with the voucher) not the one without it.
Apr 22, 2017, 8:11 pm
#62
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
It is pointless to argue with front line agents about what may occur in the future. They do not interpret US law. What will occur in the future is that OP will have a new or reactivated ETC and may purchase a new ticket with that ETC. That new ticket will be governed by DOT rules as they are in effect on the date of purchase.
Should OP make that purchase, should he wish to cancel in accordance with the Rule, and should he be denied a refund having complied with the Rule, then he will have something to complain about.
In the meantime, he is wasting his time and that of UA agents posing hypothetical questions about what may befall him in the future. There is nothing to compensate for. Just stop calling and don't waste taxpayer money at DOT.
Should OP make that purchase, should he wish to cancel in accordance with the Rule, and should he be denied a refund having complied with the Rule, then he will have something to complain about.
In the meantime, he is wasting his time and that of UA agents posing hypothetical questions about what may befall him in the future. There is nothing to compensate for. Just stop calling and don't waste taxpayer money at DOT.
Apr 22, 2017, 8:41 pm
#63
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
As I wrote in my OP, I've already received the replacement certificate. I applied it retroactively to another reservation (or, more precisely, an agent constructed a replacement reservation to which she applied it, and canceled my original one). Other than the time to file the DOT complaint, the time I spent dealing with this was just to recover the more than $300 that UA failed to refund for my canceled February reservation.
The only waste now is taxpayer $ processing a DOT complaint which will be closed when UA responds that it issued you an ETC which you have already used so there never was any complaint to be had.
However --- and it won't matter to you --- the employee who erroneously extended the ETC date will get found out when UA's compliance people review the DOT complaint. That's a mistake that employee won't make again !
No good deed goes unpunished.
Apr 22, 2017, 8:47 pm
#64
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
The bigger lesson here is, I think, that UA can wring defeat from the jaws of victory. They successfully got out of an oversell situation last May by buying a seat from an already-seated passenger for a thousand dollars, leaving this customer happy for his good fortune and ready to volunteer again. Just a few weeks ago I explained to a skeptical friend that my ETC was just as good as cash with the one, clearly spelled out exception that it might not be valid on code shares.
Now I'll have to warn my friend not even to consider accepting a VDB because the airline might try to claw back the credit by citing an undisclosed rule. It gets a little bit harder for the airline to recover from an oversold flight and a little more likely that this customer will look elsewhere for future flights. And for what? The airline can only damage its goodwill by mistreating customers who have adjusted their own schedules to help them out of a bind.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 22, 2017 at 9:56 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Apr 22, 2017, 9:34 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
As I said before, a single agent giving you bad/wrong info. does not make a policy change. There are probably dozens of threads over the past few years suggesting a policy had changed based on a single instance of something being different than normal. And those are almost always debunked...back in the day, sometimes by UA Insider when they contributed regularly. Once, I got a stroopwafel as the snack in Y on a flight that left at noon. I could've posted that there was a policy change to serve stroopwafels later in the day...only it wouldn't have been true.
Again, thousands of UA agents - and not all of them know as much as they think they do. You can easily run into this problem at any number of large (and sometimes even not so large) companies - and I have. UA and multiple others. If it's your perogative to tell your friend not to VDB on UA because of this, you are certainly entitled to do so. But I'd wager to guess that most people that take VDBs have no issues using the value on flights that comply with the terms.
If you are really that bothered by it, then by all means, write a note to feedback, write a tweet to UA, or through whatever method you want. But it seems you got your ETC value back (as you should have), so its probably time to let it go.
Again, thousands of UA agents - and not all of them know as much as they think they do. You can easily run into this problem at any number of large (and sometimes even not so large) companies - and I have. UA and multiple others. If it's your perogative to tell your friend not to VDB on UA because of this, you are certainly entitled to do so. But I'd wager to guess that most people that take VDBs have no issues using the value on flights that comply with the terms.
If you are really that bothered by it, then by all means, write a note to feedback, write a tweet to UA, or through whatever method you want. But it seems you got your ETC value back (as you should have), so its probably time to let it go.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 22, 2017 at 9:57 pm Reason: Modifying quote is not premittedm has been deleted
Apr 22, 2017, 9:49 pm
#66
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
I've had about a ten-email exchange about this with customer care, which keeps repeating the same line. The last message mentioned reporting to upper management the need to clarify the text of the terms and conditions. Now I'm thinking I've been corresponding with a misinformed customer care rep who will be straightened out if she does talk to her managers.
I think what really happened was that the refund I was due in February didn't come through because of some systems glitch. That's been rectified, so other than this stimulating FT thread, I'll just get on with things.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 22, 2017 at 9:59 pm Reason: deleted repsonse to delete content
May 12, 2017, 8:49 am
#67
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
I've just filed a DOT complaint on this issue as UA is clearly violating the 24-hour cancellation rule. I thought I'd give FTers a heads-up as well.
In February I used an ETC to pay for a reservation for flights booked more then seven days before the travel date. I canceled the reservation the same day but didn't receive a refund.
I did eventually receive a new ETC for the missing balance, but Customer Care insists this is a courtesy contrary to their policy. They quoted the following text as if it were part of the ETC's Terms and Conditions: "This certificate is non-refundable and cannot be applied toward the purchase of another ticket. Please know that if you use the certificate and decide to cancel your reservation, it will no longer be valid." (This text is neither on the printed ETC I was redeeming nor on the emailed one replacing the lost balance.)
So this is a heads up that, should you cancel a reservation paid for with an ETC, you may be committing to spending a delightful couple of hours chatting with agents and emailing Customer Care to get your balance refunded.
So far I haven't received any compensation for my time except that the replacement ETC was extended ten months beyond the original one's expiration date.
In February I used an ETC to pay for a reservation for flights booked more then seven days before the travel date. I canceled the reservation the same day but didn't receive a refund.
I did eventually receive a new ETC for the missing balance, but Customer Care insists this is a courtesy contrary to their policy. They quoted the following text as if it were part of the ETC's Terms and Conditions: "This certificate is non-refundable and cannot be applied toward the purchase of another ticket. Please know that if you use the certificate and decide to cancel your reservation, it will no longer be valid." (This text is neither on the printed ETC I was redeeming nor on the emailed one replacing the lost balance.)
So this is a heads up that, should you cancel a reservation paid for with an ETC, you may be committing to spending a delightful couple of hours chatting with agents and emailing Customer Care to get your balance refunded.
So far I haven't received any compensation for my time except that the replacement ETC was extended ten months beyond the original one's expiration date.
May 15, 2017, 12:59 am
#68
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1
Used for upgrades?
I received a $100 cert recently and was wondering if they can be used for upgrades. I travel for work a lot, and my employer always books the tickets for me. It would be cool to be able to use the certs for upgrades to economy premium or business class. Anyone know of this is possible?
Last edited by Yarbo; May 15, 2017 at 3:59 pm Reason: Spelling and grammar
Jun 6, 2017, 8:10 pm
#69
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: 66,837
Jul 4, 2017, 2:24 pm
#70
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Tri Valley Area Northern CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 579
Electronic Travel Certificate and GPU
I didn't read through all the pages, so I'm not sure if this has been identified. There appears to be a glitch when you are trying to apply an ETC with on an itinerary using a GPU.
First try, using a GPU on an international itinerary (UA flights only). In Reservations, entered GPU in the "Upgrade Type" drop down box. Selected flights with GPU, went to check out, and in Payments, was not offered the "United Payment Types certificate "option. Instead received the following message "Based on your current selections, United payment types are not available."
Tried again, Reservations - without selecting anything in the Upgrade Type box. Instead selected lowest fares on round trip. This time, the "United Payment Type certificate" option did appear.
Third try, Reservations -no selection in Upgrade, selected "W" in fare class. This time the "United Payment Type certificate" option appeared. Applied ETC and booked flights. Went into reservation and applied GPU's.
First try, using a GPU on an international itinerary (UA flights only). In Reservations, entered GPU in the "Upgrade Type" drop down box. Selected flights with GPU, went to check out, and in Payments, was not offered the "United Payment Types certificate "option. Instead received the following message "Based on your current selections, United payment types are not available."
Tried again, Reservations - without selecting anything in the Upgrade Type box. Instead selected lowest fares on round trip. This time, the "United Payment Type certificate" option did appear.
Third try, Reservations -no selection in Upgrade, selected "W" in fare class. This time the "United Payment Type certificate" option appeared. Applied ETC and booked flights. Went into reservation and applied GPU's.
Jul 4, 2017, 2:30 pm
#71
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: 66,837
In the very rare case that the R space disappears in the meantime, you are protect by the 24 hour cancel free rule.
Jul 5, 2017, 6:54 am
#72
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: BA Silver, UA Premier Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10
Combine multiple ETC on one passenger PNR possible
Good news! Seems like UA changed their policy about using multiple ETCs on a one passenger PNR. I contacted Customer Care about it, since I couldn't find anything in the ETCs Terms and Conditions. Their reply was:
"Yes, you do have the ability now to combine multiple Electronic Travel
Certificates for one reservation. You would need to contact a
reservations agent to have the certificates combined into one
certificate. You will be emailed the new Promo and Pin code. Once
received you can apply the new travel certificate toward future travel
on united.com."
When I called the Premier Priority Desk they just completed the booking for me over the phone and applied both ETCs without a problem. But I'm sure you can also ask to receive a new ETC with the combined value of all your ETCs. However, I doubt that that you can combine multiple ETCs issued on different last names but I will leave that for somebody else to try.
"Yes, you do have the ability now to combine multiple Electronic Travel
Certificates for one reservation. You would need to contact a
reservations agent to have the certificates combined into one
certificate. You will be emailed the new Promo and Pin code. Once
received you can apply the new travel certificate toward future travel
on united.com."
When I called the Premier Priority Desk they just completed the booking for me over the phone and applied both ETCs without a problem. But I'm sure you can also ask to receive a new ETC with the combined value of all your ETCs. However, I doubt that that you can combine multiple ETCs issued on different last names but I will leave that for somebody else to try.
Jul 5, 2017, 12:44 pm
#73
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott/SPG/Hilton Gold, PreCheck + Clear
Posts: 2,306
UA CSR: multiple ETCs now usable on a single ticket
Phoned UA today to get a fare drop applied to a recent purchase, and unexpectedly got some good news in the process. I was joking with the thoughtful, competent CSR about how frustrating it was that multiple ETCs couldn't be used on a single reservation, and she replied without hesitation that they now can be. She called it a "brand new thing that requires the customer phone in, since an agent has to do it in combination with support." So the ticket can't be purchased online.
Fantastic news if confirmed -- particularly when using ETCs on int'l routes that can't be broken down into two o/w flights! And of course forgive me if this has already been reported elsewhere on FT.
Fantastic news if confirmed -- particularly when using ETCs on int'l routes that can't be broken down into two o/w flights! And of course forgive me if this has already been reported elsewhere on FT.
Jul 5, 2017, 1:02 pm
#74
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,850
Phoned UA today to get a fare drop applied to a recent purchase, and unexpectedly got some good news in the process. I was joking with the thoughtful, competent CSR about how frustrating it was that multiple ETCs couldn't be used on a single reservation, and she replied without hesitation that they now can be. She called it a "brand new thing that requires the customer phone in, since an agent has to do it in combination with support." So the ticket can't be purchased online.
Fantastic news if confirmed -- particularly when using ETCs on int'l routes that can't be broken down into two o/w flights! And of course forgive me if this has already been reported elsewhere on FT.
Fantastic news if confirmed -- particularly when using ETCs on int'l routes that can't be broken down into two o/w flights! And of course forgive me if this has already been reported elsewhere on FT.
Jul 5, 2017, 1:05 pm
#75
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
This would be awesome! The one ETC restriction is very annoying when you have low value on a few ETCs left over that you need to finish.
Can anyone confirm that they have been able to do this successfully?
Can anyone confirm that they have been able to do this successfully?