Apr 9, 20, 3:37 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
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* In mid-2021, UA started a process that unify ETCs/FFCs and expand their usability, jointly they are called "travel credits"
* There are still a few differences - transferability and expiration are different
* Conversion of FFCs to ETCs are no longer an option
* See this UA announcement (27 Sept 2021) for some insight
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FFC -- Future flight Credit issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight
ETC -- A credit issued generally for a service related issue, broken seat, a significant delayed flight due to UA issues, ....
Refunds due to significant schedule changes or cancellations are different, see Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund,New DOT ruling,UA processing refunds
Can I convert a FFC to ETC? Can I get an ETC instead of FFC?
ETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades, bag fees
Other useful threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Future Flight Credits (FFC) Available on My Trips page?
Issues with UA's online rebooking: Missing flights, higher prices, changed cabin, ..
Is UA enforcing No Residual Value restriction found in some fare rules?
UA Electronic Travel Certificates (ETC): General Q&A, ... now 2 year life ...Closed
UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Codeshares/partner flights ...Closed
How to get residual value ("future flight credit") from non-refundable flight ...Closed
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
* In mid-2021, UA started a process that unify ETCs/FFCs and expand their usability, jointly they are called "travel credits"
* There are still a few differences - transferability and expiration are different
* Conversion of FFCs to ETCs are no longer an option
* See this UA announcement (27 Sept 2021) for some insight
**************************************
FFC -- Future flight Credit issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight
ETC -- A credit issued generally for a service related issue, broken seat, a significant delayed flight due to UA issues, ....
Refunds due to significant schedule changes or cancellations are different, see Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund,New DOT ruling,UA processing refunds
United travel credits
We have two types of travel credits, and both can easily be used to shop for flights and amenities on our website or app. Get to know future flight credits and travel certificates.
How do I redeem my travel credits? Can anyone use my credits?
To use travel credits with PlusPoints, youll need to book your ticket using your travel credit and then request a PlusPoints upgrade.Do travel credits expire?
We have two types of travel credits, and both can easily be used to shop for flights and amenities on our website or app. Get to know future flight credits and travel certificates.
How do I redeem my travel credits?
Shop for your flight as you normally would. Once you get to checkout, all unused travel credits that are connected to your MileagePlus account will automatically appear once you select Travel Credits as a payment option. All you have to do is select the checkbox next to the credit and it will automatically be applied to your reservation.
If you dont see one of your travel credits listed, or dont have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
If you dont see one of your travel credits listed, or dont have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
Who can actually use a travel credit varies based on credit type.
Future flight credits
Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to. However, all future flight credits that were issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. If you have trouble using a future flight credit, please contact Reservations at 1-800-864-8331.
Future flight credits
Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to. However, all future flight credits that were issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. If you have trouble using a future flight credit, please contact Reservations at 1-800-864-8331.
Travel certificates
These credits can be used by anyone.
What can I use my travel credits?These credits can be used by anyone.
- All travel credits can be used to buy tickets on United, United Express and partner-operated flights. You can also apply travel credits toward non-ticket items, like Economy Plus seating, Basic Economy seat assignments and preferred seating.
(and pre-paid checked bags? never implemented)
To use travel credits with PlusPoints, youll need to book your ticket using your travel credit and then request a PlusPoints upgrade.
All travel credits do expire, but the expirations work differently for the two types of credits.
Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a travel by date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their travel by date extended to December 31, 2023.
Travel certificates
Travel certificates have a book by date as their expiration. Meaning, you must book your flight using this credit before the expiration date. In most cases, these credits expire up to one year after the date they were issued.
Please note, travel certificates set to expire on or before December 31, 2022, or issued before December 31, 2022, have had their book by date extended to December 31, 2023.
Where do I find my travel credit info?Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a travel by date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their travel by date extended to December 31, 2023.
Travel certificates
Travel certificates have a book by date as their expiration. Meaning, you must book your flight using this credit before the expiration date. In most cases, these credits expire up to one year after the date they were issued.
Please note, travel certificates set to expire on or before December 31, 2022, or issued before December 31, 2022, have had their book by date extended to December 31, 2023.
MileagePlus members can find a summary of their travel credits in their account. If you arent a member or cant find your credit in your account, you can also use the lookup forms provided on this page to find your travel credit information, including the value and expiration date.
Can I use multiple credit info?Yes, you can use multiple credits of the same type in a single purchase. Future flight credits and travel certificates cannot be combined. {Although in Sept 2021 UA hinted this was coming}
What if I have a travel credit issues for a flight originally booked through a travel agent?You can still use your credit, but youll need to do it through the travel agency you used to book the original flight.
(ETC) Terms and conditionsCertificate terms and conditions
- Travel certificates are redeemable toward transportation on any flight operated by United Airlines, Inc., United Express, and partner airlines sold on United digital channels.
- You may redeem or view travel certificate details at united.com by clicking on Deals & Offers, Promotional certificates, and entering the promotion code and PIN in the offer code box. You can also call United at 800-UNITED-1 (800-864-8331). A fee may apply for redemption via telephone. You will be asked to enter the last name of the certificate recipient. Certificates may not be redeemed through a travel agency.
- The promotion code and PIN must be presented at time of ticket purchase and expire 24 months from original date of issue, unless otherwise noted.
- Travel certificates have no cash value.
- Travel certificates will not be honored in conjunction with prepaid tickets, fee-waived tickets, MileagePlus awards, tour packages or other service charges. You must pay for outstanding fees and ancillary purchases with a credit or debit card at time of purchase.
- If the face amount of a travel certificate exceeds the cost of the ticket for which it is surrendered, any residual amount will be applied to the same PIN for use toward another ticket until either the original issued amount is depleted, or the expiration date has been reached, whichever comes first.
- Travel certificates are not transferable and may not be sold, traded or bartered. However, the original recipient of a certificate may arrange travel for another person if done without selling or bartering the certificate. Any sale or barter of a certificate, or any offer to sell or enter into such a transaction, shall render a certificate null and void such that the certificate shall no longer be redeemable by any person, including the original recipient.
- Positive identification may be required when using a certificate toward the purchase of a ticket. United is not liable for loss, theft or unintended use of a certificate by a person other than the original recipient.
- United's Contract of Carriage applies to all travel on United Airlines and United Express.
You can not longer do either.
Occasionally, if there is an problem using your FFC, the agent will convert it to an ETC for immediate use. These are rare and at the agent;s discretion. Calling to ask converting an FFC to ETC for use by another traveler will likely not work -as the FFC was never intended for transfer
What if I only use part of the credit, what happens to the rest?Occasionally, if there is an problem using your FFC, the agent will convert it to an ETC for immediate use. These are rare and at the agent;s discretion. Calling to ask converting an FFC to ETC for use by another traveler will likely not work -as the FFC was never intended for transfer
For both FFCs/ETCs the remainder of the credit is available for future use
But these credits must be fully used before the use of a credit card payment
Can FFCs or ETCs be used to pay award fees?But these credits must be fully used before the use of a credit card payment
No
What happens if I cancel a ticket purchased with FFC or ETC in 24 hours?Payment goes back to original form of payment, Note this can take some time -- a week or more, especially for the ETC.
What happens if I cancel a ticket purchased with FFC or ETC after 24 hours?This becomes a new FFC (including the ETC value). This generally happens immediately.
ETCETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades
Other useful threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Future Flight Credits (FFC) Available on My Trips page?
Issues with UA's online rebooking: Missing flights, higher prices, changed cabin, ..
Is UA enforcing No Residual Value restriction found in some fare rules?
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Mar 3, 22, 2:08 pm
#138
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,095
Mar 3, 22, 3:38 pm
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,714
I had an agent let me use an ETC over the phone in Oct, but this was an upfare into an actual [domestic] F fare, so this wasnt an upgrade fee.
Mar 3, 22, 7:41 pm
#140
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.034MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 51,814
I cancelled a two-passenger PNR, but they issued both FFCs in my name. If I call, do you think there's a chance they'll fix it, or am I just SOL?
Mar 4, 22, 5:29 pm
#141
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Programs: AA Gold, Mariott Gold Elite, UA Silver, Lowly kettle across DL, Hyatt, ATK, IHG.
Posts: 765
I have a reservation with a one-time change or cancel and refund. Our plans have had to change, so this is great. Only question is that the website implies there's a change fee associated with the refund option, so does that mean they'll take $250 off the refund value? 2 International J RT tickets, and our new dates are probably going to require paying a fare difference.
Mar 4, 22, 5:34 pm
#142
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,095
I have a reservation with a one-time change or cancel and refund. Our plans have had to change, so this is great. Only question is that the website implies there's a change fee associated with the refund option, so does that mean they'll take $250 off the refund value? 2 International J RT tickets, and our new dates are probably going to require paying a fare difference.
Mar 8, 22, 10:16 am
#143
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: UA Premier Gold
Posts: 495
I'm getting this error when trying to use an FFC. It's in my name and I am trying to book a ticket for myself. I was able to apply a separate FFC in my name (for myself) with no issues. Tried to call in and after an hour on hold with the Premier Desk, the call dropped. Any idea what the issue is or any way to fix this?
Mar 8, 22, 2:39 pm
#144
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.034MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 51,814
Mar 9, 22, 3:18 pm
#145
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 39
FFC question - which I am sure has been answered many times but I didn't want to have to wade through 65 pages of posts. In 2020, I bought tickets LHR-ORD for my son and his family which we had to cancel due to Covid. I was issued FFC which shows in my United account, but under their names. They will not be able to use this credit. Since I paid for the fare, is there some way I can use that credit for myself.
Mar 9, 22, 3:55 pm
#146
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA GS | Marriott Titanium / LT Platinum
Posts: 449
FFC question - which I am sure has been answered many times but I didn't want to have to wade through 65 pages of posts. In 2020, I bought tickets LHR-ORD for my son and his family which we had to cancel due to Covid. I was issued FFC which shows in my United account, but under their names. They will not be able to use this credit. Since I paid for the fare, is there some way I can use that credit for myself.
You could try rebooking them both on new very cheap flights (whether they need or not) and then have residual value issued as ETC's which are more flexible. You can then cancel those new tickets and the remaining small amount would still stick around as FFC in their names but with a diminished value (and extended expiration date).
I haven't tried this myself so others would need to validate.
Mar 9, 22, 5:11 pm
#147
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,095
You could try rebooking them both on new very cheap flights (whether they need or not) and then have residual value issued as ETC's which are more flexible. You can then cancel those new tickets and the remaining small amount would still stick around as FFC in their names but with a diminished value (and extended expiration date).
Now just another named FFC
Mar 10, 22, 12:22 pm
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,714
FFC question - which I am sure has been answered many times but I didn't want to have to wade through 65 pages of posts. In 2020, I bought tickets LHR-ORD for my son and his family which we had to cancel due to Covid. I was issued FFC which shows in my United account, but under their names. They will not be able to use this credit. Since I paid for the fare, is there some way I can use that credit for myself.
No way to get an ETC anymore - you can certainly call and ask, but unlikely to be done. You have until Dec. 31 of Thai year to begin travel - if theres bo way to do that, than unfortunately, you are out of luck.
these FFCs have had the expiry dates extended many times, and they have made them somewhat easier to use, but also tightened up on issuing ETCs - residual value used to go to ETc (useable by anyone), but now go back to a new FFC, for same pax only.
Mar 10, 22, 12:41 pm
#149
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 411
Urgent - Quick question.
Sitting booking some tickets using travel credits/Electronic certificates (from delay and downgrade).
However, when I apply the credit to the booking, it still wants me to approve the full amount on the credit card. Is this normal - is there a manul process before tickets are issued, hence correcting the amount to be charged, or????
Sitting booking some tickets using travel credits/Electronic certificates (from delay and downgrade).
However, when I apply the credit to the booking, it still wants me to approve the full amount on the credit card. Is this normal - is there a manul process before tickets are issued, hence correcting the amount to be charged, or????
Mar 10, 22, 1:39 pm
#150
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,095
There is some other issue here, could post a screenshot of the payment page?
