Apr 9, 2020, 2:37 pm
Last edit by: hkcj
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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
Comparison of TB, ETCs, & FFCs
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, you’ll 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 don’t see one of your travel credits listed, or don’t have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
If you don’t see one of your travel credits listed, or don’t 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, you’ll 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 aren’t a member or can’t 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 you’ll 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
Comparison of TB, ETCs, & FFCs
- They all have different pluses and minuses
- TB can only be used on an all UA operated itin but can be used to book anyone. Deposited TB funds have up to 5 year expiration (special promos are funds are much shorter) and need to be used for a booking before expiration but travel can be later (up to 11 months)
- ETCs can be used for any itin bookable by United and can be used by any traveler, Trips funded by ETC need to be booked by expiration but travel can be later (up to 11 months)
- FFCs can be use for any itin bookable by United but can only be used by the named traveler, Trips funded by ETC need to be started before expiration
- Only one of these can be used in a single booking, but multiple ETCs or Multiple FFCs can be used for a single booking
- TB and ETCs can be converted to FFCs. FFCs can not (in general) be converted to ETCs (but occasionally will be if a legitimate FFCs usage fails).
- FFCs or ETCs can not be deposited in TB.
Originally Posted by wiki
If you want to extend an FFC, the most reliable process is:
Purchasie a new non-refundable (non-BE) itin, for same passengers as the FFC. Do not use change of flight, start a new booking without using the FFC.
When you get to the payment page, then use the FFC as a form of payment
Wait a bit over 24 hours and then cancel.
You then will receive, essentially instantaneous, a new FFC with an expiration 1 year from the booking date.
The new FFC must be used for a trip starting before the new expiration
Deviations may not be successful
This will not work for FFC from a partial flown trip.
This works for extending ETC also except the ETC with be converted to a FFC and locked to the named passenger.
There is no guarantee this process will work in the future
Purchasie a new non-refundable (non-BE) itin, for same passengers as the FFC. Do not use change of flight, start a new booking without using the FFC.
When you get to the payment page, then use the FFC as a form of payment
Wait a bit over 24 hours and then cancel.
You then will receive, essentially instantaneous, a new FFC with an expiration 1 year from the booking date.
The new FFC must be used for a trip starting before the new expiration
Deviations may not be successful
This will not work for FFC from a partial flown trip.
This works for extending ETC also except the ETC with be converted to a FFC and locked to the named passenger.
There is no guarantee this process will work in the future
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)
Apr 21, 2023, 9:15 am
#136
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 347
I have 19 different FFCs for myself and P2 listed in my account. However, when I try to make a booking, 3 of the FFCs don't appear (always the same ones). If I try to manually add them, I can add one before the rest show as not found. The first one I add will always come up, but the other two will show as not found. Is there a hard limit on the number of FFCs they can display at once or is this this a glitch?
Apr 21, 2023, 10:18 am
#137
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC/SIN
Programs: CX DM, SQ KF
Posts: 2,171
Unable to combine FFCs - eventually being converted to ETCs
Wife, a 1K, had 2 FFCs for 2 completely unused itineraries. While the original itineraries were US origin, the FFCs had been SGD denominated since a Singapore credit card had been used.
Only way to use was through one of the original bookings and the website would not allow both FFCs to be used for a new booking, contrary to UA's published policy ("you can use multiple credits of the same type in a single purchase"). No option presented in the checkout process. No luck over the phone either.
While gold23 has had success, multiple agents, including the 1K line were insistent that these are not combinable (various excuses, including combinability being only for USD FFCs). Booked something else in that particular instance, but did file a consumer complaint with the DoT. Took a bit of time, but today, UA got back offering to refund the FFCs to ETCs, which should be combinable.
Only way to use was through one of the original bookings and the website would not allow both FFCs to be used for a new booking, contrary to UA's published policy ("you can use multiple credits of the same type in a single purchase"). No option presented in the checkout process. No luck over the phone either.
While gold23 has had success, multiple agents, including the 1K line were insistent that these are not combinable (various excuses, including combinability being only for USD FFCs). Booked something else in that particular instance, but did file a consumer complaint with the DoT. Took a bit of time, but today, UA got back offering to refund the FFCs to ETCs, which should be combinable.
Apr 22, 2023, 9:36 pm
#138
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: DL Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Best Western Diamond Selec
Posts: 539
I'm trying to make the a change to the return of a roundtrip ticket. (I'm relying on the rules for changing a return using historical fares, so canceling and starting over is not an option).
Online it doesn't let me pay the fare difference with a FFC. Is there a way around that that I'm missing?
Online it doesn't let me pay the fare difference with a FFC. Is there a way around that that I'm missing?
Then the advice by Lux Flyer was to call.
I wonder if I could do this self serve. For example, cancel my existing booking, which generates a new FFC. My understanding is we can pay the new booking with multiple FFCs online for new bookings, but in my case, can I pay for a new booking with an FFC and an ETC? I'd rather not call, especially, you know, if we get any flash sales like we had a few days ago 😘
Apr 22, 2023, 10:32 pm
#139
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: 66,858
... I wonder if I could do this self serve. For example, cancel my existing booking, which generates a new FFC. My understanding is we can pay the new booking with multiple FFCs online for new bookings, but in my case, can I pay for a new booking with an FFC and an ETC? ...
Those come once a couple years and it was mileage tickets. It has been long since the last UA fare mistake. Additionally in my experience there some reasonable chance to use the FFCs you will need to talk to an agent.
Apr 22, 2023, 11:10 pm
#140
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: DL Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Best Western Diamond Selec
Posts: 539
FFC and ETC can mot be used together but an ETC can be used for a new booking which if cancelled after 24 hours become a FFC and should be usable with the other FFC.
Those come once a couple years and it was mileage tickets. It has been long since the last UA fare mistake. Additionally in my experience there some reasonable chance to use the FFCs you will need to talk to an agent.
Those come once a couple years and it was mileage tickets. It has been long since the last UA fare mistake. Additionally in my experience there some reasonable chance to use the FFCs you will need to talk to an agent.
Indeed on Monday, I tried searching on UA site first, because I'd rather burn what I have with UA first.
Today I spotted a fare that I'm actually interested to fly, so I made a change to a (lot) cheaper itinerary. I ended up being issued an ETC (yes, not a FFC to my surprise) and a new ticket. Since there's a chance I want to change to something more expensive than my new ticket, so I ran a test.
Since there's almost no possibility for me to give my ETC to anybody else, I guess I should buy a new ticket with it, wait for 25 hours, then cancel and produce another FFC, because when I come across with a good fare, I don't want to wait for 25 hours.
Another interesting DP: I booked my last itinerary on September last year, but I was able to change to November this year. I always thought we could rebook to only within a year of previous issue date. My first ticket that I bought with this PNR was in August last year.
Apr 22, 2023, 11:39 pm
#141
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: 66,858
.... Another interesting DP: I booked my last itinerary on September last year, but I was able to change to November this year. I always thought we could rebook to only within a year of previous issue date. My first ticket that I bought with this PNR was in August last year.
Apr 28, 2023, 5:34 am
#144
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,639
Has anyone been able to use a FFC towards Economy Plus? There's no option to redeem FFCs and it's asking for a 10 digit PIN which I never got. I just have the confirmation number for the original ticket it came from.
The website specifically references Economy Plus as an example of non-flight items you can redeem FFCs for but no option at checkout.
The website specifically references Economy Plus as an example of non-flight items you can redeem FFCs for but no option at checkout.
Apr 28, 2023, 10:27 am
#145
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: 66,858
Has anyone been able to use a FFC towards Economy Plus? There's no option to redeem FFCs and it's asking for a 10 digit PIN which I never got. I just have the confirmation number for the original ticket it came from.
The website specifically references Economy Plus as an example of non-flight items you can redeem FFCs for but no option at checkout.
The website specifically references Economy Plus as an example of non-flight items you can redeem FFCs for but no option at checkout.
Apr 28, 2023, 12:06 pm
#146
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
Over the phone you generally can as they have the ability to convert to ETC and combine assuming the name matches the FFC to the new ticket being booked. It also relies on the FFC being convertible as some aren't due to issuing entity or currency issues.
In general a FFC issued against a traditional travel agency ticket can't be converted to ETC, in part as a fraud prevention measure and in part due to fare rules/options available for travel agency issued tickets only (ie refundable for a fee).
It is allowed as of a year or so ago when they wanted to make it easier to get some of these credits off the books. Requires it to be converted to a form with a PIN if it isn't already (which it sounds like yours isn't that form). That needs to be done with an agent over the phone at which point you should be able to use it
Has anyone been able to use a FFC towards Economy Plus? There's no option to redeem FFCs and it's asking for a 10 digit PIN which I never got. I just have the confirmation number for the original ticket it came from.
The website specifically references Economy Plus as an example of non-flight items you can redeem FFCs for but no option at checkout.
The website specifically references Economy Plus as an example of non-flight items you can redeem FFCs for but no option at checkout.
Apr 28, 2023, 12:26 pm
#147
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,639
It is allowed as of a year or so ago when they wanted to make it easier to get some of these credits off the books. Requires it to be converted to a form with a PIN if it isn't already (which it sounds like yours isn't that form). That needs to be done with an agent over the phone at which point you should be able to use it
Apr 29, 2023, 7:35 am
#149
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: DL Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Best Western Diamond Selec
Posts: 539
I originally bought a ticket in CAD, as ex Canada fares are displayed and sold in CAD. When I changed to a cheaper ex Canada fare, to my surprise, the system issued an ETC in USD. I thought at first they pocketed some fees and taxes, it took me a while to realize they converted from CAD to USD without telling me. So I'd be pissed if they tell me I can't combine my ticket/FFC in CAD and ETC in USD.
I'm optimistic, though, I was able to pay a part of DL ticket priced in USD paid with DL credit issued in EUR.
Last edited by maverikbc; Apr 29, 2023 at 7:41 am
May 1, 2023, 6:25 pm
#150
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: FreeAgent; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 705
Is it possible to 'merge' a travel credit from an unused ticket with a future flight credit?
I'm not a regular UA flyer and so I am not used to the procedures with UA.
Back in early 2020, just before the pandemic, I bought a domestic ticket for about $360. It ended up being canceled and converted automatically into travel credits.
In mid-2021, I booked a flight for $240, and ended up having about $120 in 'future flight credit'. The $240 ticket also ended up being canceled (24hr flight delay).
When I search for my credits without logging on to my account on united.com, both amounts show up as separate items. When I log in or when I try and make a booking, only the $240 shows!
I tried making a dummy booking, and only the $240 shows as usable.
When I entered my info under find my credits by email, both amounts are shown. They are both expiring end of December this year.
I tried called the reservations help line but I kept getting a looping message '...Are you traveling only within the US or Mexico?...' I downloaded the app and asked to be connected to an agent by chat and it has been 8 hours with no response.
I'm not a regular UA flyer and so I am not used to the procedures with UA.
Back in early 2020, just before the pandemic, I bought a domestic ticket for about $360. It ended up being canceled and converted automatically into travel credits.
In mid-2021, I booked a flight for $240, and ended up having about $120 in 'future flight credit'. The $240 ticket also ended up being canceled (24hr flight delay).
When I search for my credits without logging on to my account on united.com, both amounts show up as separate items. When I log in or when I try and make a booking, only the $240 shows!
I tried making a dummy booking, and only the $240 shows as usable.
When I entered my info under find my credits by email, both amounts are shown. They are both expiring end of December this year.
I tried called the reservations help line but I kept getting a looping message '...Are you traveling only within the US or Mexico?...' I downloaded the app and asked to be connected to an agent by chat and it has been 8 hours with no response.