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
**************************************
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)
May 1, 2023, 6:29 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
Try searching for the other one via confirmation number.
May 1, 2023, 6:54 pm
#152
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: 66,857
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'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....
It is possible to convert the ETC to FFC or an agent might convert the FFC to ETC and then let you use the two tofther for an immediate booking.
May 1, 2023, 10:13 pm
#154
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: FreeAgent; DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 705
Still couldn't get through to an agent. I am thinking I'll just file a refund request...
May 2, 2023, 12:23 am
#155
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: 66,857
There is presently soe bad weather issue occuring so the phone lines may be jammed. Wait a day or two and it should be better.
May 3, 2023, 2:57 pm
#156
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
Any way to get an ETC associated to your MP account so it appears under the travel credits section and is super easy to apply to purchases?
Just got an ETC issued to me via united.com/customercares and for whatever reason they didn't associate it to my MP# even though they had it. So now I have an ETC that can only be used if I manually put in the PIN number. Would rather just add it to my existing list of ETCs so it's saved under my profile.
I can probably call the 1K line and ask but thought I'd check here first if it's even possible. I don't need to use the funds any time soon so it's not a huge rush.
Edit: Had to call the 1K line today after I cancelled a flight and it gave me the wrong FFC value. I asked about combining all of my ETCs again along with the one not tied to my account and she was able to do it. Now I have one large ETC again and the expiration date is one year from today. This is the second time I've combined ETCs in 6 months. The first time they kept the closest expiration date of the largest ETC I was combining. Thanks, UA.
Thanks,
-RM
Just got an ETC issued to me via united.com/customercares and for whatever reason they didn't associate it to my MP# even though they had it. So now I have an ETC that can only be used if I manually put in the PIN number. Would rather just add it to my existing list of ETCs so it's saved under my profile.
I can probably call the 1K line and ask but thought I'd check here first if it's even possible. I don't need to use the funds any time soon so it's not a huge rush.
Edit: Had to call the 1K line today after I cancelled a flight and it gave me the wrong FFC value. I asked about combining all of my ETCs again along with the one not tied to my account and she was able to do it. Now I have one large ETC again and the expiration date is one year from today. This is the second time I've combined ETCs in 6 months. The first time they kept the closest expiration date of the largest ETC I was combining. Thanks, UA.
Thanks,
-RM
Last edited by RobOnLI; May 3, 2023 at 7:31 pm
May 4, 2023, 5:47 pm
#157
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 74
Is it possible to use a FFC to perform changes to another flight?
I booked a one way, that I want to convert to a round trip. The one way fare isn't available anymore, and the return leg prices much higher by itself.
On the United site, trying to do the change brings up a message saying "You must checkout using a credit or debit card when changing flights."
Would calling in let me use a FFC to pay for the fare difference?
Edit: Called in, agent tried converting it to a ETC but that didn't work out
I booked a one way, that I want to convert to a round trip. The one way fare isn't available anymore, and the return leg prices much higher by itself.
On the United site, trying to do the change brings up a message saying "You must checkout using a credit or debit card when changing flights."
Would calling in let me use a FFC to pay for the fare difference?
Edit: Called in, agent tried converting it to a ETC but that didn't work out
Last edited by NHarmonia; May 4, 2023 at 7:22 pm
May 7, 2023, 8:00 am
#158
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E35
Posts: 484
FFC
If I book something today, then cancel it in 48 hours, I should get a new FFC that expires May 7, 2024?? Not the original Dec 31 ?
May 8, 2023, 12:50 pm
#159
Join Date: Jul 2022
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 336
From looking at my FFC's I've been rolling over, it seems that the new booking date should be May 2024, yes.
May 8, 2023, 10:38 pm
#160
Join Date: Aug 2021
Posts: 45
I had a travel credit expiring 12/31/23 and today someone via twitter converted it to a certificate with the same exp date because they said it'll make it easier for me to use it toward bag fees. It now says book by vs travel by which is good for me right? However it doesn't come up associated with my account but I am able to pull it up using the PIN but I don't see how to apply it to a booking. I go through the booking process, click travel credit, search and find it. However nothing happens. Am I doing something wrong or should I call in for this?
May 10, 2023, 6:21 am
#161
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
Is my understanding correct that if I cancel a UA flight I've booked for cash (other than basic economy) I can get a travel credit I can use for future travel booked through UA?
The website FAQ includes "In most cases, travel credits expire one year after the date they were issued. The expiration date will be listed on the credit itself. What that date means for you differs based on what type of credit you have." Does this mean if I book a flight on May 10 then cancel on August 10, I'd get a travel credit on August 10 that I can use until August 10, 2024 for a flight beginning no later than that date (with the return being whatever later date is part of the reservation)?
The website FAQ includes "In most cases, travel credits expire one year after the date they were issued. The expiration date will be listed on the credit itself. What that date means for you differs based on what type of credit you have." Does this mean if I book a flight on May 10 then cancel on August 10, I'd get a travel credit on August 10 that I can use until August 10, 2024 for a flight beginning no later than that date (with the return being whatever later date is part of the reservation)?
May 10, 2023, 10:11 am
#162
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: 66,857
No, it means you will have a Future Flight Credit (FFC) expiring on 10 May 2024 and new travel must commence by 10 May 2024
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 10, 2023 at 11:00 am Reason: typo
May 10, 2023, 11:16 am
#163
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
Thanks.
May 10, 2023, 11:48 am
#164
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: 66,857
May 10, 2023, 6:13 pm
#165
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,353
I doubt they mean to scam customers, but it is false advertising the way it is IMO. The one year from original ticket purchase can be a lot less valuable than "no change fees!" implies -- imagine having to cancel a family December trip that you bought in February, and now finding out they are only good for less than 2 months, before the next school break. Something to think about before purchasing tickets too early.
Having said that, it sounds like there are currently workarounds like booking another ticket and canceling *after* the 24+ hour period refund-to-original-payment, so that it creates a new FFC with that new booking date.